Call for Musicians: Event Reception

This is an open call from The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library seeking a solo musician or small ensemble (max. trio) to perform during the pre-show reception at its premier fundraising event, Opus & Olives. The event will take place: 

Opus & Olives – A Benefit with Friends
Sunday, October 11, 2026 
Performance time: 3:45 p.m. to approx. 6:15 p.m. 
(load-in / soundcheck between 3:15 and 3:45 p.m.) 

Saint Paul RiverCenter – Ballroom Concourse
175 West Kellogg Blvd, Saint Paul 

The live music performance is intended to provide a welcoming background environment for approx. 800 guests during their arrival and pre-show reception. Guests will be checking in, mingling, and participating in book signing activities during the performance period. Instrumental music may be most suitable for this environment.   

The Friends will provide a $650 total payment to the artist/ensemble, to be paid by check on the evening of the event. Contracted artist must submit a valid W-9 prior to the event. Space will be available to the artist to sell CDs / merch (excluding t-shirts or other larger items); no host commission will be taken for merch sales, and the artist is solely responsible for conducting all sales / transactions. Artist is responsible for providing their own sound system as needed.  

Interested musicians should email Liz@thefriends.org indicating interest and describing your proposed music (instrumentation, style/genre). Please provide a link to an EPK if possible. The deadline for consideration is July 22, 2026.  

It is the policy of The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library to provide an equal employment opportunity to all individuals. We are committed to a diverse workforce. While not required, respondents are encouraged to identify if they represent an enterprise owned and/or operated by women, people of color, or other groups that have been historically excluded from the benefit of full participation or consideration in this type of business opportunity or venture.