Band info Pinguin Radio Showcases (EN)

‘You are performing at the Pinguin Radio Showcases during ESNS’

Great that you’re coming to perform at the most fun showcase festival in the Netherlands! Below is all the information, instructions, and tips to help you make the most of it for your act!

Pinguin Radio Showcases

Address: De Drie Gezusters, Grote Markt 36-39, 9711 LV Groningen

The following is based on our experience over the past 15 years. Some decisions may seem a bit illogical, but they’re probably due to the chaotic, complex infrastructure of the legendary venue where the festival is held. If you really can’t find the answer to your question here, email us at support@pinguinradio.com.

The Showcase Phenomenon

A showcase is a way to show who you are, what you can do, and what you stand for. This is, of course, for the regular ‘fans,’ but our showcase is unique because there are many “pros” in attendance—bookers, managers, and agencies from all over Europe. Set times are short, so make sure you play your strongest set. No filler tracks, just your bangers. Don’t get discouraged if the crowd shifts; sometimes another act starts that people also want to see during your performance.

Artist Page – Important!!!

A detailed digital schedule will be created, which can also be accessed via an app on your phone. In addition to the timetable, visitors can find information about acts they love. It’s crucial that all acts have their artist page on www.musisum.com fully updated. Ensure it’s complete!

Schedule (You’ll only be visible after registering on www.musisum.com)

An extensive digital schedule will be created and accessible via the app. Besides the timetable, visitors can find detailed info about the acts. Make sure your artist profile on www.musisum.com is updated.

Complete Your Artist Profile!

If, for example, the programmer of Sziget loves your band during your showcase, they’ll look for more information in the schedule that evening to consider booking you. So make sure your profile is complete with your logo, band photo, social media links, bio, band members, etc. Go to www.musisum.com and sign up. If your band profile already exists without you creating it, claim your band name. Once approved, you can update your profile.

The Most Important Thing: Play Your Best Set Ever!

There will be many important people from the music, venue, and festival world in attendance. Past editions have seen attendees from Sziget, Rock for People (CZ), Glastonbury (UK), Paaspop, Pinkpop, and more. Play the set of your life, regardless of how many people are in the audience. Remember, you can’t tell from the outside who might be a booker or programmer, but they’re always looking for something special. They want to discover the next big thing. Relax, enjoy yourself, and ensure your promo materials are ready! Bring things like cards, stickers, shirts—anything that helps sell yourself.

The Second Most Important Thing

The schedule is sacred, especially the end time! Each band is allocated a one-hour slot, which includes setup and teardown time. For example, if you play for 30 minutes, you have 20 minutes to set up after the previous act has torn down, and 10 minutes to clear the stage after your set. Don’t linger for drinks or chats—ensure your colleagues can start their show on time. A clock and schedule are posted near every stage. The standard playing time is 30 minutes unless otherwise instructed by the host.

BE ON TIME!

Make sure you’re on time. Groningen is far away for some and VERY BUSY during the festival. Parking spots near the venue are scarce in the evening, so expect to walk some distance if you need to park.

Parking (Reserve Your Spot!)

You can’t drive up to De Drie Gezusters. Drop off equipment nearby while the driver parks the car. You can reserve a spot at the Forum garage, a 4-minute walk from De Drie Gezusters, at this link. It’s a safe garage with cameras, so you can leave items there before or after your performance.

Check-In at the Terrace First!

There’s a recognizable covered check-in point on the terrace in front of De Drie Gezusters. This is where you’ll check in as a host or band. We’ll confirm that all bands are present, tell you how to get to your stage, and provide tokens (2 per band member). Arrive early—2 hours beforehand—so you can relax, enjoy other bands, and prepare for the performance of a lifetime.

Promo Tips

Create as much buzz as possible around the festival. Share the schedule, post stories, and use the hashtags #pinguinshowcases or #prs.

IMPORTANT:

DO NOT use “We play @ ESNS”

DO use “We play @ Pinguin Radio Showcases during ESNS”

Flyers/stickers

Flyers may be laid out in De Drie Gezusters on the day of “hosting” and playing, provided they bear a logo of Pinguin Radio Showcases. Otherwise, flyers will be removed by the serving staff.

Stickers may be handed out, but realize that if they are put on things inside De Drie Gezusters that the band will be held responsible for removing them. So if there is a cost associated with that for labor or for any damage it will be recovered from the band whose sticker it is.

Technical Details, Backline provided bij Protone

• Backline: Provided equipment includes guitar amps (Fender Twin Reverb, Marshall MG100 HDFX + cab), bass amp (Ampeg SVT450 + cab), and Tama drum kit (cymbals excluded).
• Bring your own instruments, cymbals, and pedalboards.
• DJs: Bring your own DJ set.

Each stage is equipped with a PA system, 4 monitors, and a mixing console (Midas M32 or Behringer X-32).

Catering and Facilities

• No catering is provided; each band member receives 2 drink tokens.
• Water is available on stage.
• No backstage or dressing rooms are available. Come prepared!

You can eat at De Drie Gezusters. It’s tasty and not expensive!
The stage host, the person we’ve been in contact with, will inform us in advance about how many band members will be coming. Upon arrival, there will be an envelope ready for each band at the central check-in point on the terrace, containing all the drink tokens, counted out and ready for you!

Water on stage
When you perform, there will be bottles of water available on stage. Other beverages are at your own expense, aside from the two tokens each musician receives upon arrival.

Backdrop
No backdrops can be hung. This is to prevent a mess with banners that don’t quite fit or fall down. Through QR codes near the stage, which we will provide, the audience can easily access your band profile.

Backline
The backline on stage must be used. It’s top-notch every year! Only bring your own instruments, cables, pedalboards, keyboards, cymbals, snare drum, bass drum pedal, drumsticks, and picks. Whoever plays on the amplifier is responsible for the equipment and will be held accountable if it gets damaged. The reason for not allowing personal amps, etc., is that it’s been so busy in recent years that carrying large equipment through the crowd became impractical.

Backline Equipment provided by Q-FACTORY

1 – Music Maker Stage (Groote Griet)

• 1 Tama Starclassic Bubinga Drum Set (Black)
• 1 Tama Starclassic Bubinga 20″ x 16″ Bass Drum
• 1 Tama Starclassic Bubinga 10″ x 8″ Rack Tom
• 1 Tama Starclassic Bubinga 12″ x 9″ Rack Tom
• 1 Tama Starclassic Bubinga 16″ x 16″ Floor Tom
• 3 Tama Floor Tom Leg
• 1 Tama LST1455 S.L.P. Vintage Steel 14″ x 5.5″ Snare Drum
• 1 Tama HT430B 1st Chair Round Rider Trio 1 Tama HP900RN Iron Cobra 900 Single Pedal Rolling Glide 1 Tama HS800W Roadpro Snare Stand
• 1 Tama HH905D Iron Cobra 900 Lever Glide Hi-Hat Stand
• 1 Tama MTH1000 Double Tom Holder 3 Tama HC83BW Roadpro Boom Cymbal Stand
• 1 Fame DC1812 drum carpet (1.80m x 1.20m)
• 1 Ashdown ABM EVO IV 600
• 1 Ashdown ABM 410T
• 1 Speaker cable NL4 speakon to NL4 speakon (1,5 meter)
• 1 Fender Bassman 59 LTD
• 1 Marshall JCM800 2210 (2-channel)
• 1 Marshall 1960B
• 1 Speaker Cable 6.3mm Mono Jack Male To 6.3mm Mono Jack Male (1,5 meter)

2 – Stulp Stage (Classic Rechts)

• 1 Tama Starclassic Bubinga Drum Set (Black – Hoshino)
• 1 Tama Starclassic Bubinga 22″ x 18″ Bass Drum
• 1 Tama Starclassic Bubinga 12″ x 9″ Rack Tom
• 1 Tama Starclassic Bubinga 13″ x 10″ rack tom
• 1 Tama Starclassic Bubinga 16″ x 16″ Floor Tom
• 3 Tama Floor Tom Leg
• 1 Tama BES1455 Starclassic Bubinga 14″ x 5.5″ Snare Drum
• 1 Tama HT830B 1st Chair Round Rider XL Trio (Hoshino)
• 1 Tama HP900RN Iron Cobra 900 Single Pedal Rolling Glide (Hoshino)
• 1 Tama HS800W Roadpro Snare Stand (Hoshino)
• 1 Tama HH905D Iron Cobra 900 Lever Glide Hi-Hat Stand (Hoshino)
• 1 Tama MTH1000 Double Tom Holder (Hoshino)
• 3 Tama HC83BW Roadpro Boom Cymbal Stand (Hoshino)
• 1 Fame DC1812 drum carpet (1.80m x 1.20m)
• 1 TC Electronic Thrust BQ500
• 1 TC Electronic RS410
• 1 Speaker cable NL4 speakon to NL4 speakon (1,5 meter)
• 1 Fender Twin Reverb Silverface 1976
• 1 Marshall JCM2000 TSL100
• 1 Marshall 1960A
• 1 Speaker Cable 6.3mm Mono Jack Male To 6.3mm Mono Jack Male (1,5 meter)

3 – Jack White Stage (Classic Links)

• 1 Tama Starclassic Bubinga Drum Set (Black)
• 1 Tama Starclassic Bubinga 22″ x 18″ Bass Drum
• 1 Tama Starclassic Bubinga 10″ x 8″ Rack Tom
• 1 Tama Starclassic Bubinga 12″ x 9″ Rack Tom
• 1 Tama Starclassic Bubinga 16″ x 16″ Floor Tom
• 3 Tama Floor Tom Leg
• 1 Tama MBS55-PBK Starclassic Performer 14″ x 5.5″ Snare Drum
• 1 Tama HT430B 1st Chair Round Rider Trio 1 Tama HP900RN Iron Cobra 900 Single Pedal Rolling Glide 1 Tama HS800W Roadpro Snare Stand
• 1 Tama HH905D Iron Cobra 900 Lever Glide Hi-Hat Stand
• 1 Tama MTH1000 Double Tom Holder 3 Tama HC83BW Roadpro Boom Cymbal Stand
• 1 Fame DC1812 drum carpet (1.80m x 1.20m)
• 1 EBS HD350
• 1 EBS 410CL
• 1 Speaker cable NL4 speakon to NL4 speakon (1,5 meter)
• 1 Fender Twin Reverb Silverface 1971
• 1 Marshall JCM2000 TSL100
• 1 Marshall 1960B
• 1 Speaker Cable 6.3mm Mono Jack Male To 6.3mm Mono Jack Male (1,5 meter)

4 – Hoving Stage (Draaibar)

• 1 Tama Superstar Classic Drum Set 1
• 1 Tama Superstar Classic 22″ x 16″ Bass Drum
• 1 Tama Superstar Classic 10″ x 7″ Rack Tom
• 1 Tama Superstar Classic 12″ x 8″ Rack Tom
• 1 Tama Superstar Classic 16″ x 14″ floor tom
• 3 Tama Floor Tom Leg
• 1 Tama Superstar Classic 14″x6.5″ Snare Drum
• 1 Tama HT230 1st Chair Drum Throne 1 Tama HP900RN Iron Cobra 900 Single Pedal Rolling Glide 1 Tama HH905D Iron Cobra 900 Lever Glide Hi-Hat Stand
• 1 Tama HS800W Roadpro Snare Stand
• 1 Tama MTH600 double tom holder on bass drum
• 3 Tama HC83BW Roadpro Boom Cymbal Stand
• 1 Fame DC1812 drum carpet (1.80m x 1.20m)
• 1 Stick Bag With Spare Sticks & Drum Key
• 1 Fender Bassman 500
• 1 Fender Rumble 410
• 1 Speaker cable NL4 speakon to NL4 speakon (1,5 meter)
• 1 Fender Twin Reverb Silverface 1975
• 1 Marshall JCM800 2210 (2-channel)
• 1 Marshall 1960BV
• 1 Speaker Cable 6.3mm Mono Jack Male To 6.3mm Mono Jack Male (1,5 meter)

5 -Oasis Stage (Secret Stage)

• 1 Tama Superstar Classic Drum Set 3
• 1 Tama Superstar Classic 22″ x 16″ Bass Drum
• 1 Tama Superstar Classic 10″ x 7″ Rack Tom
• 1 Tama Superstar Classic 12″ x 8″ Rack Tom
• 1 Tama Superstar Classic 16″ x 14″ floor tom
• 3 Tama Floor Tom Leg
• 1 Tama Superstar Classic 14″x6.5″ Snare Drum
• 1 Tama HT230 1st Chair Drum Throne 1 Tama HP900RN Iron Cobra 900 Single Pedal Rolling Glide 1 Tama HH905D Iron Cobra 900 Lever Glide Hi-Hat Stand
• 1 Tama HS800W Roadpro Snare Stand
• 1 Tama MTH600 double tom holder on bass drum
• 3 Tama HC83BW Roadpro Boom Cymbal Stand
• 1 Fame drum carpet DC1812 (1.80m x 1.20m)
• 1 Laney Digbeth DB500H
• 1 Laney DBV212-4
• 1 Speaker cable NL4 speakon to NL4 speakon (1,5 meter)
• 1 Laney Lionheart L20T-212
• 1 Marshall JCM2000 DSL100
• 1 Marshall 1960AV
• 1 Speaker Cable 6.3mm Mono Jack Male To 6.3mm Mono Jack Male (1,5 meter)

6 – Blur (Up Stage)

• 1 Tama Starclassic Bubinga Drum Set (Black)
• 1 Tama Starclassic Bubinga 22″ x 18″ Bass Drum
• 1 Tama Starclassic Bubinga 10″ x 6,5″ Rack Tom
• 1 Tama Starclassic Bubinga 12″ x 7″ Rack Tom
• 1 Tama Starclassic Bubinga 16″ x14″ Floor Tom
• 3 Tama Floor Tom Leg
• 1 Tama MBS55-PBK Starclassic Performer 14″ x 5.5″ Snare Drum
• 1 Tama HT430B 1st Chair Round Rider Trio 1 Tama HP900RN Iron Cobra 900 Single Pedal Rolling Glide 1 Tama HS800W Roadpro Snare Stand
• 1 Tama HH905D Iron Cobra 900 Lever Glide Hi-Hat Stand
• 1 Tama HTW839W Roadpro Double Tom Stand
• 1 Tama HTC87W Roadpro Combination Tom/Cymbal Stand
• 3 Tama HC83BW Roadpro Boom Cymbal Stand
• 1 Fame DC1812 drum carpet (1.80m x 1.20m)
• 1 TC Electronic Thrust BQ500
• 1 TC Electronic RS410
• 1 Speaker cable NL4 speakon to NL4 speakon (1,5 meter)
• 1 Peavey Classic 50 212
• 1 Marshall JCM800 2203
• 1 Marshall 1960A
• 1 Speaker Cable 6.3mm Mono Jack Male To 6.3mm Mono Jack Male (1,5 meter)

7 – Sniester Stage (Tiki Bar)

• 1 Tama Starclassic Bubinga Drum Set (Black)
• 1 Tama Starclassic Bubinga 24″ x 18″ Bass Drum
• 1 Tama Starclassic Bubinga 13″ x 7,5″ Rack Tom
• 1 Tama Starclassic Bubinga 18″ x 16″ Floor Tom
• 3 Tama Floor Tom Leg
• 1 Tama MBSS65-PBK Starclassic Performer 14″ x 6.5″ Snare Drum
• 1 Tama HT430B 1st Chair Round Rider Trio
• 1 Tama HP900RN Iron Cobra 900 Single Pedal Rolling Glide (Hoshino)
• 1 Tama HS800W Roadpro Snare Stand
• 1 Tama HH905D Iron Cobra 900 Lever Glide Hi-Hat Stand (Hoshino)
• 1 Tama HTC87W Roadpro Combination Tom/Cymbal Stand
• 3 Tama HC83BW Roadpro Boom Cymbal Stand
• 1 Fame DC1812 drum carpet (1.80m x 1.20m)
• 1 Orange 4 Stroke 500
• 1 Orange OBC410
• 1 Speaker cable NL4 speakon to NL4 speakon (1,5 meter)
• 1 Orange AD30TC Combo 1 Orange TH30H
• 1 Orange PPC412
• 1 Speaker Cable 6.3mm Mono Jack Male To 6.3mm Mono Jack Male (1,5 meter)

8 – Nirvana Stage (Bar Met Gitaar)

• 1 Tama Superstar Classic Drum Set 2
• 1 Tama Superstar Classic 20″ x 16″ Bass Drum
• 1 Tama Superstar Classic 10″ x 7″ Rack Tom
• 1 Tama Superstar Classic 12″ x 8″ Rack Tom
• 1 Tama Superstar Classic 14″ x 14″ floor tom
• 3 Tama Floor Tom Leg
• 1 Tama Superstar Classic 14″ x 5″ Snare Drum
• 1 Tama HT230 1st Chair Drum Throne 1 Tama HP900RN Iron Cobra 900 Single Pedal Rolling Glide 1 Tama HH905D Iron Cobra 900 Lever Glide Hi-Hat Stand
• 1 Tama HS800W Roadpro Snare Stand
• 1 Tama MTH600 double tom holder on bass drum
• 3 Tama HC83BW Roadpro Boom Cymbal Stand
• 1 Fame DC1812 drum carpet (1.80m x 1.20m)
• 1 Stick Bag With Spare Sticks & Drum Key
• 1 Gallien-Krueger 1001RB-II
• 1 Gallien-Krueger CX 410
• 1 Speaker cable NL4 speakon to NL4 speakon (1,5 meter)
• 1 Fender Hot Rod Deluxe 1 Marshall JCM900 4100
• 1 Marshall 1960B
• 1 Speaker Cable 6.3mm Mono Jack Male To 6.3mm Mono Jack Male (1,5 meter)

Note! Every DJ must bring their own DJ set!

• Guitarist: Only bring your guitar, pedalboard, and cables.
• Bass guitarist: Only bring your bass, pedalboard, and cables.
• Drummer: Only bring your beater and cymbals. Optionally, bring your own sample gear, etc.
• Singer: Bring your own mic and effects. There are microphones available, but if you prefer your own, feel free to use it!
• Playing harp or keyboards? Bring your instrument, and we’ll ensure it’s amplified.

Note! Every DJ must bring their own DJ set!

Technical Setup
Each stage has a sufficient PA system with four monitors and as many groups.
The mixing console in every hall is a Midas M32 or Behringer X-32 with an iPad.

• PA: 4 x SRM 450 tops, 2 x SRM 1850 subwoofers

Standard channel layout on the mixer:
1-8: Drums
9-10: Guitar
11: Bass
12-13-14: Vocals
After that, any additional instruments are assigned channels. This prevents reconfiguration during changeovers.

If your sound engineer is coming along, they can preload their settings and bring them on a USB stick. You can do this here: Midas Consoles Downloads.

No riders needed!
The backline setup is fixed. It cannot be rearranged due to the short turnaround times throughout the festival. However, you can bring a list of additional instruments that need amplification, such as vocals, keyboards, saxophones, or harp. You’ll find out who to give this list to (the stage manager) at the central check-in point on the terrace. Do not send this in advance! The stage host will be present at least two hours before the event and can go over any details with the stage manager. Don’t email or text; this is only handled on the event day.

Stage Management
Each host acts as the stage manager or brings their own. This person ensures that bands don’t run over their time—neither for setup nor performance.

Presenter
If you want, bring one along or do it yourself! We’ve found that having someone introduce the band and talk about the host and schedule works really well. It ties everything together nicely.

Own Sound Engineer: Perfectly Fine!
If you have one, bring them along. Great and welcome! Let us know in advance. If you don’t, we’ll provide an FOH technician who will also handle monitors. You don’t need to arrange this beforehand—simply inform the stage host, who will be there two hours before the event.

The Team Behind This Event
The technical setup is handled by a renowned sound company. They are supported by students from ROC Roadtrip, who are studying sound engineering.

Everyone involved in this festival is volunteering. The fact that this incredible event exists is thanks to their efforts. While they may not necessarily be musicians themselves, they dedicate their time and effort to making the legendary Pinguin Radio Showcases even more legendary. If something doesn’t meet your expectations, let us know, but do so in a way that’s constructive and manageable.