How to obtain mailing list for people you know

Anyone got any ideas on this? I'd like to put on another "hometown concert" but this time, send out invites. I could put up posters like last time but if I send out invites, I'd bet attendance would be far higher. How do people get mailing lists? Like a bride who is getting married? Do you just ask friends if they have a mailing list? (You would pick the people from their list who you also know.)

I suppose there is no way to get a mailing list of everyone in a small town is there? You could just do a mass mailing somehow to everyone in the zip code but I really don't want to spend the money to invite every person.

Just a few links for you....

http://www.usps.com/directmail/createdirectmailonline.htm

http://www.usps.com/directmail/mailinglists.htm

http://www.usps.com/directmail/about.htm

FWIW, I believe that you can isolate your mailing lists to small communities, single or multiple zipcodes, and by specific interests.... These mailing lists, from what I understand, can be very specific to targeted audiences (recipients).

You may want to consider asking a REALTOR. They have access to every home in their area of specialty.

I have a mailing list of people I send out postcards every time I gig. I got it by asking people for their addresses at previous gigs and if I do not have it, I call them and ask for it.

Most people are very supportive and look forward to this stuff because its a nice night out and then they bring friends.

Every time you gig, you should pass around the "Join Fan Mail" List.

Ask for the name, address and email.

Peace,

eB