If you are a developer like me you may have used the project management tool Basecamp by 37 Signals which aids online collaboration and task management. Well now some clever folks have created a similar app just for bands called Band Central which is designed as an organised online Band Hub. It has also “borrowed” from the design and layout of Basecamp which is a bit naughty but in doing so looks very nice. The app includes a calendar to keep track of gigs, studio sessions etc. and you can set SMS/Email alerts for all events so you're never late again for the entire band. There is also a band message board to make sure all band members are in the loop. You can post status updates direct from your BandCentral dashboard to Facebook, Twitter and MySpace. It has a Gigs Manager not to be confused with the calendar:

Keep all essential details to hand, from load-in and stage times, to which bands are playing. Includes an SMS gig update feature and allows you to create setlists and guestlists.

Sounds like a good idea. There is also a Band Finances section so you can log money in, money out, costs to be split across the band, IOUs & oustanding costs. This should mean less arguments! Need to fill the venue with fans at short notice? You can send a city targeted SMS or Email alert with the ‘Fan Alert’ feature.

You can try Band Central for free with limited features but to get the most out of this application you will need to upgrade to a pro account which costs $4.99 per month per band which includes 20 free SMS alerts per month.

I think this looks like a really cool app whether you are in a small band or you are getting lots of gigs and need to keep track of it all. Check out some screenshots of the application here.