Outdoor gigs that don’t tell you that

[PorkPieGuy]

Played a gig last year, and my 100-foot cord wasn't long enough!

Stuff like this kills me.

[J Patrick]

...outdoor gigs...indoor gigs...there are a surprisingly large number of venues that are clueless when it comes to adequate planning for the performers...I”ve had gigs where we showed up and had to clear and clean stages...gigs where had to cram into insufferably tight spaces...one outdoor gig where we were placed inside a three sided plexiglass enclosure with no shade in 100 degree heat...too many ridiculous situations to even recall....

..otoh..it’s a pleasure to show up when things are setup nicely and you’re treated like royalty...it’s smart on the venues part...happy players make better music...

...ultimately it’s a live and learn kinda deal...

[MarkAdams]

Haven't had that much experience gigging but have seen a few where they didn't even realize that there was no power where they wanted us.

On the flip side, my favorite place to play right now is a small wine and tapas venue about 20 minutes from home, where they have the PA and Mic stands there ready. All we have to do is plug in and play. I don't even mind that it doesn't pay that well.

They give us some cash, a bar tab, and I am always home by 11:30.

[ctgagnon]

I bring one of those gizmos that tell me if the outlet I'm using is grounded.

[The Kid!]

Originally Posted by ctgagnon

I bring one of those gizmos that tell me if the outlet I'm using is grounded.

Those are definitely important to have.

[RustyAxe]

Outdoor gigs just suck. I’ve done literally hundreds, but no more. Always more trouble than they’re worth, IMO.

[gfirob]

It is almost a given to me that the venue (or whatever blockhead is in charge when you get there) will have no clue about the needs of the performer and I include not only power and access but safety issues as well.

The Kid is lucky to be performing at a level that he has a contract, though my own experience with contracts between creative people and the cold-eyed businesses that hire them is that unless you have a lawyer on tap, conflicts are seldom settled to your advantage. You can walk, but then you are the guy who walked. That is why I have a lawyer on tap now...

On the other hand, there is a lot of good will out there as well, people who want the entertainment to go well who don't want to get into a pissing contest.

[The Kid!]

Originally Posted by gfirob

It is almost a given to me that the venue (or whatever blockhead is in charge when you get there) will have no clue about the needs of the performer and I include not only power and access but safety issues as well.

The Kid is lucky to be performing at a level that he has a contract, though my own experience with contracts between creative people and the cold-eyed businesses that hire them is that unless you have a lawyer on tap, conflicts are seldom settled to your advantage. You can walk, but then you are the guy who walked. That is why I have a lawyer on tap now...

On the other hand, there is a lot of good will out there as well, people who want the entertainment to go well who don't want to get into a pissing contest.

I usually firm details up via email when booking with new places. It's not always a formal contract, although I use those as well. Having it in writing makes sure that nobody gets amnesia. Once a good working relationship has been established, I don't run into problems.

I've had to go as far as to pull up the email to show the person, or someone else on site who is in charge. I've never had to take anyone to court over a bar gig. Them seeing it agreed to in writing usually helps things.

[MikeBmusic]

I always like to check out the venue before I have to play there - even better if when someone else is playing, so I can hear any sound issues, how they set up.
Last week, the owner where I host an open mic decided I would set me up in a different part of the room than I have been doing since last year because the Stanley Cup was on tv that night. He didn't tell me, just had the waitress tell me when I arrived. Problem was that the only outlet in the room was over on the other side, a 40' extension cord needed! There was only a 25' one there. I could have raced home to get one, but the owner appeared after about 15 minutes with a longer cable - only to show me (and the waitress) that there was hidden in a closet about 10 feet away.
Next week, just in case, I'll have a 50' extension in my car!

[Jeff Scott]

We've always brought a few 100' extension cords with us, wherever we played, be it outdoors, or inside.

Ya' never know!

[ManyMartinMan]

Originally Posted by MikeBmusic

I always like to check out the venue before I have to play there..

Whenever that is possible I walk the venue and take note of what is/may/might/will be needed. In the hard-case is a 100’ reel and duct-tape to secure it to the floor. It is needed more than it is not.

Kid - you should know by now that there is always someone willing to tell you what you need to do, or should have done, - even when you already did (not directed at any post or person - the universal someone).

[RCGuitar]

I feel your frustration Kid, I’ve done hundreds of outdoor shows with the same verbiage in the contract. I’ll also note that bottled water (while not necessary) would be appreciated. One of my most memorable nights was a duo gig with my brother back in the 80’s. We show up to play. “Where do you want us to set up”. “Right there in the corner, you’ll have to move the cigarette machine out of the corner”. We did and we played, but we never went back.

[Methos1979]

Originally Posted by MikeBmusic

I hate showing up at a gig 'cold'.

Same here. We used to scout out new places to see where they put the band and what was available for power and whatnot. Now we just run everything on battery. Because we're small and don't need full band power or play gigs that require huge volume I deliberately went in the direction of equipment that runs on battery. So even where there is power, we run on battery. Easy set up. No surprises. That said, the gear power cords and a couple extension cords are always in the trunk. Dirty power is another issue.

[Bob Womack]

Folks, that's the value of the "no green M&Ms" clause buried in the rider. It lets you know whether they've really read the rider. If they don't complain about the "no green M&Ms" clause they haven't read the rider.

We get riders all the time that ask for the moon. We have a choice to either provide as demanded or call back and ask for clarification. For instance, we book the band to come in and play with two acoustic guitars, bass, and cajone and they agree. The rider arrives spec'ing two Vox AC30 amps, a specific keyboard, a full drum kit, and a list of specific mics for said items.

We end up having to call back and ask for a second rider and get the reply, "Oh crap. We sent you the generic fly rig rider. Sorry."

The band can do the same and ask for confirmation of the rediculous line #68 ("no green M&Ms" or whatever) if there is a question that the venue is on the ball.

I love some of the comedy in riders: "Catering: no rubber chicken, hopefully something survivable, please, no wilted vegetables, only national brands of bottled water."

And the wisdom: "In an effort to provide some dignity and comfort to our team we ask that you provide catering according to the following schedule: Mondays, grilled chicken and fresh vegetables; Tuesday, BBQ ribs and Mac&cheese, etc."

Bob

[The Kid!]

Originally Posted by ManyMartinMan

Whenever that is possible I walk the venue and take note of what is/may/might/will be needed. In the hard-case is a 100’ reel and duct-tape to secure it to the floor. It is needed more than it is not.

Kid - you should know by now that there is always someone willing to tell you what you need to do, or should have done, - even when you already did (not directed at any post or person - the universal someone).

Yeah, I have pretty reasonable expectations. Power within 15' of the performance area. Clear area to set up in. Adequate cover provided by the venue. I wish I could get by with underpowered systems that run on batteries, but that's not my personal real world scenario.

Today load in is easy. Art festival. Walk two blocks at least. Loaded in with extra PA gear on Thursday. The guy before me us using my PA, so I'll already be set up.