Normal Start Times in small clubs?

[lowsideonacurve]

I haven't gigged in many years, but when we played a club, we always started at 9:00pm or earlier. We wanted to look like professionals and be set up and ready to play before the place got crowded. We felt like clubs were paying for entertainers to make music for their customers.

So, what's with bands waiting until 10:30 and later before they start playing? Every time I go to a club to hear a band, they don't even start carrying their instruments in until 9:30, hem-haw around and act like they don't need to be there. By the time they get ready, I've had something to eat, a few beers, gotten a bit bored with the place and ready to go home.

[snyderz]

9 to 1 is the norm here. We're there by 8, and start at 9 on the dot. Places like Vegas are a different story. I've waited until 11 or 12 to see the headliner.

[pasta4lnch]

I think it's gonna depend on the venue and the crowds. some places dont start getting big till after 11. I remember when I lived in Boston the bars shut at like 1 or 2 (an hour after public transportation closed btw ) so start times were much earlier. but like snyderz said 9-1-ish is usually the norm for me . . .

[dmusic148]

Round here approximately 10 is typical. Occasionally 9:30 is requested, but usually 10.

[Chef FourString]

We usually play from 930 to 145 around here.

[Ozonbass]

I hear ya...getting too old for crazy late starts. Played at a loft (warehouse?) venue in Chicago a couple of years ago. F*** Mountain...we were band #3 of 4 and went on at 1:30 AM. I much prefer the wedding reception cocktail scene I've been doing lately. Play from 3-5, get fed and be home in time for the 9:00 news.

[phatbass]

Well, it's not like the bands in bars set the times that they're gonna play (usually). Bar owner/manager says 10.30 start, it's 10.30 start.

[Floyd Eye]

My gig tonight is 9-1, which is the norm. We'll be there setting up by 7.

[Phalex]

On weekends it's usually 9:30 to 1:30 for a cover gig around here.

For original stuff with multiple bands on the bill, they usually start a bit earlier.

[bunnykeeper]

Originally Posted by phatbass

Well, it's not like the bands in bars set the times that they're gonna play (usually). Bar owner/manager says 10.30 start, it's 10.30 start.

+1

[Rockmusician]

Most clubs have bands start between 9 and 10.