Wine Bar...

[Rick Nicak]

Yea, got back from a Wine Bar gig I was working tonight. I did a solo act, 2 sets, about an hour each, so pretty good length. This gig was fun because of the tips, it was a cougar bar (more like a cougar rescue), and affluent patrons.
The negatives, however, were that they truly not seemed to care there was music and the jack on my amp fell into the amp.
I made money, but I was disappointed in the level of interest. I know not everyone can be music lovers, and there were a few, just wish more gigs were focused on music.
Alright, thanks, no more b****ing from me tonight.

[Slax]

The way I think of it, they may have not really appreciated it at the time, but they would have known something was missing if it wasn't there. In something like a Wine bar, I'd think that would would be important enough to not get discouraged.

Not all gigs you're going to be the focus of attention, but everyone needs some "elevator music" once and a while. Whether they notice or not.

[uglymutt]

^ very well put

[T-Bird]

Hi.

Slax pretty much nailed it.


A few questions though.

Did the audience come to see/hear You,

Or

Did You go to play where they happened to be?

Was the music You played, the normal music that's played there?

Was it danceable?

Most importantly: Do You play just for the money?


People tend to show their appreciation in different ways. Over here, if the patrons aren't drunk, no-one dances. On some locations, no one dances anyway, it's just the way it is.

Focusing on what You play and looking like you're enjoying yourself while doing what You do, is really hard sometimes. The customer feedback is important and if it's missing, just keep a smiley face and go on.

The fact that You got tips should indicate that You didn't suck too badly, unless they paid you to stop .

When I do acoustic guitar solo gigs, the material don't get people exited or dancing, they just sit there and listen. While the material is somewhat more to my liking than the band stuff I do, I prefer the band music instant feedback much more.

Regards
Sam

[sobie18]

Yeah, sometimes you become "Audio Wallpaper" in a Muzak kind of way. I will bet you money that there were at least a few who really enjoyed and dug the music.

Keep doin' watcha doin'!

[Richland123]

That is the difference between a "gig" and a "job". I always look at it that if you are background music or the patrons are not getting excited and into what you do or the event is more like work, it is a "job" and you get paid to do that job. However, if it is fun and the people dance, sing along, applaud, etc., I consider it a "gig". Either way, it is your business and you are hired (and, or tipped, in your case) to do your best to entertain the patrons. If they keep hiring you back, you did something well.

[Passinwind]

Originally Posted by Rick Nicak

Yea, got back from a Wine Bar gig I was working tonight. I did a solo act, 2 sets, about an hour each, so pretty good length. This gig was fun because of the tips...

A solo bass act, or ???

If the tips were good you know all you need to about what the patrons thought.

[Rick Nicak]

Hey all, thanks for the comments, really do appreciate them a lot.
It was my first gig as wallpaper in a year, and I guess I forgot my function in that situation. They did enjoy it, I did receive good tips and compliments, so people did enjoy it.
It was a solo bass act, which I hope opened some peoples eyes to the beauty of the instrument. Hopefully more gigs come out of this, I received a couple business cards for similar establishments.
Looking back at it now, I do think it was a success and was definitely worth the time. I love playing music live, and thats what it really comes down to.
Thank you all again for the comments, they do not fall on deaf ears.

[Passinwind]

I have done many many 'wallpaper' gigs at our local wineries where tasting is the main focus. The actual wine bars around here (ie places that sell by the glass) tend to have a much more engaged audience though, typically. Plenty of dancers at times too. As primarily a jazz player, I am very happy to have gigs at any or all of these places.

If you are getting over doing just solo bass, good on you.

[ProfGumby]

If you did not annoy the crowd or the venue owner, and got paid....all is right with the world. And you never know if a future gig will come of it. cash is cash and if they did pay, and did not throw you out = win.

[sobie18]

Those gigs are usually good for selling solo CD's....