Beating the Heat

Craig_S · #1 06-25-2009, 12:50 PM

I had the gig from hell last night. From 6 to 10pm, I played an outdoor balcony in a very nice setting. There were trees and a river running behind us. The concrete balcony was mostly covered, so the sun wasn't beating down on us, but the air was completely still. It was 90 degrees and humid. Add the lighting in, after dark, and you'll surely understand what I'm getting at. This was an upscale gig, so shorts and a tee shirt were out of the question. How miserable... I was completely drenched and exhausted, when it was over.

What do you do to beat the heat on a gig?

jwbassman · #2 06-25-2009, 12:51 PM

Been there and done that. I bring a small portable fan.

Chriss62 · #3 06-25-2009, 12:51 PM

It was 90degrees in Austin. At three in the morning...=(

two fingers · #4 06-25-2009, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwbassman

Been there and done that. I bring a small portable fan.

^^^^^^^^^that^^^^^^^^^

Craig_S · #5 06-25-2009, 12:59 PM

I sweat a lot. I drank a gallon and a half of water in four hours (and barely a restroom call). No exaggeration.

DeluxeRed · #6 06-25-2009, 01:01 PM

Sometimes ya just gotta wear that tux. Lotsa water, sodium (as appropriate), and a stack of clean, white handtowels to mop up sweat. Sweatbands on the arms (up under the sleeve). The shoes can make a big difference, too, if you have any options there.

Don't forget your equipment is getting hot, too. Avoid direct sunlight, plenty of ventilation, etc.

We're playing an outdoor club downtown this weekend. Buildings all around, so there's no breeze, hot bricks and concrete, and 100degF and 90% humidity in the forecast--and the only hope for relief is if it rains...

jwbassman · #7 06-25-2009, 01:02 PM

That means a good little stage fan pointed straight up at you will work out great, the sweat will help cool you off even more.

MatticusMania · #8 06-25-2009, 01:55 PM

Get the tux wet and just drench yourself in water. Or get an in-jacket cooling system.

Craig_S · #9 06-25-2009, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MatticusMania

get an in-jacket cooling system.

I'll get right on that. *jumps in car and drives around the corner to Roush Racing for preliminary fitting*

MatticusMania · #10 06-25-2009, 02:00 PM

IM sure someone could make a cool couple million patenting something like that... anyone wanna go halvsies?

DeluxeRed · #11 06-25-2009, 02:02 PM

Ha. A cool-suit, good idea. Very slimming, as well. Explaining to the MD about the full-face helmet, though, is a different story.

Sharper Image used to make a neck-mounted air conditioner that cooled a pad on the back of your neck. Never tried one, but the Penske team used to use them in the pits. Don't know where you could get one these days, though <sigh>.

DeluxeRed · #12 06-25-2009, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MatticusMania

IM sure someone could make a couple million bucks patenting something like that... anyone wann go halvsies?

What, off of a bunch that blew their last dimes on GAS? Maybe if Victor endorsed it or something (not a pretty picture, huh?)...

MatticusMania · #13 06-25-2009, 02:05 PM

Hmmmm... does anyone have Mr. Wooten's number? I have a proposition for him... one that he can't refuse.

lexxmexx · #14 06-25-2009, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MatticusMania

Or get an in-jacket cooling system.

Do such things even exists?
Reminds me of Back To The Future 2

Craig_S · #15 06-25-2009, 03:22 PM

NASCAR drivers have cooling systems in their driving suits and helmets.