40 year old festival virgin

[Pbassred]

I've just been invited to back a singer at a jazz festival this summer. The this is a first. Actually, I've never even been to a festival. We might get accomerdation at her uncle's house. Otherwise storing a £600 Yamaha in a tent?

how do these things usually play out? What equipment could I reasonably expect to use? What should I deffinatly bring? How rigid are time slots (its over 3 days).

(then there's the issue of bringing my woman along )

[mrjim123]

Are you one of 16 (somewhat obscure reference - my attempt at humor ).

From my experience:

1. Generally speaking, if you play outside or semi-outside (tent with open sides) you can never have too much power because the sound dissipates so much more than it does inside. I'm talking about amps, PA system, everything.

2. I've never played a multi-day festival where I've had to leave my gear overnight, but my wife and I have sold jewelry as vendors where we had to leave merchandise set up overnight. Generally speaking, security at night is good. We, nor any other vendor I can recall, have ever been ripped off that way. Weather is a bigger worry - if it looks bad I'd pack up at night if the sponsors will let you.

I hope I've answered the questions you asked.

[BassChuck]

Isn't that term vestial virgin?

[mrjim123]

Originally Posted by BassChuck

Isn't that term vestial virgin?

Vestal virgin.

[D.A.R.K.]

your contact for the festival(whoever you are working with that booked the show) should be able to provide contact with production so you can find out: if there is a backline provided, sound check times(if you get more than a line check before going on), check in time(when you get your passes/meal tickets etc.) and if there is storage for gear.
get all info sent to you in an email and print it out.
usually you will have to manage your own gear, but festivals like the big chill, for example, have storage units. just make sure you have a runner scheduled with ample time before your check/show to pick up/drop off your gear (if it is kept in an area a distance from your stage).
production office/check-in/runner dispatch are usually all in the same place. if you can, get an advance map of the grounds/artist facilities/festival schedule. if you plan on staying or being there more than your scheduled performance day, make sure your pass(es) reflect
that and that it's ok to store your gear that long(if applicable).
have fun!