Anyone gigging with a primarily instrumental (boogaloo?) band?

[emor]

After a long hiatus I started playing again some six years ago--mostly attending open blues jams (and also did a year's stint with a blues band). The enjoyment of backing up yet another guitarist doing Red House or Pride and Joy or Stormy Monday is wearing off. Really wearing off.

I've been listening to a lot of organ-based instrumental music for the last few months (Meters, Lou Donaldson, Richard "Groove" Holmes, Greyboy Allstars, James Taylor Quartet, etc.), and feel a natural affinity towards it.

I don't need to play in a band, although the extra income is always welcome and the enjoyment of playing with a well-rehearsed group is very satisfying. Ideally I'd probably like to play out 2 or 3 times a month. Perhaps a bit more during the summer.

Before I wade into the whole Craig's List morass, I'd be curious to hear if anyone is successfully gigging with this kind of band. Do you think it is a viable idea? Are there types of gigs other than bars that would be better suited to this type of format?

Thanks.

[Grantrudd]

ive been playing in an instrumental funk/fusion band for 2 years, and when i decide to get off my lazy butt, we can gig up to 4 times a week. most of our gigs are at swanky hotels, private parties, small jazz clubs, and somewhat upscale bars and restaurants. we did however, start off playing dives just like any other band and we started getting connected to the private party scene, and through that, to hotel and restaurant owners. it pays like crap, but it is the most fun you can have with your clothes on. im trying to do this music thing to help get my way through school, so i joined this singer/songwriter which pays the rent.

[emor]

Thanks for the reply.
May I ask where you are located and how many are in your group?

Am I correct in assuming when you said "it pays like crap," you were referring to the dives? From my limited experience private parties are more lucrative, albeit rarer.

[Slough Feg Bass]

I'm playing in an instrumental surf group, 3 piece, sometimes augmented by a rhythm guitar or piano. It's great fun and the pay is OK.
I would say that if you do the instrumental route, make sure your set list is varied enough for extended evening moods but also straight enough so that all the songs are of the same genre. At least on the west coast here, it's easier to get gigs if you can classify yourself easy.