First-time opening act, tips please?

thejames · #1 05-29-2008, 10:35 AM

My yearling bluesrock trio is opening for a seasoned and accomplished blues band at a bar venue, soon. We have not done this before, and we want it to go really well! Any suggestions on how to do this right would be welcome. Thanks!

pbd · #2 05-29-2008, 10:44 AM

be respectful of the main act and even pump them up a bit while you are playing, this could help you land future gigs with them. Respect your time limit, it will also help you with future gigs and most importantly play your part as a warm up act.

Get the crowd involved and let them see you having fun. Also, be preparted that your sound may not be perfect or the monitors may not be exactly what you want/need. Everything may be geared toward the main act so be prepared to not hear everything the way you may want to.

have a blast, this is what it is all about, getting in from of a crowd and sharing your art with them!
Todd

bassmonkey144 · #3 05-30-2008, 01:41 PM

Go a bit early to check out the stage and talk to the sound guy. Always found that this makes everything go much smoother.

IanStephenson · #4 05-30-2008, 06:01 PM

Cause no problems.

The venue doesn't want to even know you're there. If you're invisible, for everything except you're 1Hr (or whatever) set, then you've done.

That means being ready to set up when they say, getting it done quickly (in minutes), being able to work with whatever sound check you get, and getting off stage with your gear in seconds of your set finishing.

Consider bringing a minimal rig, and discuss in advance if you can use some of the main bands backline - maybe you can or maybe you can't... It's not your call, but if you can it saves time and space. If they don't want you to, then that's fine too (dont' assume you can either - they may perfectly reasonalbly be protective of their gear).

Oh - and if you can bring 100 people with you that's good too.

Ian

JimmyM · #5 05-30-2008, 06:15 PM

Ian has good advice, but I don't advise asking a band you don't know if you can use their rig. That's kind of touchy. Otherwise all-around good advice from everyone.

jady · #6 05-30-2008, 06:52 PM

Good advice so far......here's my 2 cents.

Be professional, be out of the way, DO NOT COMPLAIN ABOUT ANYTHING!!!!!

Ian is correct, the venue doesn't want to deal with you, the better you roll with the punches with a smile and good attitude the more likely you will get a call back for another gig (This is how we do it and have opened for many Blues greats, some of them 2-3 times)

Good Luck!!!!!!

**Stumbo** · #7 05-31-2008, 04:19 AM

You might want to go to the bar and talk to the manager ahead of the gig and ask if there's anything specific required of your band. (Making announcements, policy on backline equipment, how much equipment to bring, stage size, how much time to get off stage, how early can you do a sound check, when will you be paid, anything else you can think of).

Talk to the SE and see if he/she needs anything specific.

Depending on how long you're set is, make it a medley with only a few breaks between songs. Have the drums keep playing in the background is one way to keep things going.

Good luck.

Porksicle · #8 05-31-2008, 05:07 AM

Good advice from everyone. Here's a couple things to consider about your set:

- If you're familiar with the act you're opening for, try and build your set in a simlar fashion to what their audience is used to hearing. Compliment their music with a good set that will get the audience going. People who like their blues smooth and silky might not respond well to a loud and brash opening act.

- If you're playing any covers, check with the other acts to ensure that your set lists don't have the same songs.

- Start the show off with something that isn't overly-complicated, but tight and groovy, so it gets people up and moving! That way you can grab the audience's attention, and it'll give the band a chance to get their "stage ears" locked in.

- Your songs should follow the "3S" rule - Solid, Strong, and Short. 10-minute instrumentals, ballads and solos are for main stage, 2+ hour acts, not for openers. No matter how good your guitar player is, the beginning of the show is NOT the right time for him to play his solo version of "Tin Pan Alley".

Good opening acts serve two purposes - they set the tone, and they compliment the main act. Be courteous, professional, fun, complimentary, and above all else, entertaining! Give the fans what they're there to hear and see, and you'll build a solid rep that'll be very beneficial in the long run.

Good luck!

IanStephenson · #9 05-31-2008, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

Ian has good advice, but I don't advise asking a band you don't know if you can use their rig. That's kind of touchy.

Totally agree - perhaps I should have phrased it as "ask if THEY'D LIKE YOU TO".

Setting up, and miking, then tearing down a second drum kits for example takes ages, and the venue/soundguy would definately prefer you shared a kit. The headline drummer might be totally cool with it, or might absolutely refuse (and either is totally OK). On the other hand if YOUR drummer insists in bringing his 20 piece kit then you're not getting invited back.

Ian

ryco · #10 05-31-2008, 10:03 AM

Go in with your material well rehearsed

and then go play your asses off! Have a great time!!

**Stumbo** · #11 05-31-2008, 11:57 AM

Dress well, shoes shined, teeth brushed.....smile.
Absolutely keep your cool during the entire time.
Play like you're making a million bucks...you never know who's in the audience.
Nail all your tunes at rehearsal so you're confident.
No talking among band members between songs.
Make sure everyone has a copy of the song list and memorize it.
Dont' play all the songs at the same volume....use dynamics.
The drummer controls the overall volume...use dynamics.

After you get your guitars plugged in, touch the microphone with your hand to make sure grounding is proper.
Worst thing to happen is to begin to sing, touch your lip to the mic and get a painful shock.

Good luck.

thejames · #12 06-01-2008, 11:40 AM

Thanks to all of you! Good coaching. Some stuff I had not heard or thought about before, and that's why I do TB.
We did the gig last night, and it went great. Had an hour, which included set-up and tear-down, we did all of our planned set and got out of the way with time to spare. The main act gave us several shout-outs during their sets, so I guess we did our job OK. BTW, they (6 Hands Down) were really great - nice to see "how it's done downtown".

When we were tearing down, I noticed my drummer had immediately pulled his kit off to the side, away from the stage and dance floor, to disassemble and pack it up. He was still done and out of there before the main act got up on stage. (we were set up on the dancefloor in front of the stage, which made things much easier for everyone)

Thanks again. Always learning.