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15 minutes between bands - no backline provided...?

#101
Taustin Powers said:
So I finally got the information email from the tech guy.

Some highlights:

- "We are going to build a real stage"
Phew, I am glad it's a real one, and not made of matches and bubblegum.

- "Stage will be 6x4 meters, with a tarp cover".
Decent size, it should hold all seven of us.

- "We will provide power, monitoring and microphones"
So no need to bring a diesel run generator - power is provided!

- "You will need to bring any backline, including amps, instruments, drums, etc."
That much I figured.

- "You may set up the drums next to the stage, but then you'll have to carry everything up the stairs"
Looking forward to my drummer's face when I tell him! :D

So it's pretty much one of the not-so-ideal scenarios that's been described here. Rushed chaotic set up, first song will be our soundcheck. I am expecting delays between bands. I still think it will be fun, and we are going to make the best of it! :)
Click to expand...

With only one set off stairs, it's going to be a serious goat rope :eek:.
 
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#102
Taustin Powers said:
So I finally got the information email from the tech guy.

Some highlights:

- "We are going to build a real stage"
Phew, I am glad it's a real one, and not made of matches and bubblegum.

- "Stage will be 6x4 meters, with a tarp cover".
Decent size, it should hold all seven of us.

- "We will provide power, monitoring and microphones"
So no need to bring a diesel run generator - power is provided!

- "You will need to bring any backline, including amps, instruments, drums, etc."
That much I figured.

- "You may set up the drums next to the stage, but then you'll have to carry everything up the stairs"
Looking forward to my drummer's face when I tell him! :D

So it's pretty much one of the not-so-ideal scenarios that's been described here. Rushed chaotic set up, first song will be our soundcheck. I am expecting delays between bands. I still think it will be fun, and we are going to make the best of it! :)
Click to expand...
Just tell them your band needs to be 1st.
 
#104
Taustin Powers said:
- "You may set up the drums next to the stage, but then you'll have to carry everything up the stairs"
Looking forward to my drummer's face when I tell him! :D

So it's pretty much one of the not-so-ideal scenarios that's been described here. Rushed chaotic set up, first song will be our soundcheck. I am expecting delays between bands. I still think it will be fun, and we are going to make the best of it! :)
Click to expand...
Drummer stays on stage and someone passes his assembled kit up to him. His time is best used setting up so they can mic him. In fact, the less you use the stairs, the faster the setup. Manual handling and safety rules strictly enforced, of course.
 
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#107
So the gig was okay. We set up everything behind the stage (basically on the sidewalk), so we could take it up and be ready within minutes. The sound and stage guys were helpful, but not very professional. During the entire first song, our singer tried to signal to the soundguy that she needed more vocals in her monitor, but he was looking everywhere BUT at the band on stage. The crowd wasn't huge, and it was mostly old people chilling with their beers. I wish more people would come out for free live music on a beautiful summer day!

We played the best set we could, and a few people in the audience seemed really into it, some passersby stopped to watch and listen.

But the biggest win was that the organizers said they loved us and really appreciated our professionalism. They asked if they could contact us for other, bigger events in the future. Sometimes you need to play some crappy gigs to get better gigs later on! :)
 
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#109
DWBass said:
Been there, done that. No way you're getting setup in 15 minutes. What is it that these festivals don't get? You HAVE to have backline. I deal with this a LOT where I live. They end up shortening your set and the sound is horrible.
Click to expand...
15 minutes isn't enough even with backline, IME. 2 stages next to each other with backline (or not) is the best way to schedule for a seamless fest. It allows 30-40 minutes for set-up. …not very common though.
 
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#110
Taustin Powers said:
But the biggest win was that the organizers said they loved us and really appreciated our professionalism. They asked if they could contact us for other, bigger events in the future. Sometimes you need to play some crappy gigs to get better gigs later on! :)
Click to expand...
Professionalism and a can do attitude Is right up there with talking to any potential fans after your set. Sounds like it went as well as you'd expect. And with the possibility of leading to better gigs going forward. Making friends on your way up never hurts your chances.
 
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#111
This is how stuff was done back in my days of original rock bands in the club. If you knew the other bands, sometimes they would share kits and just swap out snares or maybe cymbals depending on how particular they were. The rest of the band hauled their rigs up on stage, tuned up, played about 10 seconds for the sound guy, and that was it. Often you would be playing frogger with the previous band who clearing their stuff as you were loading on.
 
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#112
Jay Corwin said:
This is how stuff was done back in my days of original rock bands in the club. If you knew the other bands, sometimes they would share kits and just swap out snares or maybe cymbals depending on how particular they were. The rest of the band hauled their rigs up on stage, tuned up, played about 10 seconds for the sound guy, and that was it. Often you would be playing frogger with the previous band who clearing their stuff as you were loading on.
Click to expand...
…lost a passel of guitar stands that way :).
 
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#114
That's how it is done in so many of the "play for free" clubs here in LA. It is a total free for all as the bands are trying to get on and off at the same time. The drummer has his kit fully set up outside and we all bring in pieces quickly. For the rest of us, it really doesn't take more than 10 mins. to plug in the amp and guitar and set level and tone. So happy to have my little 32 lb MarkBass amp! Sometimes we are able to contact the other bands, even AT the show and offer to share gear to minimize the hassle.

At our last gig, the stage was large enough to allow our gear to be already on stage and behind the other performers.

However, many of the clubs are now starting to provide some backline, if for no other reason to minimize the craziness every hour. Disrupts the patrons as well.
 
#115
My career started around 1970. I have never ever played a gig with multiple bands. there is a large outdoor benefit concert/festival I would like to play next month involving many bands, but I have a scheduling conflict. :(
 

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