BL is booking gigs for fall

[Biggbass]

Our BL sent out an email saying he is booking gigs for the fall, even though only one band member was on board with it. He said that he doesn't want to be dropped from the venues'
lists of available bands. And as we approach the dates, if we don't want to play them, due
to virus related concerns, he'll just cancel the dates as we approach them.

I told him that seems like a cheesy way of going about things since we'll probably leave the venues needing to find a band in short notice. But he's one of those who hasn't bought into any of the virus prevention protocols and says we stand a better chance of having a car wreck on the way to the gigs.


UGH!

 

[Scoops]

Our BL sent out an email saying he is booking gigs for the fall, even though only one band member was on board with it. He said that he doesn't want to be dropped from the venues'
lists of available bands. And as we approach the dates, if we don't want to play them, due
to virus related concerns, he'll just cancel the dates as we approach them.

I told him that seems like a cheesy way of going about things since we'll probably leave the venues needing to find a band in short notice. But he's one of those who hasn't bought into any of the virus prevention protocols and says we stand a better chance of having a car wreck on the way to the gigs.


UGH!

Actually, I'm in alignment with the BL

 

[JRA]

if both parties (band and venue) book in 'good faith' = the gig would be on the books and would only happen if it's safe for everyone concerned (band/audience/venue staff). i don't see anything wrong with that. sounds practical.

 

[friskinator]

I wouldn't worry much about what the BL tries to book. There's a greater chance of the venue canceling before the band does.

 

[Pacman]

Your bandleader is right.

 

[TNCreature]

I understand you not wanting to cancel (and good on you!) a gig. But more likely than not, if the gig can't move forward, the venue will cancel.
Plan on live shows being very small, if at all, if they can't be outside.
I work in private events in the northeast, where we don't have the benefit of predictable or consistently nice weather, and we are looking at reduced capacity based on square footage of the room by 6ft per guest. Try it yourself, there are calculators online. Or there will be gathering maximums for the foreseeable future.
Come on with that vaccine!!!

 

[WI Short Scaler]

Actually, I'm in alignment with the BL

I think I am too. Any restrictions or protocols in place can be addressed and worked out with the venue as you get close to the gig.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Unless you want to tell BL you don't want to play any gigs this year, and probably be replaced, you go along with how BK is leading the band, simple as that.

 

[sean_on_bass]

If he wants to book gigs, go for it. They will all be "tentative" either way until you are closer to the date. I'd actually be surprised if the clients even want to book anything right now, but he is welcome to try.

 

[RustyAxe]

We were (are) booked every other weekend thru NYE. We played the last gig n 3/15. All the dates are still “on the books”, but of course we can’t do them while we’re in a virtual time warp. When official restrictions are lifted we’ll work with venue(s) and the band members to decide when to resume. We have not accepted new bookings, though I don’t think we had more than a couple private party jobs in early summer. Those who book bands are in the same boat, afloat on a sea of uncertainty.

 

[Downunderwonder]

There was a small 80 some wedding reception just before lockdown. 1 guest was an international airline employee and EVERY other guest got C19 from her or their s.o who got it from her.

 

[Wisebass]

hi Biggbass

Our BL sent out an email saying he is booking gigs for the fall

That's what bandleaders do! It's his job!

My take on that: I am networking and the venues we usually play are planning events. (edit to add: in the fall, certainly not before)

When they ask me if we can play, I will say yes! They need these events and we need places to gig!

How this will work? We have no idea so far! Too many 'ifs'!!!

Will our local (health) authorities give the venues 'green light' to open? When? Under which conditions?

There will certainly be restrictions, but we don't know which. Will there be audits?

Or controlls by health inspectors? (like they inspect kitchens in restaurants?)

For the moment all we can do is to wait how things will develop.


But IMO it would be stupid (for bands as well as for venues) not to plan!

But he's one of those who hasn't bought into any of the virus prevention protocols

When you don't trust him, you should leave his band.

I don't play with folks I cannot trust. And I don't want anybody to play with me who doesn't trust me!


take care and stay healthy


greetings


Wise(b)ass

 

[lfmn16]

I told him that seems like a cheesy way of going about things since we'll probably leave the venues needing to find a band in short notice. But he's one of those who hasn't bought into any of the virus prevention protocols and says we stand a better chance of having a car wreck on the way to the gigs.


UGH!

Wasn't your BL in the news??

 

[thekyle55]

Depends on where you are. NYC, I'd probably not be real excited. However, we've only had 12 cases in the county, most of them were the last week of March/first week of April, and it's time to get back to work.

 

[BucketOfFish]

There was a small 80 some wedding reception just before lockdown. 1 guest was an international airline employee and EVERY other guest got C19 from her or their s.o who got it from her.

I'm curious..how many in the group of 80-ish died?

 

[Downunderwonder]

I'm curious..how many in the group of 80-ish died?

Iirc 1 attending plus 1 collateral infection who also perished.

 

[podiumboy]

Depends on where you are. NYC, I'd probably not be real excited. However, we've only had 12 cases in the county, most of them were the last week of March/first week of April, and it's time to get back to work.

I too live in a rural county that has had around 20 cases, and 1 of those have tragically resulted in a fatality. But I get what you mean... I wouldn't bat an eye to play a gig around here. But our semi-steady venue, that was usually good for a few gigs per summer, have already straight up said NO ENTERTAINMENT IN 2020! No full bands, acoustic live music... even the weekly trivia competition is cancelled! Trying to get something going for our local county fair in early August, IF that even takes place. There's pretty much no gigs to be had in our area.

2 of my bandmates live in Columbus, about 40-50 minutes away from me. Columbus was recently declared a "HOT SPOT" by those who make such official declarations, and I doubt very much there will be any gigs to be had there in 2020. This year is gonna both suck and blow. I hope that by next summer things are looking better.

 

[Gustopher]

He's right. If you don't book them, when things get back running again you will never get back on the list.

 

[SwitchGear]

My main band played our first gig in 10 weeks, this weekend. Good crowd. We are booked through August.

2nd band reassembling with a couple former bandmates from the past. Six venues we have played in the past have called our poc guy wanting to book us. Our first rehearsal is next Sunday. There is a pent up demand for live music.

 

[mstillman]

My main band played our first gig in 10 weeks, this weekend. Good crowd.

When you have time, would you please elaborate? Curious about things like whether the crowd, and band, tried to stay somewhat apart from strangers.