Gigging Bassists - How is Summer 24' stacking up?

[Pocket Dave]

6 gigs over the next 7 days.

 

[lildrgn]

Not awesome, to answer the question. This year I've done a handful so far, most recently last week. I think my originals band's next show isn't until August, though we just had a "guaranteed $750" gig fall into our lap for November... we'll see what happens there.

Cover band has fallen off a bit, which is a bummer; not as many private gigs, for sure. We do have one on 7/11 at a local yacht club and our first ever casino gig in October. I think there are a few more, but forget when.

Overall, I would love to have 5 or more shows booked on top of what I have, as well as sub gigs, but it is what it is. We are spoiled for music here in the Pac NW and clubs can be a lot pickier with the bands they book. Both bands average about 50 years old or so, and though I think our music is relevant, I find the 50 year old fans don't come out the way they used to, especially when compared to the 25 year old club goers.

 

[DaveParker39]

Busy… clubs, parties, a wedding or two.

 

[ijump206]

Busy. 18 gigs between now and end of August, with inquiries for more. As usual, just waiting on the paperwork.
Weddings, corporate functions, bars/clubs and the occasional city festival.

 

[brianrost]

This year has been a disaster because I’ve had to babysit my grandson every few weekends meaning I can’t play gigs those weekends. I’m only playing less than half as often as I would be otherwise.

 

[Admiral Akbar]

Just curious how others are finding business -

My variety trio is heavily booked thru September. It's busier than Summer 2023. Civic events - Tiki Bars - Wineries for the most part.

Private parties however are down a good %. My conclusion is that inflation is eating into folks disposable income & while they may have a big bash over the summer it will be more cost effective using their "nephew the DJ" or some other entertainment source.

I'm on the North Shore of Long Island close to Wine Country & the Hamptons. How are things shaping up in your neck of the woods?
Is you schedule affected by inflation?..

I’m adjacent to your neck of woods, also on Long Island. My gig opportunities have increased steadily since 2021, but like yourself, the private party gigs have slowed down. I’ve had to turn down more gigs than I’ve been accepting due to time constraints with my career and family, many on the North Fork. If you’re into it, PM me - I’d love to be able to suggest a fellow TB’er as a sub for these gigs (wineries, private parties).

 

[noplayinfool]

Summer in Florida is a gig wasteland. If you don't have a couple of steadies lined up, your calendar is spotty at best. Gotta save up for this. I'm a bass player who plays both upright and electric well, and I'm down to my church gig, as the only steady, and not much else all summer. I may get a part time job, just to get out of the house!

 

[Goatrope]

This year has been a disaster because I’ve had to babysit my grandson every few weekends meaning I can’t play gigs those weekends. I’m only playing less than half as often as I would be otherwise.

I can relate. Its tough to balance. I didnt think id still be "balancing" after retirement .
We're also babysitting our grand daughter a couple days a week. We've are fortunate that my daughter-in-law's schedule is flexible, so we usually do Wednesday and Thursdays.

The only impact to gigs is lack of a recovery day prior to a Friday gig.

But I say "congrats" to you, for living what I believe to be the best life - gigging and babysitting grand kids. Rock on!

 

[DWBass]

Right now we have a steady twice a month at a local Casino until the end of September. Unfortunately, we're missing all the outdoor events this summer.

 

[And I]

We've got 3 or 4 shows a month between may and august. just booked one for friday sept 13th (technically summer)... and it's ON A BOAT! But T-Pain can't make it...

 

[mellobud]

9 shows on the calendar so far with an originals band in mid-MO. Not bad/ not great.

2 shows booked with a cover band duo that needs additional instrumentation for their larger shows. (they use backing tracks for smaller gigs). I respect their hustle as they stay pretty busy and only split the take two ways most of the time.

 

[WI Short Scaler]

I've been trying to get this party-in-the-park gig in my hometown for years. I was finally in the right place at the right time. There's nothing better than having a booking agent say "yeah, I've heard of you guys...let's get you on the calendar." It's gratifying when the hard work pays off.

Yes, it is gratifying. I worked hard to get our 3 pc into a municipal concert series where our family has a place. On Lake Superior. We are booked in August for the 8th year in a row now. So fun to play for folks I only see up there, and a great mini-vacation for the band.

 

[pb9717]

Got this venue tonight, pic from last time playing there…we draw a substantial crowd…….but it’ll be 87 degrees at start. Not looking forward to the convection oven the fans create. But Buko dollarama……and the players are excellent.

 

[Pocket Dave]

July 3 and 4 will both outdoor gigs, start time temp forecasted to be between 95 and 100 f.

Fans work when I've got a wet bandana wrapped around my neck. Highly recommended for insane-heat gigs.

 

[NZBassman]

Sumer for us 'down under' is late November to about Early April.
My band is not that busy and I kind of like it like that... I'd like to play a little more often but happy with the gigs we do get.
One of the places we've played at a few times has new owners and they came up with a great idea to save money - do away with live music.
No live music, very few people there on Friday / Saturday night. So a couple of the bar staff there have convinced the owners that live music brings in the people, and they've decided to trial it with 2 bands (1 being us), so we will see what happens when we play there in August

 

[dbase]

I've had a good year.. I've managed to book 13 good paying outdoor music fests for my band this year. About 3 gigs per month.. we take the winter off and play an ocasional bar gig for fun. We practice every Monday to keep our chops up and learn new songs. It's a constant struggle to get repeating gigs when there are many other cover bnads in the area.

 

[MrLenny1]

Slow, 2 gigs so far. Local market is mostly acoustic solo/duo since Covid.