How many gigs did you play this year?

[mimaz]

Since the TalkBass community contains everything from hobbyists that don't gig at all, to weekend warriors, to full time professionals (and everything in between)....I started to wonder how many gigs everyone is playing.

Personally, I work with 2 bands on a very regular basis, and 2-3 more regularly, but with a more limited schedule. Throw it all together, and I did 90-something gigs per year the last couple of years. This year I conciously tried to dial it back a bit, but just went thru my calendar and discovered that I will have done 85 gigs this year (if nothing additional comes up in the next few weeks).

So.....I pose the question....how many gigs for you this year? Are you planning to step up the number next year, or dial it back a little?

 

[dreads311]

For the past 5-6 years of my bands 10 year existence, we've played 190-210 shows a year. We're all happy with this so we wouldn't really consider doing any more than that (and definitely not less than 190).
Yes. I'm a full-timer.

 

[DWBass]

Bad year for me. I had exactly 5! First year in 10 I didn't have a regular band/gig!

 

[RevCrookedMouth]

We are attempting to do it full-time but can't get the shows or get our own schedules lined up (we all have families and work). So I think 4 total. Definitely not 190!

 

[BassCliff]

Hi,

A quick perusal of my calendar shows 98 musical engagements this year, not counting unpaid rehearsals or backyard BBQ jam sessions. Not too bad for a weekend warrior, I guess.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Keep breaking those legs.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

 

[HolmeBass]

You guys double-dipping and getting to ~90 gigs a year impress me no end!

I have a day job, and for the last decade have averaged 51 gigs a year (that doesn't include jam sessions even if public). I am not sure how many for 2014 but I bet it will be a step down since I Stopped gigging for the most part this fall to get my leg fixed up.

 

[dreads311]

I should also add that, while cool, having that many gigs requires A LOT of driving. I put approximately 35,000 miles a year on my car (we're based in Philadelphia but play everywhere from Virginia to Vermont). Plus, doing taxes on a 1099 suuuucks. Every April, I always owe a chunk of coin to Uncle Sam (even after mileage and all write-offs). We'll leave time MIA from family and friends for another time. Such is the life, tho.

 

[mimaz]

I hear ya! "Back in the day" when I could still work 3-4 nights a week, my number was much higher also, but things change, like family, kids, friends, etc. Also, music is no longer my primary source of income, so I'm not seeking the "full-time" status any longer.

Still, 90-ish gigs is a bunch, and that definitely doesn't include rehearsals, etc. Oh....forgot to mention that my "day-gig" keeps me busy 50+ hours per week. No wonder I'm always tired.

 

[dreads311]

I hear ya! "Back in the day" when I could still work 3-4 nights a week, my number was much higher also, but things change, like family, kids, friends, etc. Also, music is no longer my primary source of income, so I'm not seeking the "full-time" status any longer.

Still, 90-ish gigs is a bunch, and that definitely doesn't include rehearsals, etc. Oh....forgot to mention that my "day-gig" keeps me busy 50+ hours per week. No wonder I'm always tired.

Working 50+ hours a week AND having 90ish gigs a year ain't nothing to shake a stick at. I know a couple cats in my scene that gig about as much as me and do a 9-5. I have NO idea how they pull that off.

 

[mimaz]

Working 50+ hours a week AND having 90ish gigs a year ain't nothing to shake a stick at. I know a couple cats in my scene that gig about as much as me and do a 9-5. I have NO idea how they pull that off.

Caffeine is your friend.

 

[dreads311]

Caffeine is your friend.

 

[stonehenge]

Weird how the numbers worked out but if everything goes to plan I will hit 100 on New Years Eve.

 

[lowfreq33]

I didn't keep count this year, but I averaged 7-8 a week. So about 400-ish.

 

[tbirdsp]

Weekend warrior band - will be 36 counting NYE - we didn't play Jan-Mar though - band was in transition with personnel changes. Probably do about 40-50 next year - marriage wouldn't handle many more

 

[dreads311]

I didn't keep count this year, but I averaged 7-8 a week. So about 400-ish.

Holy cow! Are you in a house or cruise ship band?

 

[lowfreq33]

Holy cow! Are you in a house or cruise ship band?

Sort of a house band type of thing. I play for tourists in Nashville.

 

[spanndrew]

I played my first 3 this year.

 

[AaronVonRock]

30+
I'm a weekend warrior.

 

[smogg]

Very slow year for me. Only doing about 3 shows a month. That's paid gigs, I don't count the one or two unpaid rehearsals each month. Those are just an excuse for guy time away from the wives and to bring in new tunes.

 

[Febs]

I voted over 100. I'd have to check my tax records for the exact number, but I had 15-20 each in October and November and December will be 30 or so, so I'm certain its at least 100.