Outdoor Gig. Dirt Stage. Ground cover?

[Already In Use]

I booked an outdoor gig providing my PA system for the event along with music. It's a 5k run. Learned today I will be setting up on the ground...dirt! I'm thinkin about putting down a tarp to control dust and the collateral dirt infestation of my stuff. Is this a decent idea? Suggestions? I'm committed. The event is a few weeks out. Thanks..Peace!

 

[remainthesame]

certainly wouldnt hurt

 

[klaus486]

I'd totally do something like that. Maybe even think about some plywood or wood strips to lift them just a bit and add stability on what's sure to be an uneven surface. Also have a plan for rain!

 

[Exploiter8]

Maybe someone can donate a flatbed trailer for the event?

X8

 

[Dave W]

I would put something under whatever equipment is sitting on the ground.

 

[rtslinger]

We did the tarp thing once the heat that reflected off it was murder. We had a tarp stage thing at a private party do under the amps only would work best.

 

[scottbass]

Also have a plan for rain!

+ a million on this!

Get a box (or two) of those large lawn-cleanup plastic leaf bags. When it starts raining, put a bag over each speaker, slide the mixer into a bag, put a bag over each amp, put a bag over each mic stand, etc. You'll need another tarp to cover the drum kit, and another tarp if there is a large keyboard.

 

[dalkowski]

What about pallets to get your gear off the ground? Speaker stands?

Good luck!

 

[MegaSwing]

I'm thinking it's a good idea to secure the tarp to the ground with stakes. I have a similar gig this weekend at a private party under a tent, and that's what I'm going to do in lieu of a stage for the band. Setting up on bare ground is the pits.

 

[Bassbubble11]

Maybe rent a dance floor.

 

[Already In Use]

We are supposed to be under a big tent. The stake down idea is a good one IMO. Rain? I pack up fast..Unplug the main power and start loading! What's funny is learning things like this, in this example, after the fact. What I need to do EXTRA would garner a bit more money. I have speaker stands. Subs would be on the ground. Amps. mixers on a table and or stands.

We tried the flatbed trailer a few years back. We dont fit well only 8 feet deep. I can tell the promoter of this event isnt really going the distance for anybody. Still trying to pin down electricity. If none...I bring my own which would cost more money again. Too late...cant up the price! Grateful for the work. The devil is always in the details missed by the "expert" event organizers, promoters.

Peace and thanks!

 

[Already In Use]

Maybe rent a dance floor.

Thats really cool! Not in this budget. I will remember that for outdoor gigs.

 

[Phalex]

You're going to want a stage of sorts, even if it's plywood sheets on top of pallets.

Who's supplying power? Make sure everything is well grounded! (Another reason not to be in contact with the dirt.) Google Leslie Harvey.

Some sort of protection for both the band, and the PA stuff is a great idea. You'll want to stay dry if it rains, and you'll probably want shade if it's sunny. Also be aware that the wind can blow your bass (or guitars) over if they are sitting on stands. (I usually tuck mine in back on the lee side of my amp to minimize this risk)

5K run sounds like there may be children in attendance. Children do not seem to have respect for your stuff, and have no concept of boundaries. If there are kids running around, keep an extra close eye on your stuff!

 

[shaft311]

Ugh. Risk vs reward here.

 

[N. Kentucky Bass]

Assuming the rental of a stage is not possible, you will be performing on dirt. I run into this situation playing outdoors at wineries and try to keep gear out of the dirt as much as possible.

• Use an instrument stand to keep the bass elevated when not in use.
• A plastic folding stool will elevate the cab(s). Mine holds up to 300 pounds.
• Put your amp on top of the cab, and use the extra space for pedal(s).
• Also be prepared for filthy cables, especially if you're not using wireless. Bring several rags and use those to wipe down the dusty gear when you break down, otherwise you'll track the filth into gear bags, your car and house.

Have fun! It's dirty work, but someone has to do it!

 

[F-Clef-Jef]

What about pallets to get your gear off the ground? Speaker stands?

Good luck!

This. We did a tent gig last summer, and as a precaution we put the speakers on pallets. Of course it rained, and one side of the PA would have been in a 2-3 inch deep puddle were it not for the pallets under it.

Also double check your power and grounding. Some of those portable power situations can get downright dangerous...

 

[lustersilk]

Don't forget your pedal boards. They probably have the most potential for damage in this situation. I'd throw some cheap rugs out for this.

 

[N. Kentucky Bass]

One other thing about pedals: if there's no overhead cover, the sun can make it difficult to see LED readouts. Bring something that can stand next to the pedals to cast a shadow and shield the sun in order to ease seeing the displays. Otherwise you'll be squatting throughout sets every time you want to change a setting.

 

[Already In Use]

Schitt! More things I didnt think about...especially power/grounding/dirt. And rain making puddles. I emailed over a contract covering most of what was pointed out. Waiting for the signed reply and the deposit. BTW...This is not a live performance..however the tips for a live outdoor performance are really good ones. The last one of those we did it was really windy. Sucked big time. This gig will pay pretty good...$400.00. It's long. They need the PA for 6 hours...not the music. I found a 10 by 20 tan tarp online for like 25 bucks with holes to stake it down. Ordering that. This site is amazing! Thanks.

 

[Already In Use]

Children do not seem to have respect for your stuff, and have no concept of boundaries. If there are kids running around, keep an extra close eye on your stuff!

How true! I have a roll of caution tape that I have HAD to use before to keep kids of all ages away from our gear and to keep them from walking thru the stage area. Folks are no quite getting it if nobody is there to keep the stage area secured.