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Outdoor Gig. Dirt Stage. Ground cover?
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I've done a few outdoor gigs, private parties and whatnot. When on dirt/grass I used floor mats for my pedal boards. At the time I was using a pedal board for bass and a PK-5 MIDI foot controller. Didn't want either one of those sitting on the ground with nothing underneath!
After seeing someone almost die from electric shock, I made it a policy to never set up on grass or bare ground. It's just asking for trouble. If someone can organize an outdoor event, they can organize some king of stage or at least spring for a dozen sheets of 3/4" plywood, some 2 by 4s, and a couple boxes of drywall screws.
GFCI ... absolutely. I always use one for outdoor gigs, especially when my feet are on the ground.
+10000. Most small event planners don't realize the hazards. I usually just express that we are really excited to play your event but we need to address the safety issue at hand. Get everyone/thing off the ground, some how someway. If you ate under a tent then I would see if the organizer can locate two 8x20 trailers and pull them in side by side so you have 16x20,albeit with a big seam in the middle. Put the drums back line maybe keyboards on back trailer. Front trailer for standing musicians. The coordinator might get a local trailer dealer to donate the use for advertisement. No how, no way do I play with feet in the dirt.
Yes, use some kind of ground cover.
I got stuck on a gig where they put us in a horse parade.
Full of dust and dried horse ****, my God! My gear was full of dust of weeks.
I always say this, I HATE OUTDOOR GIGS.
I got stuck on a gig where they put us in a horse parade.
Full of dust and dried horse ****, my God! My gear was full of dust of weeks.
I always say this, I HATE OUTDOOR GIGS.
YES! Do something to get your gear off the soil. I played a wedding once where we were on grass, of all things. I think it rained earlier that day too, IIRC. Anyway, everytime I got too close to my microphone, my lips got shocked. I was afraid my keyboard rig was going to fry too. It was a nerve wracking gig, honestly. All this powered gear running via extension cords to 120 volt house power from an outlet in some dude's backyard. 2 synths, powered mixer, powered PA & speakers, guitar amps, microphones, etc. and it's all sitting directly on the ground.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!
If I'd have known ahead of time that I'd be setting up all this powered gear on soil (wet grass) I'd have brought a few wooden pallets to set up on.
If you have any buddies that work in a warehouse or driving truck or anything like that, see if they can get you some wooden pallets to borrow for the day. Home Dept/Lowe's should have some rolls of rubbing mat that you can put over the top of the pallets too. That might help even the surface out. With a few pallets, a few pieces of plywood, and some rubber mat material, you can make yourself a little stage.
