Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 25 of 37

Thread: Unique gig coming up...

  1. #1

    User Info Menu

    Default Unique gig coming up...

    I just confirmed a booking for a gig in early July. It's in a city that's about a 2hr drive (one way), which will be the greatest distance we have played out. It's a small bar that has live music every weekend. Seems like a cool, "blue collar" type of place. Here's the "odd" part; the weekend we're playing, the city will be having their annual music festival. There will 1,000s of people in town for the festival. The bar we're playing is right off of downtown, but literally 10 blocks away in the city park, Blackfoot and Molly Hatchet will be playing.
    I expressed concern about having to compete (albeit indirectly). The bar owner is super nice, and she assured me that the place will be busy from "overflow". I figure it's either going to be a "bust", or a really good opportunity for us to gain exposure to a new market. I'll just keep my fingers crossed and hope for the best.
    -Brian

    "Too many crappy used drum stuff to list"

    Play the SONG......not the DRUMS!!!

    "I think that feeling is a lot more important than technique. It's all very well doing a triple paradiddle - but who's going to know you've done it? If you play technically you sound like everybody else. It's being original that counts." ~ John Bonham

  2. #2

    User Info Menu

    Default Re: Unique gig coming up...

    That's awesome Brian. Sounds like a great gig and one that could possibly have a huge crowd. New venues are always fun too. Keep us posted on how it goes.

  3. #3

    User Info Menu

    Default Re: Unique gig coming up...

    That's a really long way to travel for a gig. Have fun.

  4. #4

    User Info Menu

    Default Re: Unique gig coming up...

    Yeah, that will be a loooong drive home. We really don't want to travel that far, but it's more for the fun and meeting new people and a new place. We'll get exposure in a metro area that has way more potential and (hopefully) a culture that's more receptive to unique music....as opposed to classic rock cover bands. They seem to be excited about booking us after hearing some of our stuff. It seems to be EASIER to book gigs the farther away we go. It's like there's a preconceived notion that a band from far away is somehow better than a local band. I even notice the local bars tend to hire more bands from out of our area. Maybe it's the novelty or variety of it?
    -Brian

    "Too many crappy used drum stuff to list"

    Play the SONG......not the DRUMS!!!

    "I think that feeling is a lot more important than technique. It's all very well doing a triple paradiddle - but who's going to know you've done it? If you play technically you sound like everybody else. It's being original that counts." ~ John Bonham

  5. #5

    User Info Menu

    Default Re: Unique gig coming up...

    I hope you are pleasantly surprised. I totally get your concern, too. Those weekends are a crap shoot that you will be overlooked or over flowing. The latter is a great thing.

    Either way, even though it's a long drive, it'll be a quiet one on the way home.
    Signature here

  6. #6

    User Info Menu

    Default Re: Unique gig coming up...

    Very cool Brian! A 4 hour round trip but I think the "pay-off will be good. The overflow may hinder parking too? That would me my second biggest concern over the distance traveled. Good luck and look forward to your thoughts when it's all in the "bag".

  7. #7

    User Info Menu

    Default Re: Unique gig coming up...

    Actually, we have a gig the last weekend in July at a bar about 25miles away. That one will be more unique; they fill the entire beer garden with soap suds, LOL. I've been assured that the stage will be protected with an air curtain (not the first time they did this). People wear swimsuits and party/dance all night in a huge mountain of suds. THAT one definitely has potential to be "interesting", LOL.
    -Brian

    "Too many crappy used drum stuff to list"

    Play the SONG......not the DRUMS!!!

    "I think that feeling is a lot more important than technique. It's all very well doing a triple paradiddle - but who's going to know you've done it? If you play technically you sound like everybody else. It's being original that counts." ~ John Bonham

  8. #8

    User Info Menu

    Default Re: Unique gig coming up...

    I need GPS coordinates of the soap sud party...
    Six Piece Mapex Saturn V, Five Piece DW Performance Series, NOS Slingerland Snares, Centent Ardor and Emperor Cymbals


  9. #9

    User Info Menu

    Default Re: Unique gig coming up...

    Quote Originally Posted by N2Bluz View Post
    Actually, we have a gig the last weekend in July at a bar about 25miles away. That one will be more unique; they fill the entire beer garden with soap suds, LOL. I've been assured that the stage will be protected with an air curtain (not the first time they did this). People wear swimsuits and party/dance all night in a huge mountain of suds. THAT one definitely has potential to be "interesting", LOL.
    Dude!! Suds? Holy cow man! That sounds like a lot of fun!

  10. #10

    User Info Menu

    Default Re: Unique gig coming up...

    Quote Originally Posted by N2Bluz View Post
    Actually, we have a gig the last weekend in July at a bar about 25miles away. That one will be more unique; they fill the entire beer garden with soap suds, LOL. I've been assured that the stage will be protected with an air curtain (not the first time they did this). People wear swimsuits and party/dance all night in a huge mountain of suds. THAT one definitely has potential to be "interesting", LOL.
    Yeah, I might need directions to that one. This could be a landmark invasion by Drum Chatters. LOL
    Signature here

  11. #11

    User Info Menu

    Default Re: Unique gig coming up...

    I'm still a little nervous about the suds. I can't see how you could avoid NOT getting suds on the equipment. We'll have to avoid walking through the beer garden...and that's impossible. I can clean my drums, wouldn't hurt them, but the electrical equipment with slides, switches, jacks, and guitars are another story. I'll probably bring some tarps and a big pile of old towels to wipe ourselves off before touching our stuff. However, I would LOVE to set my old Exports up in the crowd and play drums covered in soap suds, LOL.
    -Brian

    "Too many crappy used drum stuff to list"

    Play the SONG......not the DRUMS!!!

    "I think that feeling is a lot more important than technique. It's all very well doing a triple paradiddle - but who's going to know you've done it? If you play technically you sound like everybody else. It's being original that counts." ~ John Bonham

  12. #12

    User Info Menu

    Default Re: Unique gig coming up...

    Quote Originally Posted by N2Bluz View Post
    However, I would LOVE to set my old Exports up in the crowd and play drums covered in soap suds, LOL.
    Mr. Clean!

  13. #13

    User Info Menu

    Default Re: Unique gig coming up...

    Quote Originally Posted by N2Bluz View Post
    People wear swimsuits and party/dance all night in a huge mountain of suds.
    I've seen that..................it's called a FOAM PARTY.
    The suds come out of a big machine that sits above the party area and they fall down over everything and can fill a room.
    It gets crazy -- I trust the air-barrier will work to protect your gear.
    Gretsch USA & Zildjian
    (What Else Would I Ever Need ?)


  14. #14

    User Info Menu

    Default Re: Unique gig coming up...

    Brian, I have a kit you can use. Better leave now.
    Signature here

  15. #15

    User Info Menu

    Default Re: Unique gig coming up...

    Quote Originally Posted by Bish View Post
    Brian, I have a kit you can use. Better leave now.
    I got a better idea; why don't you just drive it down. Then you can sit in for me Actually, we may need a substitute bass player too, so bring one along. Preferably a well-assembled brunette
    -Brian

    "Too many crappy used drum stuff to list"

    Play the SONG......not the DRUMS!!!

    "I think that feeling is a lot more important than technique. It's all very well doing a triple paradiddle - but who's going to know you've done it? If you play technically you sound like everybody else. It's being original that counts." ~ John Bonham

  16. #16

    User Info Menu

    Default Re: Unique gig coming up...

    I'll come sit in. I don't have a bass player, but I have these guys!

    Six Piece Mapex Saturn V, Five Piece DW Performance Series, NOS Slingerland Snares, Centent Ardor and Emperor Cymbals


  17. #17

    User Info Menu

    Default Re: Unique gig coming up...

    Quote Originally Posted by N2Bluz View Post
    I got a better idea; why don't you just drive it down. Then you can sit in for me Actually, we may need a substitute bass player too, so bring one along. Preferably a well-assembled brunette
    When and where? I have vaca coming.
    Signature here

  18. #18

    User Info Menu

    Default Re: Unique gig coming up...

    you'll need to do this number (bubbles start @ around 3:00)



    Were driving 2 hours this Friday for a show in S.C.. Just a thought you guys could chip in and get a couple of rooms and come back the next day refreshed.
    RDM/Damage Poets
    UFiP TAMAHA Zildjian
    REGAL TiP
    AQUARIAN

  19. #19

    User Info Menu

    Default Re: Unique gig coming up...

    Quote Originally Posted by late8 View Post
    Mr. Clean!
    That could get "Blue Man Group" ish.

  20. #20

    User Info Menu

    Default Re: Unique gig coming up...

    Congrats that Sounds like a blast. 2hrs away I would spend the night at a local motel or something though.. not making that drive after playing a few hrs.
    Ludwig Classic Maple 22x16,10x8,12x9,16x16
    7" Moon Gel Practice Pad
    Sabian HHX Legacy

    Decide whether this is love for the craft or simply an ego thing

    http://www.redskymary.com/ NOT MY BAND, JUST A GREAT LOCAL BAND WHO SHOULD BE SOOO MUCH BIGGER IMO

  21. #21

    User Info Menu

    Default Re: Unique gig coming up...

    Quote Originally Posted by MDK View Post
    Congrats that Sounds like a blast. 2hrs away I would spend the night at a local motel or something though.. not making that drive after playing a few hrs.
    They might be booked solid if there's that many people in town.

    all the best...

  22. #22

    User Info Menu

    Default Re: Unique gig coming up...

    With 7 guys in the band, staying in a motel would cost more than we get paid, LOL. A couple guys have friends/family about an hour away from the gig, so that's an option. I don't mind the drive, just as long as someone is riding with me to keep company. You never know what you'll run in to at 3AM on a highway in the middle of Nebraska. Sasquatch, aliens, Warren Buffet........gives me chills.
    -Brian

    "Too many crappy used drum stuff to list"

    Play the SONG......not the DRUMS!!!

    "I think that feeling is a lot more important than technique. It's all very well doing a triple paradiddle - but who's going to know you've done it? If you play technically you sound like everybody else. It's being original that counts." ~ John Bonham

  23. #23

    User Info Menu

    Default Re: Unique gig coming up...

    LOL To me, in Canada, a two hour drive to anywhere...is...like..normal!

    all thr best...

  24. #24

    User Info Menu

    Default Re: Unique gig coming up...

    One of the country music bands I was in had many, many gigs where we spent more time driving than we did playing. I remember one night when my best friend rode with me and we rolled back into home town about 3am. The local police officer stopped us and claimed that I didn't give a turn signal at the stop light. I knew that I did because I saw him sitting a half block away.

    I told him, you don't need to make up an excuse for stopping me. It looks odd in a small town like this for two guys behind tinted glass (previous owner did the tinting) driving in at 3am. He laughed and told us to have a nice morning.

    GeeDeeEmm

  25. #25

    User Info Menu

    Default Re: Unique gig coming up...

    UPDATE:

    We played our gig last night (the one in the original post). It went really well. There was not a huge crowd, but we played outside in a small beer garden and it was full. There was no one inside the bar, they were all outside listening to us. Most importantly, the people that were there stayed all night and were really getting into ALL the music we played. We got tons of complements, not only about how good they thought we sounded, but also how much they loved our wide variety of music styles. Lots of dancing, hootin' and hollerin' and crowd interaction. Everyone was asking where we were from and when we would be back. We sold lots of our band's logo bumper stickers and koozies. The bartenders said everyone told them that "we were the band they want" playing there.

    There was one fight that broke out in the crowd. We actually stopped playing in the middle of a song. Our guitar player announced over the PA that if they're going to fight, we're packing up and going home, LOL. It didn't take long for things to self rectify, and we started right back up where we left off.

    Another odd thing happened. The place was only 1 block from major railroad tracks. About 10:00 we played Folsom Prison Blues (as usual). At the end of the song, exactly as we ended the song and I was doing a roll on the cymbals, a diesel train came by and blew their horn, LOL. The timing was perfect and the crowd went nuts, LOL. First time that's ever happened.
    -Brian

    "Too many crappy used drum stuff to list"

    Play the SONG......not the DRUMS!!!

    "I think that feeling is a lot more important than technique. It's all very well doing a triple paradiddle - but who's going to know you've done it? If you play technically you sound like everybody else. It's being original that counts." ~ John Bonham

Tags for this Thread

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •