Hiring Bands...

[MaryO]

Okay guys and gals...just looking for a little help here. A motorcycle cafe racer group I belong to is putting together a big event this summer (Mods vs Rockers Rally) and we plan on having music. There will be one big outdoor venue and several indoor setups (mostly local taverns/bars). Somehow I have been put in charge of hiring the bands (lucky me). I am pretty lucky in that someone gave me a great resource on finding local bands but here's my question...

When you are hired to play a gig what do you expect to find when you arrive? For our oudoor venue we are working on a stage and electrical set up but beyond that, is it standard for the event coordinators to provide anything further or do bands usually bring all of their own stuff? I've never done this before so any advice would be helpful. Not sure what I've gotten myself into but should be fun. It better be, the even takes place on my birthday! lol. (PS, the outdoor part of the event should be taking place strictly during daylight hours so lighting shouldn't be a factor (should it?)

Arrgh...I'm so green. Any help or advice is appreciated. And any Rockers (like me) or Mods that want to come and join in the fun in Cincinnati on June 2 are welcome :)

[MaryO]

Okay, I've already been told we should also look at providing a sound guy so I'm working on that and have a contact for that as well. Anything else?

[Dr_Watso]

-A clear, easy load in spot for the bands to park and get their stuff on-stage is a very welcome thing. You'd be surprised how many times I've asked this question and the person coordinating 3 bands just shrugs and points vaguely. Make sure the area is kept clear of patrons and is only for band load in and out.

-Dollies and wheeled flat carts are great and can help especially if there's a bit of a jaunt from load in spot to the stage.

-Tell the bands exactly what the electrical situation will be like well ahead of time. How many circuits, with how many amps on each? Have lots of extension cords and good power strips available in case they're needed.

-As well, if not all the bands can setup at the same time (small stage) then it's very nice to have a dedicated "staging area" where the band can set things down, tune up, the drummer should have room to open up a few stands and make a mock setup, which helps reduce band-swap times.

-Be up-front about payment terms. Will they get a check before leaving? Does it depend on the take at the door? Is there free beer?

-Don't depend on "demo" tapes if you can help it when booking. A band can sound good on a demo and still not have their live act together. Ask for references with other venues they've played at.

-Set a schedule and stick to it like the world ends if you don't. Unfortunately, if you give an inch, you'll get walked on. Tell each band when they go on, and when they must stop playing so the next band can get on with it.

That's kinda off the top of my head, I'm sure others will chime in shortly. If you get a decent sound guy, he might have you relay additional information about how he's designing sound... Sometimes it's nice to know if everything will go through a soundboard, or if the levels will be set more on each amp, etc.

[keep it simple]

What's already mentioned plus, to clarify, you say you have a sound guy, does that mean you've hired a full PA system too? If not, you need to.

Most professional PA companies have their own sound engineer. A good company will want to know how many bands are playing, changeover schedule, size of bands & variety of instruments. You'll need power, & plenty of it. Again, a good PA company will specify the size of generator required (+ headroom to allow for rear line gear), or arrange that as part of the package. A good PA company is as vital as a good selection of quality bands.

As you're a drummer, & the band organiser, do the whole drumming world a favour, & put your foot down regarding any thoughts of a common rear line kit for the bands to use :)

A good way of reducing changeover time, is to alternate between bigger setup bands & solo/duo acts as appropriate.

Oh boy, have you taken on a task here! :)

[MaryO]

thanks guys. This helps. I haven't talked to the sound guy yet but from what I understand he also has the PA set up but I will definitely talk with him about it.

I really appreciate the input about keeping the bands on time as well..I'll keep this mind for sure. Also the tip of alternating the band sizes is a great one.

I think the load in spot should be taken care of as I've been at this outdoor venue before and it seems as if there is a dead end street right behind the stage area that would be easy to block off and use for their loading area. I'll double check on that though.

We're working on the electrical situation now so hopefully I'll have a good idea of what that's going to consist of soon and will be able to let them know exactly what we'll have.

KIS - I didn't exactly so much take it on as it was thrust upon me. It actually scares the hell out of me. Keep your fingers crossed I don't fall flat on my face on this one! Eventually I'd like to be a part of the local music scene...screwing this up and pissing off a band or two would keep me out of anyone's circle of musicians for sure! Yikes.

[Spreggy]

A tech rider is a great thing to help your sound co. prep for the day. Just a form that the band can list their equipment on, how many mics, what they connect through, any weird tech going on like sequencers or who knows what. Then your sound co. can lay out the cables and monitors to fit everyone for easy change-outs.

[MaryO]

Just a quick update...our big event is this weekend and I have 3 awesome bands booked and ready to go! I really wanted to just thank all of you for your advice and let you know I took it to heart and it looks like it's all going to work out :)

If any of you are in the Cincinnati area, come join me at the Queen City Mods vs. Rockers Rally on Saturday. Hear some great music and see some great bikes and scoots and celebrate my birthday with me :)

Thanks again...I would have never been able to get through this task without your help. Drummerworld saves the day (and my arse), yet again.

MaryO

[aaajn]

This sounds awesome. I was involved in a similar thing a few weeks back and I learned a ton about music that you won't get in practice. For the most part, the good bands are on time, they are polite, they know their stuff. Mostly they cooperated. I doubt that is always the way it is but it was for this weekend.

What a great experience.

My only advice, bring a big ass roll of duct tape. How many lives has that stuff saved?
J

[Otto]

You tend to get what you pay for.

If you decide to go the free or low cost semi-pro route take some time and go to your local animal shelter...

...borrow a truckload of cats and release them on your lawn and practice herding them.

Once you have that mastered, lock down every removable item that might get 'mixed in' when its tear-down time.


Not always the case...but there is a reason for "pro" bands charging what they do...they will give you a professional experience beyond just the music.


Always meet all the members of the band if you dont know the leader well...and dont hire them if you get any feeling that they might be problematic...really helps to have a history in treating drug addiction to be able to spot the guys who will target the bar...possibly even before they show up at yours.

Im sure you prob came up with these thoughts on your own...


oh..and having a good friend who is a Emergeny Medical Tech and owns their own portable defibrillator is a god send...but prob not what you will be tasked with it sounds like : )