Bluewine

Agreed, those of us that have been around for a few summers know that bands with no plan but a lot of "talk", usually turn out to be just that. A lot of talk. Blue

I think it would be difficult if not impossible to depend on gig money to pay a mortgage. However there are those with extremely low mortgage payments. Still nothing wrong with an extra $400.00 bucks in your wallet after a weekend of gigging. Blue

I always have fun playing, however I don't play for fun.I play for a set fee. This thread is about those looking for bands in order to gig and make money consistently. Blue

That's a legitimate point or position. However, it gets back to one of my bullet points. Is depping realistic for everyone? Personally there's no band that I'd have depping opportunities with. Depping is not real big in my neck of the woods. And depping isn't really joining a band. Blue

Remember Pub and Bar bands also play festivals and fairs, which by the way, are not merely handed to any band. It takes a business strategy to land those gigs. The list may or may not be overkill. We're talking about busy bands with consistent bookings. My position , it rarely happens with a " Willy Nilly" or Loosey Goosey" approach to the business. Blue

When looking for a band or when looking for a busy working band? There might be a difference. Blue

I played with my fingers , traditional East Coast 70s style funk and R&B for most of my life. I started playing back in the mid 60s. About 10 years ago I switched to using a pick. I was playing more aggressive rock and found a pick helped develop the tone I was after and found it easier a IMO a better way to execute licks and riffs. Blue

An old topic , but always a good discussion. Bar and Pub Band Level Finding a gigging band is a challenge for most of us. A lot of it depends on where you live, how long you've been on the scene and how well your networked. Walking into an established band with a nice book of business is very rare for most of us. I'll start with a few bullet points to reveiw and discuss. 1. Look at the area you live in and determine if seeking out a gigging band is even realistic. 2. Look at your skill set, understand your strengths, weaknesses and experience. What can you bring to a band. 3. Only audition for bands that meet most of your requirements. 4. Make sure you understand the history and infrastructure of the band. A. What is their business model for booking. Do they have a member that's good at sales and maintaining business. How much business is from reaching out for new business, existing business and call ins. What's the percentage breakdown. B. Does the band own their own production with off stage talent ( dedicated sound and lighting) C. How much personal turnover has the band gone through over the past 12 months. 5. What type of reputation does the band have as well as the individual members? 6. What type of social media presence does the band have? I guess there are still some successful gigging bands with none. But to be honest, I have no idea how a gigging band can get by without it. 7. Last but not least. Make sure your Flake-Ometer is on at all times when checking out an opportunity. You decide what's important to you. Joining the wrong band can be frustrating and could potentially sour you on being in bands forever. Love to hear your comments. Blue

I'm 65 and gigging more than ever. I just happened to join the right band with the right infrastructure 7 years ago. Opportunities with bands with consistent bookings are hard to come by regardless of where you live. Blue

I like Scott's free tutorials. I can't justify a paid membership. IMO, Scott is only for guys willing and able to do the hard work. Blue

Our gig yesterday turned out to be pretty good. Bilda's Friess Lake Pub (not really a Pub)was a new venue for us. We played outside, musically we were on. It was a nice gig because of the crowd, a lot of new faces and support. $150.00 in tips alone. We needed a good gig under our belt. Blue

I do, however it's a much smaller carpet.:) Blue

Nice Job! I love trios. Blue

This is our second outside gig of the season this Sunday. THIS SUNDAY! Join Maple Road LIVE @ Bilda’s Friess Lake Pub for some outdoor Sunday Funday rockin’ blues! Great food and a fantastic beer selection are 2 more reasons to join the party. Bring a comfy chair, it’s going to fill up fast! Bilda's Friess Lake Pub 4493 Hwy 167, Hubertus 3:00-7:00

Agreed, Unacceptable behavior Dave. Blue

Andy, heres the short version of a long story. I had pain in my right hip for 2 years and walked with a limp. My doctor changed and added a new prescription drug. The pain was gone within days. I hope something dramatic and unexpected happens for you like what happened to me. Blue

Yes, we all stay to tear down, pack and load lights and sound. Nobody splits while others are working. Blue

Nice Job, love those vocals. Blue

That's my Gibson Custom Shop ES- 335 in Vintage Faded Cherry with Vanilla Binding. Blue

I know exactly where your coming from, been there more times than I care to admit. Love your honesty too, it happens to all of us that are working in the trenches of local level gigs. I still maintain, at the local level even if the band is great your going to lose under those circumstances. Hopefully next weekend will be better for both of us. We have our second outside gig of the season and it's a new venue for us. Any land Lords or owners here? If yes why do you book bands if your clientele has no interest? I'm not trying to be flipant, I'm thinking there must be a reason or some sort of logic here. Blue

I'm still not happy with the last two gigs. 1.We played a Harley Event yesterday, 2.Nice stage and back drop 3.Awesome sound 4. Great pay 5.Great weather, 89° and sunny. 6. Professionally Organized Nice tent with beer, water, soda and sandwiches for the band. However, with an 11:30am-1:30pm slot it was more like a paid rehearsal, no crowd. Blue

It's really tough. The way I think bass should sound and mixed is based on 50 years of gigging. A millennial sound guy might have different ideas on how bass should sound and fall into the mix. I'm not getting involved with sound engineering. Knowing my parts and performing is enough as it is. Blue

Probably not. However, The Stones are pretty generous with giving Daryl the spot light with Keith and Ronnie. More than most would expect. Blue

I don't. Depends on the band and the genre. Daryl Jones switches basses for almost every song. I contend it's part of the show. Daryl could use the same P Bass for every eong and he'd be just fine Blue

Not in Milwaukee. There are to types of cover bands here. 1. Very professional cover bands that put a ton of work into their shows and do a fantastic job with covers. 2. Cover bands that don't put much work into their show that aren't worth going to see. Blue