Bluewine

I like playing music in a band because it allows me a space where I'm in complete control. If I'm impaired or in some altered state I'm no longer in control. Daryl

A DUI (driving under the influence) in the States after fines and legal fees could easily cost you 10k. No thanks. Daryl

This is for the guys in this for money. Not so much for those primarily in this for fun. I think this guy is credible. I always thought if you were on tour on a bus with a popular signed act you'd be rolling in cash. Let me know what you think Daryl

I'm starting to see more and more reports of poor attendance . What does this say about the future of live music? Daryl

Interesting, over here it's not a pass / fail proposition. If they pull out the breathalyzer and put you through the little physical exercise even if you can do it your still riding back to the station with them. Daryl

Nobody calls me for anything. I wish I could dep. Lol As for agents, we do pretty good on our own. However, we're like most people, life circumstances can get in the way. And the agents here only handle the top tier cover bands. Daryl

Dave, I wish I was that busy . I'll take 70-80 engaged folks any day of the week. My gig piggy bank is dwindling at a rapid pace. Daryl

The Ric looks they way it should. SWEET! Daryl

Sounds like a fun night to me. Daryl

So I guess my idea for UK Bar/Pub tour for my band wouldn't work out well. Lol Daryl

Hi Dave, Hope you had a good week. No gigs for me until 5/25 at The Harley Motor Restaurant. Nice contracts. They do direct deposit. Everything is detailed in the contract, hours, breaks, fee,food and drinks comped and close load in parking. One of the few that do it right. I know there are exceptions. However I'm also in the "give those freebies a rest" camp. Especially when they get *" chincy" with food and drink. Daryl * Not sure if that's a word. I stole it from George Harrison when commenting on the $1,000.00 SNL offered to pay for a Beatles Reunion. Lol

We have several multi band festivals and fairs booked for summer 2024. Unfortunately modest "turn outs" are apart of the business and something most of us have to deal with. I really struggle with low attendance Daryl

We do some Susan Tedeschi, John Prine, Buddy Miles and some Tom Petty. Not traditional covers. And our band is very heavy on guitar solos. Traditional covers in my area are the bands that play "Don't Stop Believing" by Journey Daryl

Were not a traditional cover band . We do ok in bookings with a full summer schedule. However we don't get the same caliber of gigs the top local cover bands get.

Unfortunately gigging is about what the crowd likes and wants to hear. Gigging is not about our personal taste. Daryl

Cool pics! Daryl

" These Things Happen " That's what my Dad told my Mom when he came home loaded at 3am with our new car smashed up beyond recognition in 1966. Lol Daryl

Cool, I'm a huge Zap fan. Yeah, I'm going to chalk it up as one of those "shot in the dark" gigs. This one didn't work out. Daryl

Most of our fairs and festivals are free. And that will include multiple stages (some nice and some not so nice) several local bands and a known signed headliner national act every night. Most major festivals are atleast 3 days. Daryl

Thanks Mart, We have a thriving local live band music scene here. However it's all free. It's not 1980, people are not going to pay to see local bands no matter how good they are or how much you promote and advertise. Daryl

Hi Dave, No paid rehearsal. The organisers have officially canceled the show. I'm bummed too. This was a classy room with a beautiful oversized bar. I was concerned about this gig as soon as I found out it was not apart of their outside roof top summer live music series. Is there anything to be learned here? Daryl

Update: I just received this text from the band leader. "If Thelma leaves it up to us, how do you guys feel about playing to a small crowd in a big venue?" I'm opting to do it. I don't have anything else to do. Lol Daryl

You guys know I get worried about ticketed events. We're not that kind of band. We do fine when we stay in our lane, festivals and fairs. Anyway I got a text from our band leader yesterday. " Hi guys:) It’s looking like Thelma is going to postpone the show Friday🙁 not enough tickets sold. I’ll keep you posted but wanted to give you a heads up. I’m emailing with the event coordinator. We sold 13 tickets, doesn't seem like they have a built in crowd. I'll confirm when they give me a definitive." The same organization has a roof top summer music series. Every Thursday night they have a band, food trucks, booze vendors and it's free. Now that gig has a huge built in crowd. That gig would be in our lane . Oh well, I guess it goes with the territory. Daryl

That looks like our Pabst Theatre in Milwaukee. Daryl

For the past 15 years it's always been an equal 4 way split. Tips can be huge ( I've seen as much as $ 900.00) over here and we split that equally, however we will share some of our tips with the bar staff. Daryl