Bluewine

It took 15 years but we finally were able to graduate from pub/bar gigs. Most gigs are upscale events where we play 80 minute. No more 8-12 gigs. We're pretty good with socials and networking with decision makers at the county , municipal and State level . Blue

"Ridiculously huge amounts of money." That's best kind of money to get. Lol 😆 Blue

I would bet a few folks here don't live in " find another band " territory . Areas where opportunities are limited. Blue

I think the reason I'm still in this band after 15 years is because I never clear the air or say anything. Lol 😆 Blue

Anyone willing to share their thoughts ? For me it would be more overall communication and transparency. But at the same time I don't think we're a band that can do that. Blue

I see Ringo will be in town soon, Milwaukee WI. I plan on going to see him. Blue

Harley Benton ? Blue

This is great point for gigging guys. Me; I know playing sitting down is easier than standing up and playing. I wish I could be more disciplined and practice standing up. Blue

If he does I'll hire him.😂 Blue

That might work for some guys. Me, I'm not a " wing it" guy. Blue

Agreed, I think my guy thought he could get by with his looks. Blue

I was going to bring up the same point. Showing up for an audition, you know the songs but the band doesn't . A very frustrating scenario indeed . Here's a thought, if your auditioning for people you don't know always ask how long the other members have been with the band You might be auditioning for a guy that's trying to save a sinking ship. Meaning they were not only auditioning bass players bur drummers, singers and guitarists. And the guys you played with at the audition were new members that barely knew the audition. Blue

That's a good benchmark.👍 Blue

Played correctly no songs are easy, not for me.. Perfect example, " I Get Around" by The Beach Boys. However there was plenty of time to learn 4 oldies. Blue

It was my mistake and embarrassing. Now that I think about it my guy is not an " I need the money " guy. Blue

Exactly, and nobody is hiring me for my looks.😀 And in the case I outlined, I recommended a dud. How's that make me look ? Blue

I'd say it's a community and a resource for information. I'm a Yankee and have learned allot about the difference in band and gigging culture between both sides of the pond. Blue

Would love to hear your thoughts about guys showing up for auditions unprepared. A few weeks ago I referred an opportunity to a friend. This was a legit opportunity with top notch guys with an agent and ready to go out make money and gig. This is not a start up band. This was an opportunity for guys that want and need money from playing. Not for the " I don't need the money I just want to play" guys. It's an oldies act and they needed a bass player that could harmonize. My friend was given 4 songs to audition and he shows up for the audition unprepared. If it was a a start up or questionable opportunity I somewhat get why a guy would limit the effort put forth. This was " money in the bank" You've all heard this question before. Why do guys do this? Me, if I commit to an audition I'll show up owning those 4 songs. If I don't own them I'll cancel the audition. Doesn't that make more sense than showing up not knowing the material? Blue

You guys are probably allot more mechanical and handy than me. I'd take it to a reputable luthier. If I tried to install a new bridge the bass would be un-playable. 😀 Blue

I know, weird how that happens. After our set I went out to the bar in the lobby alone to see if I'd get recognized and get a little attention. A guy came up to me and started asking me about my tone and playing. Before he could get a few words out I interrupted him and merely said " Busy ! " Lol 😄 Daryl

More pics.

Pice from last nights show at The Bend Theatre. Not my best night. The Theatre was packed, around 350 people. Nice dressing rooms comped with high end pizza and drinks. The real take away for me was, doing these hour and 20 minute theatre shows I find were positioned where were have to put more energy into the show than you would put into a 4 hour bar gig. I was wore out at the end of the show. Blue

Full Maple Road gig Saturday night. We'll play for an hour and 20 minutes. Blues has been called America's only true original American music art form; whether it's Chicago blues, delta blues, New Orleans blues, or southern rockin' blues. These blues bands showcase the diversity of what the term 'blues' is all about. A 2-day festival of live Blues music you don't want to miss! Buy a ticket for day 1 (Friday, 4/21/2023) or day 2 (Saturday, 4/22/2023) OR buy a 2-day pass to experience both nights of The Bend's first ever Kettle Moraine Blues Fest. Friday, 4/21/2023: Night 1 of Kettle Moraine Bluesfest (Friday, 4/21/2023) features The Dave Steffen Band followed by The Cash Box Kings. Saturday, 4/22/2023: Night 2 of Kettle Moraine Bluesfest (Saturday, 4/21/2023) features Maple Road Blues Band followed by The Jimmys. By presenting an eclectic of blues, rock, and folk jams, Maple Road Blues Band is a band that does not fall short of keeping an audience entertained and intrigued. While honoring musical heroes and legends, the group also strives to craft original and memorable tunes that allow each band member and the audience to interpret the music. Doors open at 6:30 PM to give you time to find your seats, visit our historic lobby, concession stand and fully stocked bar! Show begins at approximately 7:30 PM

We've had 3 really good gigs in a row. However, we had a real stinker about a month ago. Upscale restaurant , however it was not a music crowd. They come to eat and then they leave. Why do these folks book bands when they know they don't have a music crowd? Blue

We have the same LEDs.👍 Blue