Bluewine

All it takes is one good one. Blue

I'm not sure that's the point. My point is calling out those that are too lazy to learn a cover properly. I'm sure Gail can play Bowie's catalog inside out and anyway she wants. Blue

Exactly, it's not about playing it exactly like the original recording. It's about taking the time to understand the song and learning it properly. What a band wants to do with it after that is fine. Blue

It's one thing if they don't have the chops or ability to cover a song, but when they have the ability but aren't willing to do it, that's frustrating. Blue

Contrary to common belief learning and covering songs is not easy. It takes committment, drive, ability and time to do it properly. This is just my theory , I think people with strong backgrounds in originals resist learning covers because they feel it's beneath them. I'm sorry but in actuality it's because they probably don't have what it takes to learn a cover properly. What's so frustrating is there are tons of good bass and guitar YouTube tutorials showing you exactly how to play a song from start to end. I have first hand experience with folks that absolutely refuse to learn covers properly. And they all have a million poor excuses. The real reason is, they don't want to put in the work required. Sorry for the rant, but this is a " hot button" topic for me. Blue

You guys are frightening me with so many posts that mention dreadful weather. It can t be dreadful all the time. Blue

I have two, great stands. The tripod release is tight but no big deal. Blue

We've been out there for 13 years, not one decent video. I stay quiet about it. It doesn't seem like it's anything the other band members have an interest in. By the way not many good photos either. Blue

Don't lose this pic, it's brilliant. Not many of us could produce a pic this cool. I have tons of pics and none come close to what the photographer captured here Blue

Agreed! Blue

You guys have heard me say a million times, only audition when you have clearly defined what you expect from and are looking for in a band experience. I'd pay attention to the guy that knows what he's looking for. I'll throw this out there,if your band has a heavy gigging schedule I'd be careful about bringing a drummer in with little to no gigging experience. Drummers with traditional full time jobs, a wife and young family can be problematic with bands that gig 2-3 times a week. Bring in the best person for the band not the best drummer. Blue

So, when I go to have the strings replaced on my Hofner, I'll ask them to use D'Addarios and I'm good? Blue

My German made Hofner Limited Edition Club Bass. Blue

Cool, all large festivals are different. We've played Summerfest for the past 7 years.Opening for the likes of Gary Clark Jr. And Peter Frampton all on the strength of knowing a Summerfest board member. It's an hour set with above average pay.No auditions or video or CD submittel. To be honest and I've shared this here before. I don't think our band is good enough for Summerfest. I've never been happy with our performances. We're a great dance hall / bar band, but our act does not transend to the large festival stages. There's probably a lot of good local bands that will never play Summerfest because they don't know the right people. There are contests you can win to play Summerfest, however it's for no pay and not a main stage. I'm always suspicious of contest judging And at least for Summerfest I still contend that opening acts don't get the same level of sound as the headliner. Blue

99% of our gigs are local, half hour or less in most cases. We only travel once or twice a year and we make sure we charge appropriately. We do a gig every year in Minnesota, that's 3 hours one way. We, charge $1,500.00 and now that I think about it, that's not really enough. Blue

Ok, I get that, however a 3 hour drive and he wouldn't comp anything? That be a tough one for me unless the pay is outstanding. Blue

Those main stage slots usually have nothing to do with how good a band is. In the States the major festival main stage slots are all about who you know. Blue

I've seen a lot worse set ups. We played a restaurant that books live music . It was so small we couldn't bring in lights or sound. But the place was packed and the crowd was fantastic. A good engaged crowd will make up for a lot of other evils we have to deal with. Blue

You guys really value free food at gigs. Must be a cultural thing I never eat at gigs. I did get a $75. 00 gift certificate from our New Year's Eve gig. I like that. Blue

When your an old timer like me that learned songs from moving that needle back and fourth on a machine called a " record player" YouTube song tutorials are great. However, I know the type . The type that would rather not learn the material than look at a YouTube clip showing you exactly how to play a song. That would be way to much work. Blue

This is a stretch, but if your playing with guys that have traditional full time jobs and family, the band will never be a priority to them. Blue

Nice, Sunday afternoon gigs can because hit or miss. Blue

That's the way to do it. Nice story Blue

I must sound like a broken record People want different things out of a band. Some guys want very little, just the opportunity to play/ rehearse once a week is enough. Some guys want a lot, specific genre, gigs booked and money. Age matters, a would think what a 21 years old is looking for might be different than what a 60 year old wants. My point is, if you don't know what your looking for more than likely you will be disappointed Blue

The only decent resource for publically advertised opportunities we have is MilwaukeeRocks. The Bass Player Wanted section has had absolutely no opportunities for over 3 months. Blue