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I want to send a message
out to all the musicians and venues who host bands week
after week. Clean up! I know that you are artists and sometimes
care more about your music than how you look, but keeping
a clean stage can make a big difference in how you are
perceived. I know that not every venue even offers a stage – sometimes
it’s more like an 8 x 8 piece of floor space and
an outlet that is a mile away.
Bands need to come prepared, not only with
the right equipment for making a restaurant or bar sound
like a jazz hall or concert venue, but also creating a
stage setup that partially hides where they really are.
I have seen all types of efforts, spanning from a simple
banner covering a window to black curtains and LED stage
lighting. Some of you do a better job than others so I
commend you on your efforts. |
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It may take an extra hour or two of setup
time, and a little back-end investment, but the extra efforts
should pay off if your band is any good to begin with. I remember
that when I was a teenager playing records at weekend parties,
my friend and I would invest a portion of our earnings back
into our little business to ensure that we always had the most
up to date music. As for hardware, there’s always a market for used audio
and visual equipment because not everyone stays “in the
biz” forever.
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There are also lots of
places that will rent equipment so you can always offer “upgrade” options
to your venues if they are willing to pay a little more.
Wouldn’t a laser light-show add a new dimension to
your stage presence? Does your band or venue set aside
a percentage of earnings to re-invest? It might be a good
idea!
You don’t have to
spend a lot of money to make a decent impression. Run wires
so that people do not trip on them or distract viewers.
Use DUCK tape to hold them down. Set lists should not be
flying around either. A power strip holding six heavy duty
cables should not be hanging in the air unless someone
was in such a hurry to setup that they couldn’t tape
it down or find a longer cord. I have seen boxes and carts
piled up next to speakers instead of hidden in backrooms
or, at least, somewhere other than the front area. |
Find good examples of clean stages by visiting
other bands and venues on nights that you are not working.
Use the calendar at WeekendBroward.com to find out who is playing
where. Look at some of the more experienced bands or the venues
that have earned a reputation for hosting better known acts.
There’s no
reason you can’t steal some of their better ideas for a
cleaner look and become an example for the next guy who comes
along and uses you as his baseline! After all, what comes around
goes around, right?
Weekend Concierge writes a monthly blog about
the trials and tribulations of searching for free live music
in and around Fort Lauderdale, FL. Past blogs and event calendars
can be found at www.weekendbroward.com
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The views, opinions, positions or
strategies expressed by the authors and those providing
comments are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect
the views, opinions, positions or strategies of Metro
Music Mayhem. We make no representations as to accuracy,
completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of
any information contained within and will not be liable
for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information
or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its
use.
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