Members sickman Posted May 11, 2009 Members Share Posted May 11, 2009 Never done it before... what should I expect? It is at someone's house. We're a rock n' roll band and since the guy who booked us did it based on seeing us somewhere hopefully he realizes this. We don't wear suits and ties, we don't play smooth jazz, and there's the slight possibility we will be too loud. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Hamer_Time Posted May 11, 2009 Members Share Posted May 11, 2009 Try and keep "stage" volumes down as much as possible so that you can have some clarity without killing everyone and respond to the guy who is paying you's requests (and the others) as well as you can. Otherwise, its business as usual. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members boxorox Posted May 11, 2009 Members Share Posted May 11, 2009 Well, if they knowingly hired a rock band I don't think it's the kind of party where folks stand around sipping sherry in tuxedos. Just start it as Hamer said, and don't be surprised if it get's really loose. They're there to have a good time. Only caveats: If you're outside, be prepared to cover equipment if it rains, wear sunscreen and/or a hat, drink LOTS of water, and be sparing in alcohol consumption. This last is not only so you can do a good job, but a couple of beers when you're active in the sun canmake you miserably sick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Johnny_1Nut Posted May 11, 2009 Members Share Posted May 11, 2009 ^ and have fun! Do you know the people/crowd? Usually you can tell how you'll fit from that. Flow like water, respect the property and guests and you should have a blast and maybe land some more gigs...especially since 'party' season is kinda kicking off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members ski219 Posted May 12, 2009 Members Share Posted May 12, 2009 The guy has seen you so be yourselves. That said, It aint a club; if you are starting early and people are scarfing down dinnner and just starting to mingle you may want to keep it mellow and low volume for 20 minutes or so...just sayin'. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Chicken Monkey Posted May 12, 2009 Members Share Posted May 12, 2009 Don't worry about your sound--you're what he's looking for. Just go in there acting like a busboy instead of a rock star and you'll do great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Consume Posted May 12, 2009 Members Share Posted May 12, 2009 Never done it before... what should I expect? It is at someone's house. We're a rock n' roll band and since the guy who booked us did it based on seeing us somewhere hopefully he realizes this. We don't wear suits and ties, we don't play smooth jazz, and there's the slight possibility we will be too loud. I would say find out if they have a permit for noise. In some places it is actually illegal to have a party with a band - as disturbing as that is - I know somebody who played one of these, the cops werecalled and shut it down, and then the guy who "hired" the band didn't want to pay them because they only got to play 2 songs before 2 cop cars arrived and told them to shut it down - not just "turn it down", but to actually stop playing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members sickman Posted May 12, 2009 Author Members Share Posted May 12, 2009 I would say find out if they have a permit for noise. In some places it is actually illegal to have a party with a band - as disturbing as that is - I know somebody who played one of these, the cops werecalled and shut it down, and then the guy who "hired" the band didn't want to pay them because they only got to play 2 songs before 2 cop cars arrived and told them to shut it down - not just "turn it down", but to actually stop playing. It's a mansion on a lot of land.... I don't think noise will be a problem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members wades_keys Posted May 12, 2009 Members Share Posted May 12, 2009 We played one of those last year: set up out by the pool in back of a mansion. Fun gig. Make sure you don't "flashlight" people to death with the guitar amps: put the combos up on chairs if you can, and don't have em pointing right at peoples faces. Bass should have a good size cabinet if you're not running through the PA: it's amazing how quickly bass can dissipate outdoors, so have someone out front make sure that the bass is audible in the mix, but not too loud or boomy. Have fun! Oh - find out when they expect you to setup, and what the expected attire will be: you don't want to show up to a formal event wearing pink-floyd tee shirts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members sickman Posted May 12, 2009 Author Members Share Posted May 12, 2009 It's for someone's birthday. We are kind of a beachy, laid back band so I think jeans and nice t-shirt will be appropriate. I won't wear shorts and flip flops... wait... why am I talking about what I am wearing. How rock n' roll. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members toddkuen Posted May 12, 2009 Members Share Posted May 12, 2009 We've always had a great time at private parties though most involve someone who knows someone in the band - played one outside last Saturday. Usually its all very casual... Only had one weird experience at a "nice mansion" - nice birthday party, they built us a stage outside, but people none of us knew or knew of. After the gig grandma and the kiddies suddenly vanished and things took on a decidedly creepy "eyes wide shut" vibe... We all bailed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members fenderbender66 Posted May 12, 2009 Members Share Posted May 12, 2009 We've always had a great time at private parties though most involve someone who knows someone in the band - played one outside last Saturday. Usually its all very casual... Only had one weird experience at a "nice mansion" - nice birthday party, they built us a stage outside, but people none of us knew or knew of. After the gig grandma and the kiddies suddenly vanished and things took on a decidedly creepy "eyes wide shut" vibe... We all bailed. please, go on... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Chicken Monkey Posted May 12, 2009 Members Share Posted May 12, 2009 When I'm playing a bar, I try to be a "life of the party" type (once I get set up and what not). When it's a private party, I'm quiet, discreet, and smile and nod when I'm asked something. Like a busboy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members toddkuen Posted May 12, 2009 Members Share Posted May 12, 2009 A little more background: We're all about 50, no nonsense, straight, family oriented, hard working and professional but know how to have fun guys. We mostly play working class or biker bars and parties where there is always basic respect tempered by drinking. This started out as a family birthday party with kids, balloons and grandmas... After the gig the "party" moved from the outside down into the plushly finished basement bar. The enticement to the band was "stick around for the open bar"... When we get done loading up we go down into the basement and the grandpas and uncles (probably in their late 60's or 70's) suddenly had a new, different set of women... Some of the young ones (moms too) were no longer with their husbands but with "grandpa" or "uncle" - the husbands, kiddies, and grandmas where gone. There were other, new women there with other uncles and grandpas (the party wasn't that big and we would have noticed these girls...) No more family party vibe here - more like a warm up for a porno circus... A number of the new women and some of the younger men started pestering after the lead singer in what I would call a "professional" way. I've never seen him look as uncomfortable as he did that night. Upon seeing my wife grandpa or uncle were on her about her long hair and to "dance" with them - though she was obviously attached to me. (Big etiquette breach here, particularly at a family party and not like a friendly drunken "can I have a dance honey" but with a weird look of "hey, I get what I want...") I grabbed the wife and told the lead singer "we're out of here...". He said "I'm gong to finish my drink..." but by the time we pulled the car around he and the rest of the band were getting into theirs... How was this "eyes wide shut creepy"? The dramatic and completely unexpected shift from one type of party to another by going down stairs. The women and moms "moving up" to "grandpa" and "uncle" for the after gig party. "Pros" of both genders showing up and hitting on the lead singer and other band people. The weird "porno" atmosphere with the old grandpas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members fenderbender66 Posted May 12, 2009 Members Share Posted May 12, 2009 A little more background: We're all about 50, no nonsense, straight, family oriented, hard working and professional but know how to have fun guys. We mostly play working class or biker bars and parties where there is always basic respect tempered by drinking. This started out as a family birthday party with kids, balloons and grandmas... After the gig the "party" moved from the outside down into the plushly finished basement bar. The enticement to the band was "stick around for the open bar"... When we get done loading up we go down into the basement and the grandpas and uncles (probably in their late 60's or 70's) suddenly had a new, different set of women... Some of the young ones (moms too) were no longer with their husbands but with "grandpa" or "uncle" - the husbands, kiddies, and grandmas where gone. There were other, new women there with other uncles and grandpas (the party wasn't that big and we would have noticed these girls...) No more family party vibe here - more like a warm up for a porno circus... A number of the new women and some of the younger men started pestering after the lead singer in what I would call a "professional" way. I've never seen him look as uncomfortable as he did that night. Upon seeing my wife grandpa or uncle were on her about her long hair and to "dance" with them - though she was obviously attached to me. (Big etiquette breach here, particularly at a family party and not like a friendly drunken "can I have a dance honey" but with a weird look of "hey, I get what I want...") I grabbed the wife and told the lead singer "we're out of here...". He said "I'm gong to finish my drink..." but by the time we pulled the car around he and the rest of the band were getting into theirs... How was this "eyes wide shut creepy"? The dramatic and completely unexpected shift from one type of party to another by going down stairs. The women and moms "moving up" to "grandpa" and "uncle" for the after gig party. "Pros" of both genders showing up and hitting on the lead singer and other band people. The weird "porno" atmosphere with the old grandpas. that's flat-out strange. were you playing Barry White tunes during the gig or something? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members toddkuen Posted May 12, 2009 Members Share Posted May 12, 2009 that's flat-out strange. were you playing Barry White tunes during the gig or something? (ha ha) Nope - Johnny Cash, Neil Young, Merle Haggard, Led Zepplin, Moody Blues, that sort of thing... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members fenderbender66 Posted May 12, 2009 Members Share Posted May 12, 2009 Nope - Johnny Cash, Neil Young, Merle Haggard, Led Zepplin, Moody Blues, that sort of thing... Who knew Johnny Cash and Merle Haggard got gramps and hookers all worked up for each other:confused: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members sickman Posted May 13, 2009 Author Members Share Posted May 13, 2009 I just threw up in my mouth a little. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Tele-vania65000 Posted May 13, 2009 Members Share Posted May 13, 2009 (ha ha) Nope - Johnny Cash, Neil Young, Merle Haggard, Led Zepplin, Moody Blues, that sort of thing... Well, that IS Old People music. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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