(This is my first remote post from a gig using my iPhone software.) My group Black Canyon Bluegrass took a gig at a private party…someone’s 40th birthday. As I write this we’re on our break between sets, getting ready to be fed. We took the gig because we’re a working band and this is what we do, but I knew what to expect going in.
Basically what we’re looking at is a paid practice, which ain’t all bad, but the performer in me, the “applause whore” that I am, can’t help but grimace when we strike the first notes of the opening number to a scenario of no one listening. I wonder about the rest of you: is this as tough of a scenario for you to play as it is for me? I kid you not: there are probably 40 people here, and every single one of them are congregated in a spot that’s not even within sight of the band. We are setup on a haywagon facing an empty field.
Is it hard for you to play with any energy when you are being ignored? I just find gigs like this to be so much like work. It’s a mixture of being appreciative for the work and the pay, and of also struggling to do two hours of this. So did all the big boys start this way?
My feeling on your dilemma is that you were there as a paid performer in a setting in which the audience had socializing on their minds. They were there to congratulate the 40 year old; you were there to make enough noise to make it seem like a real party. Whether you know it or not, your presence made the party more enjoyable for all who attended.
I once went on a boat ride in Traverse City to see a terrific Michigan band called “Song of the Lakes.” They are my favorite group from Michigan, and they play every Friday night on a large boat in Lake Michigan for weirdos like me. Anyways, I was flabbergasted at the thought that here we had paid a pretty high ticket price for this boat ride with entertainment, when most of the other attendees were talking out loud, rudely ignoring the band. I just had to realize; though, that none of them were there to encourage the band. The band was there to encourage them. Still, as an acoustic music lover I left feeling a bit cranky because of all the talking.
Well hey, you got paid and fed. Not bad for a day’s practice. Back in my country/rock drummer days my band played a lot of wedding-reception gigs where we seemed to be providing more background noise than entertainment. Those weren’t bad gigs, as we could relax and let our hair down a little. (Back then we had plenty to let down!)
Look on the bright side….you got paid to practice! Even Gene Simmons started off playing for mediocre audiences and now he has a gift shop in his mansion. But he’s more of a money whore. Applause whores are a lot friendlier. You should check out playing Aug 22 at Greenville’s Danish Festival main stage…applause guaranteed. If they applaud for me, they’ll do it for anyone