Author Topic: Your cutoff for playing outside (Read 290 times)

glocke · « **on:** October 16, 2012, 03:32:04 AM »

Just curious what other peoples cutoff for playing outdoor gigs are in terms of weather/temperature...

Currently, I am playing once a month with some less experienced musicians, mostly as a favor to one of them who is helping me out with some other things. Flat out told them for the start that I wasn't looking to commit to anything, and didn't really want to gig, but Id jam with them once a month until they found another bass player that fits in with them. They kept asking me to do gigs with them, and I kept saying no as I was really kind of in a retirement mode and had no interest in the late nights and work that went into playing out, but recently relented and agreed to do one gig with them, it is this friday night.

It is an outdoors gig Friday, well cant even call it a gig playing for free at a party essentially..Highs during the during are expected to be 67 dg F, lows are 47 dg F, and it looks like it may rain. I am guessing that by the time we start playing it will be in the high 50's. There are no heaters, it is not a tent, it is an exposed stage.

The person hosting claims to have a cover of some sort over the stage, and some plastic that drops down over the sides, but it doesn't sound like it is anything that work for something other than a light drizzle.

I've been trying to get the point across that we may need to think about bailing on this one unless they can move it inside. I keep telling these guys that no matter how badly they want to play in front of people, playing in the cold (below 70 dg F), just downright sucks, especially without a heat source like a propane heater, add in the chance of rain and equipment getting wet and possibly damaged because of inadequate protection from the weather.

I've also asked a KB player friend of mine who plays professionally on the east coast regional jam band circuit to sit in with us (for a fee that the band is splitting), and he is expressing many of these same concerns...

I think the inexperience and enthusiasm of these guys is clouding their judgement to a large extent, as they pretty much have the mentality the show must go on...

Thoughts ? Bands Ive been involved with before have cancelled under similar conditions, so I don't think I am being that much of an old fogey...

jon_jackson · « **Reply #1 on:** October 16, 2012, 05:00:17 AM »

We played at a winery dinner under much the same circumstances two weeks ago. Once the temp got down into the low 50's, continuing to play was not an option. Tuning was almost impossible once the sun went down, the temperature dropped and the strings contracted / the necks moved. I normally play finger-style, but the temp slowed my ability to play quickly. I tried a pick but, like the guitar players, I couldn't keep a grip on it. We stopped after 80 minutes, about half after the sun set and the temperature dropped.

My thoughts? Without a heat source, it will be a very difficult gig.

terryc · « **Reply #2 on:** October 16, 2012, 05:12:43 AM »

Did it once during a UK winter(cold & damp)..never again!!!
There is always the chance that the fingerboard may suddenly think it is outside and want to grow, ie warp..highly unlikely but there is always that possibility

keith_h · « **Reply #3 on:** October 16, 2012, 07:27:37 AM »

I've cancelled paid gigs due to weather. For a free gig I wouldn't think twice about cancelling for the weather. While you will be ok for a short while it doesn't take very long before those 50's make your fingers stiff and the strings start to cause finger pain. As Paul TBO always said, There will always be another. While he was talking Alembics it could be used for any number of situations.

Glynn · « **Reply #4 on:** October 16, 2012, 08:39:27 AM »

Did a Folk Festival gig in France with my Fender BG29 Acoustic Bass Guitar and re-chargeable amp. It was on a mountain and so hot that I could smell the paint on the guitar reacting. That is my outside working guitar and it has also done gigs when snowing! The show must go on and all that. I wouldn't do it with the Alembic, however. Glynn

jzstephan · « **Reply #5 on:** October 16, 2012, 10:28:38 AM »

Here is some union verbiage that I feel is generous regarding conditions of performance:

In venues where the Musicians perform, management shall maintain a temperature range of 67 degrees F. to 89 degrees F. and relative humidity of at least 40%. The Musicians shall not be required to play any indoor Service if the temperature is less than 67 degrees or more than 89 degrees. If a question should arise, the Personnel Manager shall determine the temperature and advise the Union Steward or his/her designee before the A is given. Should atmospheric conditions be outside of the limits stated in this Section, or should any other extreme climatic conditions cause discomfort to a Musician or otherwise impair his/her ability to perform, the Musician may in good faith, after notifying the Union Steward or his/her designee, choose not to play the Service without penalty.

When performing outdoors there shall be adequate security for the Musicians and their instruments. Instruments shall not be stored in direct sunlight or at freezing or near freezing temperatures. The Orchestra shall not be required to play if the onstage outdoor temperature is less than 57 degrees or more than 90 degrees. Musicians shall not be required to sit in direct sun or rain.

funkyjazzjunky · « **Reply #6 on:** October 16, 2012, 11:12:21 AM »

If this is for free, I would say 'No thank you'

VMG

stout71 · « **Reply #7 on:** October 16, 2012, 12:59:31 PM »

I concur with everyone above. I doubt this gig falls into any sort of union protection (since no one in the group is likely a member, unless you are of course). However, it still makes total sense.

I wouldn't do the gig and I'd tell the other dudes to get over it. If they are that hungry to play, they can probably find someone else for the gig.

pauldo · « **Reply #8 on:** October 16, 2012, 01:15:35 PM »

For your situation I would kindly decline. Which would also emphasize your position in the band ('just helping out, not committing to be a full time member').

All I know Greg is that eventually all this bad karma that has been piling up in your direction is going to turn around and come back as some VERY good fortune!

glocke · « **Reply #9 on:** October 16, 2012, 03:34:51 PM »

For your situation I would kindly decline. Which would also emphasize your position in the band ('just helping out, not committing to be a full time member').

Yeah, I think thats probably going to be what happens...In hindsight I should have told them no from the start and that they were nuts for thinking of playing outside at night at the end of october. I get their enthusiasm, even though these guys are older (35-50), its a first band I think for most or all of them.

All I know Greg is that eventually all this bad karma that has been piling up in your direction is going to turn around and come back as some VERY good fortune!

Overall I consider myself fortunate in a musical sense...Years past I've had the opportunity to play some fantastic gigs, get a couple of CD's under my belt, and had always been in projects with players that were just downright stellar in terms of their playing ability and coolness. Past couple of years has been a little bit of a different story, not sure why, but it is what it is...Currently I am enjoying playing, and am content with that and happy to leave the late gigging nights, and all the work and expense it involves to others.

that_sustain · « **Reply #10 on:** October 16, 2012, 09:36:05 PM »

I used to play in a very dusty farm garage in the summer, when i was 19. I had other basses, but just had to use the all maple Essence. It just sounded too good. Suprisingly...the tone pots didn't go scratchy and the neck didn't move. Best times of my life.

bigredbass · « **Reply #11 on:** October 16, 2012, 09:52:14 PM »

They're in the grips of the Red Mist and GOT to do it. You don't. I'm through being 'polite' for guys that just won't help themselves, I'm worth more than that, and I'm sure you are too. They'll find another wanna-be that'll jump right in the deep end with them.

J o e y

lbpesq · « **Reply #12 on:** October 16, 2012, 10:34:20 PM »

For some people, playing out is so much fun that they're willing to do it in adverse conditions. For others, it's not worth it. Neither is right. Neither is wrong. But there's often problems when both types are in the same band. To each his own.

Bill, tgo

glocke · « **Reply #13 on:** October 17, 2012, 03:36:32 AM »

I used to play in a very dusty farm garage in the summer, when i was 19. I had other basses, but just had to use the all maple Essence. It just sounded too good. Suprisingly...the tone pots didn't go scratchy and the neck didn't move. Best times of my life.

Everything is better when you are 19...weed, women, etc..etc..

At 45 its a different story...

serialnumber12 · « **Reply #14 on:** October 17, 2012, 04:54:31 AM »

people always want somthing for free........f***em!