Bluewine

Thanks Pete, The band is pretty helpful. They actually suggested playing " direct out" so I don't have to lug around an amp. And they let me ride in the van when there's a long distance to a gig. Daryl

I hope you're right Dave. I do socialize with our band leaders parents.Maybe that might help my standing in the band. Here's a " kicker " I'm older than both her parents. Isn't life great. Lol Daryl

Bass Buscuits, The local Milwaukee music scene is very cliquey. If your not in a clique you don't get called. Plus I only play bas and I don't sing. Daryl

I never get called to dep or anything. Daryl

Pete, I think you're right regarding loyalty. I've been with Maple Road since 2009. Since then we have replaced a guitarist and several drummers. I've been the only constant and I've never missed a gig. However, I'm getting older and need help getting to some gigs. The other members are much younger than me. I occasionally get paranoid thinking they might be looking for a younger bass player. Daryl

I get it Dave, I'm not sure this story counts. I was only in the band for a couple of weeks and I wasn't in another band at the time. This was a metal "start up" band with younger guys. I quit after the 3rd rehearsal when it became clear that this band would never be a gigging band. I delivered the message in person as I was leaving the rehearsal. No drama, and they said they were sorry it wasn't working out for me. By the way this was decades ago. Daryl

Did they offer you the gig and then changed their mind and didn't tell you ? Daryl

Leaving a gigging band that you've been with with for several years because of a better band opportunity is not easy. Share any stories where you left your mates for a better opportunity. How long had you been in the band ? Did you disappoint the other members? Why was it a better opportunity, how did you deliver the bad news? How much notice did you give? Lastly did it actually turn out to be a better opportunity? I've never left a band for another. Daryl

That's a good point. Even with an empty room, If the band is playing well and I'm playing at the top of my game empty rooms don't bother me as much. Daryl

I can't argue that we're not aartists. I've always thought of myself as a bass guitarist. Daryl

If the vibe is right between the band and the crowd and the band is really on fire band member introductions are ok. I wouldn't go as far as including individual solos. Daryl

Stage Patter. I think it depends on the band, what level your playing at and where. What works in a theater or large stage festival gig might not work in a bar. Just think about it. A signed national touring act might get more value out of cool clever patter. I always thought if your not famous going on and with some personal story is kind of weird to me. I remember some local guy starts off with this banter with something like, " well you know when your in the public eye" and my first thought or reaction was, " but your not in the public eye" lol On the other hand at the local level bands that don't have a member that's good with "the mouth" might come across as boring. Daryl

Outstanding! Daryl

I think of myself as a guy that seems to be able to play rock and roll bass guitar. Daryl

Thanks Dave, We share a huge dressing room with the other performers. Should be fun. Daryl

Thanks Basexperience Agreed, and why am I complaining? 5 minutes away from my almost paid for condo, fantastic room and good food. Daryl

Thanks Dave, We have a good multi-band gig coming up in 2 weeks featuring many local " heavy hitters". Daryl

We played a 1.5 hour acoustic set. Probably 125 in attendance. We we're strictly background music. I get it, but nobody even looked in our direction. Good pay, so I won't complain. No pics. I left my phone at home. Daryl

When venues comp drinks and entrees for the band they're off to a good start . Daryl

We're on the same page. For my band, we do best with the venues with a "built in" crowd. Daryl

We're providing acoustic background music for a posh fund raiser tomorrow night, 10/16. The real value with this gig is not our fee. This is a giant networking opportunity. All the town elders and business owners will be there. We got into The Bend Theatre from doing events like this and hitting up the real " money people" "Roots and Branches is Celebrating 35 Years of Beautifying West Bend! Honoring our roots…it all started in July, 1990. Maradel Sager and about 20 volunteers organized the West Bend Beautification Committee, now known as Roots and Branches. Join us as we celebrate “our roots” at our largest fundraiser of the year, The Garden Party, on Thursday, October 16, 5:30 pm, at The Prairie Center, West Bend. Tickets" Daryl

Love this. I wish we did stuff like this. I'm into to it, however my bandmates don't seem to have much interest in video or social media promotion. Daryl

Agreed. Would you agree that some pubs and bars are just not good for live music. After 15 years, I have to say we turn down more gigs than we accept. And we play close to 65 shows a year. Of course a lot depends on your location. We still have a few live venues with a built in crowd. Meaning when we play there we'll have a good crowd without exception. And how about the gig where the venue is packed and the crowd has zero interest in your band or anyone else's band. And here's another thought . What some of us think is a good crowd might not be a good crowd to someone else. When we play The Bend Theatre we always have close to a full house. Last month we sold 230 seats . The theater holds 300. We were not fully responsible for selling 230 seats. It's an established well organized venue with a " built in " crowd. I'll post the puc from from the last gig we played at The Harley Motor Museum & Restaurant. It's an example of poor planning by inexperienced people. Daryl

Really nice photos. Daryl

Nice cover. Sounds really good. Daryl