Bluewine

In my area you can get someone to host an acoustic open mic for as little as $75.00. I've been to a few and I can't see how this brings in any business. Unfortunately in my area these open mics for the .most part bring out a lot of marginal local talent. Daryl

I thought one of my good buddies had a chance to dep drum for us. Very good drummer great chops and he's very technical. Turns out that while he's an above average drummer he wasn't a fit. First of all we don't need a technical drummer, second he made it clear he plays for himself not the band. " I have to change things to make it interesting ". We'll we don't want you to make it interesting. We want you to keep it simple and stay in the pocket. Very set in his ways and I doubt he gets called to dep. Daryl

Doesn't it depend on what the new prospect is looking for in a band. Whatever that is ,if you have it that's what you sell. Daryl

That's what I call fancy. Great looking room. Daryl

I found a clip from Sunday's gig at The Twisted Pair. It's nothing special pretty bare bones and you'll hear more than a few mistakes. Daryl https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1WdhHWJLv2/

The Twisted Pair gig was very good. I didn't think we sounded all that great, but still a good gig. We're still working in a dep drummer. He's not the best drummer I've played with. However he understands the band and what we're trying to do. I arrived at 1:45 the place was packed. I couldn't find one open parking space. The reason I say it was a good gig is solely based on the number of people that came out. Very generous tippers too. I asked the manager if they always have a big crowd on Sunday afternoon. He told me they had a band last Sunday and the place was dead. So I was feeling pretty "stoked". I've attached a few pics. I bet many of you have rolled up to one of these venues sitting out in the " boon docks" Daryl

That's what makes this so difficult. I never actually know where I'm going. Lol Daryl

Very cool. Very nice vocal harmony. Daryl

I use a Line 6 G-50. It's never failed me. I've been wireless since 2007. I could never go back to using a lead.. Daryl

Dave, Do you always play wireless, if yes how long have you been doing it? I've been playing wireless for over 15 years. Daryl

I hear you loud and clear. And add in freezing cold weather to the list. Daryl

I'm 71 and we're still doing 65 shows annually. It's definitely a struggle. I'm at the point where I'm playing sitting down for our last set. I wonder if I'll pull the plug on gigging or will they pull it? Daryl

Dave, I have to come up with a good hobby. I need something to do after my band days are over. Its the driving thats a concern for me. A few nights ago I was driving to Wal Mart and I made a wrong left turn into oncoming traffic. I've had several of these driving incidents over the last few months. Fortunately I didn't hit anyone. Daryl

Maple Road, we're returning to The Twisted Pair this Sunday, 3-6. Daryl

I wonder how Gorham is doing ? Daryl

Great sounding band. Daryl

They had it all. Right time, right place and beautiful songs. Too bad everything went wrong. Daryl

Nice energy! Daryl

Found this local opinion peice. Any similarities on your side of the pond ? Comments please. "Any leads on venues/bars that are actually geared towards musical performances and listeners? Places that have a designated space for music (Yes I know quite a few places have outdoor music away from the bar in the summer). 5bar in Beloit is a great example. A large back room with a stage away from the main bar, where people can actually listen. I know most bar owners use the same template (the same "beat the overplayed covers to death" bands hired by the bar, with TVs and drunk revelers talking over most of the tunes, then requesting freebird at the end of every song). Ive talked to a handful of bar owners that have the space, but none seem to want to focus on the music aspect of things.... Which is sad, because I know there's a market for it!!! Wish I could remember how many times people have waited around til after my shows to say how much they enjoyed the music... But were frustrated that it was hard to hear with everything else going on." Daryl

Nice job Stub Mandrel! Very cool clip. Daryl

Looking good guys. Daryl

Lighting can make a band look bigger than they are. See the pic below. There were probably 5 people in the room. Daryl

Nice lighting Daryl

Dave , It was nice, I like playing " classy " rooms. Lol The three panel door on the lower left was the load in. Street parking, however it was still pretty easy. Daryl

Good acoustic gig. Good crowd. There was a huge bike expo event in town. Good interaction with the crowd. I was home with my comped entree by 10. Daryl