The Music Side Of Town Blues Band

     First of all, I want to make clear what I am offering so that you know exactly what you will receive: an all originally composed blues musical performance in the configuration you desire: solo, duo, trio, foursome, or full band. An audition may also be important and available to you make clear the style, sound, and songs that you will receive. CD song excerpts from the website are also available.

     Secondly, to secure and confirm the date, time, and location of the event, and my performance effort in the context of that event. For example, if my performance is in the context of a family reunion I would want to be sensitive to how I could work with the family to provide time and a microphone for family announcements, or if the occasion of the perfromance in in the context of community festival, I would want to be able to make supportive announcements about the community and activities underway at the festival. Also, it is very important to establish the setting for the performance: is it an outdoor event? Is there a stage setting, and what is the size? If out doors, is there a good, rain proof covering? Of course, electrical hookups are important, although I travel with an extensive selection of extension cords.

     Finally, to agree on a performace fee that suits me and you. This is a negotiable process in which performance configuration, location, hours of performance are all factors in determining the final fee.

     After all of the above is taken care of, to arrive and have a good performance in which we are all satisfied and pleased.

     I have been playing music since grade school, played in the high school band, and began playing guitar during those years as well. I am not trained professionally by a music conservatory, but have learned over the years from many excellent guitarist and through many years of playing. This process is not unusual for those who play the gendre I play, and I do not make any claims to play music that is beyond my reach. But, blues is firmly within my reach! Furthermore, my approach to my music has always included composition. I have been writing all during these years as well and have a catalog of hunderds of songs.

      Another piece of my background that reflects my approach to music that you may find informative is: I have participated and been a part of many church choirs, and congregational musical settings for 30 plus years as a United Methodist minister. This is part of my musical background, although not professional training, it has nonetheless expanded my musical vision.

     Overall, pricing is negotiable, as it depends on many factors. For local performances, there are no overnight expenses which effects the fee. Note that this fee includes providing all sound equipment, and set-up and breakdown. Some limited lighting is available. Staging is not provided.

Here are some basic projections for a local performance of three hours:

Solo Performance: $300; Duo Performance: $400; Trio Performance: $500; Foursome Performance: $600; Full Band with horns and back-up vocalist is negotiable.

Here are some basic projections for an out of town / overnight perfromance:

Solo Performance: $350; Duo Performance: $500; Trio Performance: $600; Foursome Performance: $700; Full Band with horns and back-up vocalist is negotiable.

     Please know that pricing is always negotiable, and I will try to take all offers under consideration.

     I've been playing and writing music since high school and have been performing at different levels since that time. I have always had a desire to share my music and play with other musicians and a natural process has unfolded in which I am able to perform in several band configurations that people enjoy and want to support. It's been a good "business" that is both monetarily supportive and highly enjoyable to share with others.

     I have worked with all types of customers including: night clubs, coffee houses, festivals, farmers markets, churches, senior groups, community concerts, parties, various outdoor gatherings, nusing homes, fellowship events, and more.

     I am always open to new opportunities and are not limited to the above. At any setting or venue, I like to be responsive to the context in which I am performing, such as being aware of how I can provide announcement commentary during the performance to support the event.

     I enjoy every performance, and work hard to make every performance "work". That is one of aspect of this "business" that I appreciate, that much of how the performace goes depends on circumstances that are under my control!

     Recently I played with a trio (guitar, bass, drums) at an outdoor antique festival. We played all of our tunes over a three hour gig, made announcements about the vendors and the variety of antiques that were available, and had a good response from the audiance. The set up and breakdown was smooth and I enjoyed the friendships we made and the interesting setting of being surrounded by so many antiques!

     Look for a full package: repertoire, experience, style, attention to details, band configuration you desire, equipment sufficient for the event, fair pricing, and a firm contractual commitment.

     It's very dissappointing when someone doesn't show up as you expect and you are left without a performance. Make sure you get a firm commitment and reaffirm it a few days prior to the performance. A good show takes time to set up and prepare, so if someone says I'll be there fifteen minutes before the show starts, be careful. My experience is that very few shows can start with that small amount of prep time.

Several "big picture" questions:

What is the musical style do you want? (Rock, Blues, Classical, etc.)

Do you want original music? Or do you want "covers" (other people's music)? What time period do you want the "covers" reflect? 50s, 60s, etc.

What is the band configuration that you envision? (Solo, Duo, Trio, etc)

What instruments do you want in the band?

What is your pricing? Negotiable? Do you require a deposit?

Review all the who, what, where, when, why questions with definite answers. The band will need time to set up early, will need directions, will need electrical information, will need parking information, will need information on how to get close to the stage, will need to know restroom locations, will need to know who to contact if they have questions, will need to be paid after the gig.