Re: [Callers] What to ask a band before the gig?

Ron: A very small number of bands will ask to see the caller's dance card before each dance, and thus pick a tune or medley they feel will work well, for instance a tune with bouncy sections to match a dance's balances. But if, like most bands, they don't have a member with the insight to make use of such information, as long as the band plays well phrased tunes, all should be fine. Even some of the best bands don't do this.        Crowfoot and Stringdancer are two bands  I've heard which do this and thus enhance their already great music.    If you know a dance is busy (or not busy), you might want to suggest a slightly slower (or faster pace). A small number of dances have a short swing on an odd phrase.   Most callers avoid such dances.   But if  calling such a dance, ask the band to select a tune with a well-defined 8-count phrase for that short swing. Also, how would the answers to either of the two questions you suggested affect the dances you select?   Michael Fuerst      802 N Broadway      Urbana IL 61801       217-239-5844 ________________________________ From: Ron T Blechner <contraron(a)gmail.com> To: callers(a)sharedweight.net Sent: Tuesday, February 19, 2013 9:58 PM Subject: [Callers] What to ask a band before the gig? Hi Shared Weight, I have a few gigs coming up in a short span of time, and I try and touch base with the band at least a week out, if possible. I open the door for them to ask any questions for me, or to make any suggestions for a caller to make things easier / more fun for them to play their music. I also ask a few questions. I try and keep it to a minimum, so I don't come off too demanding. What sorts of questions do you ask bands prior to the dance, especially by e-mail / phone? A couple I like are: - Do they have particular music sets they like to play at certain times, like, to end the night, etc? - Especially if I haven't heard them before in person, what overall types of music do they enjoy playing the most? I'd love to hear your thoughts. Best, Ron T Blechner contradances.tumblr.com/ron _______________________________________________ Callers mailing list Callers(a)sharedweight.net http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers