20 Feb
2013
20 Feb
'13
10:16 a.m.
I like to find out the variety of styles a band plays. Are they strictly old-time? Do
they play jigs? If I have a smoothish dance planned, do they play smooth minor jigs? Do
they play bouncy dorky jigs? If they are a northern style band, can they play southern
tunes? I like to provide a program ahead of the dance with a recommended type/feel for
each set. I rarely strictly follow the program but I do like to stick to the type/feel
flow.
At the dance if they want to see the card that's fine, but I'm very specific on
the type of tune set I would like.
>
>> From: contraron(a)gmail.com
>> Date: Tue, 19 Feb 2013 22:58:42 -0500
>> To: callers(a)sharedweight.net
>> 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