Hi Bob,
I would suggest that you talk with the programmer first as early as
possible, alert that person and get feedback on their preferences. Offer
to find a contingency caller -- maybe say a few possible names, get any
feedback even if subtle (like an extended silence). Then visit with the
band if possible. Like Don pointed out, ask if they have any preferences
one way or another.
Your health and safety come first. And the health of everyone you will
come in contact with during that gig (including the musicians and
organizers).
Good luck with it,
Woody
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On 11/14/2018 7:57 PM, Winston, Alan P. via Callers wrote:
Bob --
I've called an entire English dance so debilitated by a sinus infection
that I had to lean against a wall the whole time. It's not ideal.
Cancel if you're contagious. Cancel if you're enough under the weather
that your performance will suffer. Cancel if it's not safe for you to
get there and back. Don't risk your life and health or anybody else's.
As a series programmer, I think I would prefer honest communication as
soon as you know there's an issue. I'd way rather hear on Thursday, for
a Saturday dance, "I'm starting to feel under the weather and if this
gets worse I may have to cancel." Once we're in touch we can work out
whether you'll find a replacement or I will. (In my case, I'm in a
caller-dense area and I have the addresses of a lot of callers, so if I
have a day or two of notice I can likely find somebody I'd want to hire
anyway, or call the dance myself if I need to. I call some outlying
dances where if I'm not up to making the three-hour drive somebody else
will have to, in which case my finding an acceptable substitute can be a
mercy.)
The one thing that makes you less popular with a booker than canceling
at the last minute with no replacement is canceling at the last minute
and lining up a replacement that dance series would never want to hire,
so talk to your booker.
-- Alan
On 11/14/2018 7:47 PM, Bob Peterson via Callers wrote:
> Cold and flu season is on us. Where is the line between cancelling on a gig and
forging ahead despite how I feel? I guess it’s a matter of how composed I can be and how
quiet I can keep my conditions from the dancers. Medication can help, but can interfere
with safe driving.
>
> If I feel I must cancel, what’s the right amount of notice to give? Who finds the
replacement if I have to cancel?