The common vision is that of strutting across a par light splashed stage to a room full of loyal, screaming fans. Nirvana!
But what about when the room is no longer a room? As a gigging guitarist, it’s just a matter of time before you encounter the joys of making music in the great outdoors.
It may not seem obvious at first, but outdoor gigs are a completely different animal than playing within the confines of solid walls. Here is a quick checklist of some issues to consider, and items to take, when doing an outdoor gig:
Advance Work – If possible, check out the venue ahead of time to determine:
– If a stage is provided, what the size is, and if it’s covered
– What electricity is provided, where the breaker panel is located, how many circuits are available to the band
– Where the load in area is, how is it accessed, what time is load in, and where can the band members park after load in
– Whether there are parking or admittance passes, and backstage passes, that should be picked up
– If a sound system will be provided, and an engineer. If not, plan on setting up you own, and be sure to mic all the instruments if possible to get a better sound coverage.
Extra Items to Take:
– Tarps! Eventually you will encounter a gig in the rain. Count on it, and be prepared by keeping tarp close by to cover your rig in the event of an unexpected afternoon squall
– Throw Rug. If there is no stage provided, and you are setting up on the grass, take a throw rug along to put your effects pedals on to keep off the dirt and the dew
– Sunscreen. Summertime outdoor gigs can be a killer, and you can get burned before you know it. Also, a wide brimmed hat can be a stylish, protective accessory.
– Bottled water. Don’t count on getting a cold drink at an outdoor event. Always take a small cooler, and stay hydrated on a hot summer day.
– Sunglasses
– Towel. Be prepared to wipe sweat off your brow, and everything else, between songs. This is not the time to use your guitar cloth.
– Mic Windscreens. Cover the mics with foam windscreens to cut down on excessive wind noise through the PA.
– Extension cords. Don’t count on an electrical outlet directly behind your amp. You may have to run a hundred feet out to the barn to get power.
– Analog Guitar Tuner. The great thing about digital guitar tuners is the fancy lights and LED’s the tell you, with a glance, if you are in tune. That’s also the bad thing about them for outdoor gigs, because those LED’s can be almost impossible to see in the sunlight. A good analog tuner, especially with a VU needle, will be a life saver.
Outdoor gigs can be a lot of fun and a nice change of pace from the confines of a nightclub or concert hall. By doing a little prep work in advance, and adding a few extra goodies to your gig bag, you’ll be able to focus on the most important issue – making great music!