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: [email protected] >>> Date: Tue, 19 Feb 2013 22:58:42 -0500 >>> To: [email protected] >>> 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
