Posted by: Mark79100
What I learned on today's gig! - 10/25/14 11:59 PM
I learned something today. No, I learned a FEW things today.
I got a call from an agent two days ago to play a bar/restaurant as a strolling German accordionist “working the tables and the outdoor Biergarten” for their Oktoberfest celebration. I’m good at this type of thing, so I’m able to play and observe simultaneously.
1) People are begging for some kind of diversion whether it’s musical entertainment or a “who can hold a 1 liter stein at arm’s length for the longest.” Simple conversation no longer seems to be the only glue that holds them together and keeps them occupied.
2) Those who aren’t “begging” for diversion but are in conversation mode already still really appreciate live music not only to listen to but also to sing along with. They’ll stop what they’re doing and start singing “Take Me Out To The Ball Game” at the drop of a hat! They’re also fascinated watching a musician move his fingers and putting notes together (DJ‘s don‘t generally get that kind of attention, do they?).
3) Couple’s sparsely conversing with each other warm up to both music AND their partner at the same time
4) Reserved people become UN-reserved when showered with music
5) Folks really DO respond to and enjoy good music as evidenced by.....I got three $20 tips and numerous $5-$10 ones.
6) Folks ask for older songs enough to make me realize that great songs from the past just plain endure. There are many “young” people who, when asked for a request, will surprisingly ask you for songs like Edelweiss, Dr. Zhivago, the Godfather, Frank Sinatra biggie’s, Sound of Music songs, a polka, and even The Happy Wanderer. Not one person asked for Lady Gaga or Taylor Swift or Chris Brown!
7) Between singing, playing and talking all at the same time, I made blunders and mistakes galore. No one even noticed! It’s the momentum of the moment they’re caught up in. Makes you wonder why you practice every day to become better!
8) People view and treat you differently and with more respect when their first impression of you is through your music.
9) If you look at today’s music scene as a whole you can get might depressed. But…..if you experience it one-on-one, individually with your audience, you start to realize how much music makes a difference in someone’s life as you interact with each person.
I learned you can still affect people’s lives through your music. You just need to find a different way to reach them now in an age where people, when they hit a “dead spot,” reach for their cellphones, smart phones, mp3 players, etc as emergency procedures.
I’m still burned out of playing, but a little less so after today! It’s refreshing to know you can still make a difference in the world and that it’s not all about just earning a paycheck!
I feel a little more encouraged after today to get back into playing again. There’s nothing in the world that can compare with bringing enjoyment into someone’s life through your music!
Mark
I got a call from an agent two days ago to play a bar/restaurant as a strolling German accordionist “working the tables and the outdoor Biergarten” for their Oktoberfest celebration. I’m good at this type of thing, so I’m able to play and observe simultaneously.
1) People are begging for some kind of diversion whether it’s musical entertainment or a “who can hold a 1 liter stein at arm’s length for the longest.” Simple conversation no longer seems to be the only glue that holds them together and keeps them occupied.
2) Those who aren’t “begging” for diversion but are in conversation mode already still really appreciate live music not only to listen to but also to sing along with. They’ll stop what they’re doing and start singing “Take Me Out To The Ball Game” at the drop of a hat! They’re also fascinated watching a musician move his fingers and putting notes together (DJ‘s don‘t generally get that kind of attention, do they?).
3) Couple’s sparsely conversing with each other warm up to both music AND their partner at the same time
4) Reserved people become UN-reserved when showered with music
5) Folks really DO respond to and enjoy good music as evidenced by.....I got three $20 tips and numerous $5-$10 ones.
6) Folks ask for older songs enough to make me realize that great songs from the past just plain endure. There are many “young” people who, when asked for a request, will surprisingly ask you for songs like Edelweiss, Dr. Zhivago, the Godfather, Frank Sinatra biggie’s, Sound of Music songs, a polka, and even The Happy Wanderer. Not one person asked for Lady Gaga or Taylor Swift or Chris Brown!
7) Between singing, playing and talking all at the same time, I made blunders and mistakes galore. No one even noticed! It’s the momentum of the moment they’re caught up in. Makes you wonder why you practice every day to become better!
8) People view and treat you differently and with more respect when their first impression of you is through your music.
9) If you look at today’s music scene as a whole you can get might depressed. But…..if you experience it one-on-one, individually with your audience, you start to realize how much music makes a difference in someone’s life as you interact with each person.
I learned you can still affect people’s lives through your music. You just need to find a different way to reach them now in an age where people, when they hit a “dead spot,” reach for their cellphones, smart phones, mp3 players, etc as emergency procedures.
I’m still burned out of playing, but a little less so after today! It’s refreshing to know you can still make a difference in the world and that it’s not all about just earning a paycheck!
I feel a little more encouraged after today to get back into playing again. There’s nothing in the world that can compare with bringing enjoyment into someone’s life through your music!
Mark
.....mix it up baby!
