Tag: gigging
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Keep aware of your surroundings when you are playing drums
Keeping aware of your environment. A short survival guide for drummers. When you are playing in public …which I have since the early 70’s.. you learn to keep your eyes open and be aware of who and what is around you at all times. It is not paranoia it is awareness. Knowledge will keep you… Read More »
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Getting Real With Our Drumming
It Takes All Types! I met with a very old friend today, one of the first people I ever drummed with back in the early 70’s and some one who has inspired and encouraged me in the past as well. We were on the beach talking to some kids from Sweeden and he was telling… Read More »
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Stand Up For Your (Drummers) Rights!
Being prepared through communication and having your bases covered. I have made an agreement with myself that I also tell anyone hiring me for a gig, or to prospective bands that I will not play unless i am properly mic’d. Just like any other player in the band or group. Conga drums especially need microphones.… Read More »
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Open Mic Nights: The Good And The Bad
Open Mic Nights: The Good And The Bad or “Don’t Play for Free”! Open mic nights at clubs are a perfect way for beginning musicians of all kinds to get a chance to break their cherries so to speak, to see what it’s like to play in front of people and to play with others… Read More »
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Playing cold at a hot gig in Bali, Indonesia
What do you do when you are completely cold and suddenly have to play hot? Last night the islands best trumpet player performed with his band at Bali’s version of Yoshis called interestingly enough, Ryopshi’s! Any coincidence? Great sushi and great tunes. Rio Sadik, the trumpet player, singer and “star of the show”, ( as… Read More »
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Dress casual
A few nights ago I was invited to play congas and percussion at a nice sushi and jazz club in Legion, Bali where I am teaching drums, performing and visiting right now. The jazz club is very similar to Yoshi’s in the bay area of San Francisco and Oakland, California (in the USA). I had… Read More »
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How to get work as a drummer, percussionist or musician
Are you a percussionist, drummer or musician and are ready to go out there into the “real world” and make a go at it as a pro? If so I have some solid suggestions I have learned along the way I can share with you here. If you follow these tips you will be well… Read More »
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The working drummer: get contracts/make solid agreements
If you are a gigging drummer or musician and just starting out playing here is some important advice and information. I am going to share some information with you that will help you to never have to suffer the way I have with unreliable people or people that do not understand or respect drumming or… Read More »