7 points for performing with peace of mind on outdoor stages at open-air festivals and events

Last updated:2018/5/4

7 points for performing with peace of mind on outdoor stages at open-air festivals and events

Bassist / Bass InstructorShigeaki Doi
In 2005, released a CD from Biwako Record under the name Outergarden, and appeared at a large outdoor music festival in Shiga Prefecture with an audience of about 1,000, as well as on NHK TV. Later, with the newly joined group Shimizu Resort.R, independently released multiple CDs and performed at music festivals such as Minami Wheel, on FM radio, and on NHK TV. Around the same time, participated as a support player and in recording for many artists, gaining experience across a wide range of genres including pop, rock, jazz, funk, and Latin. Currently active on multiple fronts: teaching as an electric bass instructor at a major musical instrument retailer, leading workshops, running a music school and teaching at several others, performing with a personal Latin-funk band and a big band, serving as a host member for jam sessions, and writing for web magazines. Studied comprehensive electric bass techniques and music theory under Noboru Kuroishi. For lesson or performance inquiries, please contact me via my website. Blog: http://shigeaki-doi.hatenablog.com/ Lesson: http://www.shigeaki-doi.com/lesson/ Lesson: http://www.shimamura.co.jp/lesson/index.html Lesson: http://culture.jeugia.co.jp/

Various outdoor events and festivals are also held in many places.

Many events openly recruit participants from the general public, and some of you may have already submitted your applications, haven't you?

By the way, even though they’re both called stages, there are many differences between an indoor live house and an outdoor stage.

To help you feel at ease on the day, I’ve put together a few things you may want to prepare in advance.

If you’re performing for the first time this year, please use this as a reference.

Wind countermeasures

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When it comes to problems with outdoor performances, the first thing that comes to mind is the wind.

It is especially important when performing while reading the score.

Put the sheet music into the file.
Secure it to the music stand with a clip.

And so on—everyone is taking various inventive measures.

As for me, I keep the sheet music from being blown away by placing a thin A3-size acrylic board on top of it.

Reference:Recommended music stands and how to choose one

scene change

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At outdoor festivals, audiences are often present in the seating area during band changeovers and even during sound checks.

Of course, at an outdoor event during the day, the stage wouldn’t go dark.Briskly and smoothlyI’d like to get it over with, right?

Reference:How to speed up stage strike and changeovers at live shows and events

Performance time

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At outdoor festivals with many performers, including the set changeover timeEach band's allotted timeThe management of (performance time) will become even more stringent.

In some cases, the bands scheduled to perform later might have their set times shortened.

This is true for regular live events as well, but we must not exceed our allotted slot or performance time.

Staff may also hold up signs such as “5 minutes remaining.”

Please make sure to finish within the allotted time—cut songs if necessary—even if there are still pieces left to perform, so that the next band can start on schedule.

Score Light

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Even if the lighting is set up on the stage,It's so dark in the evening and at night that I can't see the sheet music!That also often happens.

It’s reassuring to prepare this along with wind countermeasures.

Image: Euro Style / Music Stand Light · DJ Booth Light ESML-06

Equipment (amplifiers, microphones, etc.)

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Some venues may be restaurants or bars that don't usually operate as live houses, and you might come across guitar or bass amps that you don’t often get to see.

Personally, I secretly look forward to seeing what kind of amps will be at the venue on the day.

If you're interested,Check in advance what types there areLet's get it done in advance!

Parking lot

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If parking is provided for performers, be sure to check in advance the available hours, location, and number of spaces to prevent any issues.

Parking lots around the venue may become crowded, so be sure to check in advance whether there are parking options in the surrounding area.

Reference:Parking Search NAVITIME

double booking

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If you are in multiple bands and will be performing at multiple venues in a single day, please coordinate carefully to avoid any miscommunication between the bands.Check the scheduleLet's do it.

Even if the performance times don’t overlap, the travel time to the venue takes longer than expected and I can’t make it in time...

It’s a frightening thought just to imagine it.

Lastly

There are many festivals and live shows across the country that also accept general public applications.

Reference:Nationwide Summer and Rock Festival Roundup

The timing of outdoor and city festivals varies by event, but the period from Golden Week through summer is definitely the busiest.

I think you’ll enjoy both going to have fun and performing!

It's summer! It's the beach! It's summer festival season!! Wishing you an amazing live show!