kuilo Countdown to 200 - #3: Opening Acts and You - hotamboyan

We are up to (down to?) Number 3 in our 10 Week Look Back at some of our favorite posts here at Bandit Dimmer Beach. This week, we go back to post number 20 where I took a look at running lights for an opening act. Of course this post was picked for a few reasons:

Sharon really nailed the captions on the pictures.

I got to use a phrase I always enjoy, “Mash the Go button!”

I feel as though I had a really strong opinion about something. See if you can figure out what it was.

Opening Acts and You

Congratulations! You’re an opening act LD! But what does this mean for you?

What it means is you get to stand behind the console and mash the Go button!

Your new  home - but definitely not your rig.

AND it means you get to work while everyone else is enjoying catering or hanging out in the back lounge of the bus. That is the negative spin, which is no fun at all. I prefer, you mash the Go button! In this post we are talking about an opening act that does not carry an LD or gear and is using what the tour is providing. There are a few things to remember when running opening acts and I know it’s been awhile, but… In no particular order

Build a good punt page.

This is crucial. You may or may not know the music of the act you are running. Even if you know the music you WILL NOT have the time to program the show. Depending on the console, I would try to get two to three pages in the desk: one for slow songs, one for mid tempo, and one for up tempo. Normally you can get a set list from the PM of the act and at least get that information for each song.

What’s a punt page? 

It is a page of looks that is set up to be able to run the show on the fly. Every LD has their own tricks on how to set one up depending on the console they are on. Learning how to run a punt page is a vital skill for any LD.

Figure out payment up front. 

That is, if there is payment. I have been paid in cash, swag, alcohol, a hearty handshake and a thank you, and sometimes nothing at all. This is one of those super touchy grey areas. I normally would let the PM from my tour work it out with the PM from the opening act while I just stood by smiling and nodding. Some people will say if you aren’t getting paid, you should just give them one look and walk away. I do not believe that is a good idea. You never know who will break big (artist or PM) and it’s better to make a good impression than look like you don’t care.

Know what limitations you have with the rig.

You will not get use of the full lighting rig. You may get a downstage and midstage truss. You may get certain lights and not others. This is all worked out by management type people before the tour even starts, and it can be one extreme or another. I had full use of 60 fixtures on a Kenny Chesney rig and on another tour been told, “You can use the movers but you can’t have them move in the middle of a song.”  There was even one tour where I was told I wasn’t allowed to use the strobe effect anymore because the headliners thought my show was looking too good (Yes, I am bragging a bit, but it’s true). Just remind yourself: the more you’re restricted, the more it should push you to make a better show.

You won't get to use all of the lights in the rig. You'll get, like, the five fixtures in a corner. 

Build a good punt page.

See above.

Program as you have time.

After the first couple of shows are under your belt, start taking the time to program songs. Take care of the most popular songs first. You should also have a feel of the show. Be sure to take a few minutes to talk to the PM to find out any notes the artist may have. You will still be pressed for time, so just do basic cueing with a few bumps. Don’t re-invent the wheel; there is a reason the LDs use a slow fly-out in ballads, or they use blue and yellow together. It works.

Easy on the follow spots.

When I was new to an act, I would always let the spot ops know that during my talk (see Fun With Follow Spots). Don’t immediately get too fancy with them. Try to get the lead vocal and solos sorted out, then start playing with them after you really learn the set. Do not get upset with the spot ops during the first few shows. Just roll with things and learn as you go.

Build a good punt page.

Think I feel this is important?

Do not over correct.

You will miss cues those first few shows. It’s okay! Don’t try and get in the look you missed when it doesn’t fit right. Just wait for the next good place to slip it in and go. The more you try and fix a missed look the more it looks like you missed a look. Just go with it.

Build a good punt page.

Last time I’m going to tell you.

Learn, have some fun, and don’t get discouraged.

Use the time you have to learn the desk, how to call spots, and your individual show style. Have a laugh or two with the spot ops when you blow a call, as itwill happen (and then happen again). Don’t get down on yourself, and don’t worry if you miss a few cues here and there; just work on getting them right. Don’t get upset if you think you are in with a band and then they forget about you after the tour. It happens… a lot. There’s always next tour!

I just want to let all of you who take the time to read this blog know that a milestone was reached last week. We crossed the 50,000 page view threshold in just 19 posts. Thank you and I hope you keep enjoying the read and learn some stuff along the way.

Until next time: Don’t forget the Punt Page!

Mark

Learn more about Bandit Lites at www.BanditLites.com 

Until next time, “Looking back, I guess I’ve lived an unusual life.” Bob Weir

Mark

kuilo Countdown to 200 - #4: Festivals: Updated and New and Improved - hotamboyan

It’s that time of the week as we continue our March to 200! It’s cold and wintry outside, but I’m already looking to gigs in the spring and summer here at Bandit Lites. And how can you think of summer in our little world without thinking of the Fair and Festival circuit. This was the second time I had written a festival post (as you will see) and here are a few of my highlights about this one:

• I actually did the math, and there was a 23% increase in word count between the two versions.
• My wife will never let me live down the infamous tan line.
• I never toured with a second pair of shoes (but I wish I had on a few occasions).
• The section with crew interaction on festivals is something that needs to be remembered.

And now, without any more rambling on my part …

Festivals: Updated and New and Improved

As the first few festivals of the summer draw to a close, I think it is time for a look back to Post Number 7 (that’s a long time ago!) where I talked about Festival Life with a new and improved post featuring 23% new information! Let’s get on with the show, shall we?

GETTING AROUNDUnless you are actually Popstar X, you, as an individual, are not on the festival radar (nor do you want to be). If any problem arises (be it getting backstage, into catering, a secret bathroom for crew only, etc.) take a deep breath and stay calm. Security is doing the best job they can, and in their eyes, it is better to be safe than sorry. If you are supposed/allowed to be somewhere, then there is no reason to scream or make an ass of yourself. A couple of calls on the radio and maybe a few minutes wait while the proper people are reached should handle it.

HYDRATION
Water, water, Gatorade, water, water. 

Stay hydrated people! If you think you have had enough water, you haven’t. Have another. Even if you feel okay for the first day and the second day, by day three it could be too late, and as much as it pains me to say this, Mtn. Dew does not count as hydration.

FESTIVAL HAT
Sunburns and load-ins do not mix. A festival hat is not a baseball hat since those do not protect your ears or neck. A bandanna does not work either (for the same reason, plus it leaves a really terrible tan line on your forehead... Just ask my wife). You need a good floppy brimmed, outback style hat that covers your ears and neck.

FOOD
There are a lot of variables in here. Say you’re doing a country music act: those typically hit the county and state fair circuit. The Great County Fair of East Hackensack (I don’t think that is a real fair) probably doesn’t have the best catering, if any at all. Sometimes it’s just go into the fair and find food, but some of the bigger festivals have great catering. It’s all kind of hit and miss. Best thing to do is make sure your bus, or whatever your habitat may be, is stocked with provisions for those days when catering isn’t, well…just be prepared. Story Time! There was a festival (that shall remain nameless) that had catering for the bands and touring crews, and the festival crew received meal passes for vendors (but we never had time to venture out there). So to make sure we had food, albeit morning, noon, night: there were boiled hot dogs. Yes, four days of super tasty boiled hot dogs. Good times!

SUNBLOCK
Once again, sunburns and load-in do not mix. Better to be safe than sorry. Put some on. All the cool kids are doing it!

SHOES
You think it’s always sunny and nice? Hell no! It’s always good to have a second pair of shoes on the bus this time of year. Rain + Grassy Field = Mud. Wet muddy shoes are no fun, especially the day after when they are still wet. Two Pairs of Shoes = Happier Roadie.

GOLF CARTS
These are not toys. 

Say it with me, “These are not toys.” 

Once more, please, “These Are Not Toys.” 

If you sign out a golf cart, you are responsible for it. If you damage it, you won’t see the bill, but your company will… And they won’t like it.

PORCELAIN
Bathrooms, people! I was trying to be fancy about it. 

Get used to port-a-potties. If you can find a proper bathroom somewhere, it is probably not the cleanest in the world, so listen to your body and be smart about food choices. Stomach issues in the middle of summer are not good (been there, done that. Makes for a long day). 

The other part of this is the shower scenario: Many festivals do not have them, and if they do, again, not the cleanest in the world. Get a pair of shower shoes (read: flip flops). If you are lucky enough to have a shower on site, try and grab one midday. It is so nice to feel clean for those ten minutes before you get back outside and get gross again.

WEATHER
Be prepared to protect your gear: Trash bags for fixtures, visqueen and tarps for your racks. Most festivals provide these, but it always good to have your own just in case. DO NOT bury these items back on your truck after you load-in. Just because it is sunny at 8:00 a.m. does not mean it will be that way at 3:00 p.m.

LONG DAYSSuck it up, Buttercup. From the headlining tour crew loading in at some crazy hour to the local production that is there dealing with overnights, to all the acts and their needs to the local crew that is just as tired and hot (and probably not getting any of the perks the tour crew has), festival days can be long and miserable. 

Guess what? Sometimes that is the gig you get, and you need to do your best to make it a good one. Summers are for festivals and that isn’t changing any time soon, so you better get used to it.

CREW
This will be broken down into two sections. Festival Crew and Tour Crew (with local crew making guest appearances in both). I have been on both sides of this equation.

• FESTIVAL CREW – If this is your first season, get comfy. Make it your own world, find your little place and set up your chair, hammock, what have you. That being said, be prepared to help the touring crews as needed. Hopefully they won’t be too difficult, but sometimes it will just be one of those days. 
• Have as much as possible ready for the headlining act done the night before they get there. Be upfront early about anything they have asked for and you do not have. Most LDs will grumble for a second and then will get over it. 
• Be ready with information about power (where it is, can they jump through your rack, etc.). If at all possible, have one or two DMX lines at FOH for the bands coming in (it is easier for all parties involved if a lighting snake does not have to be run out). 
• On to Hazers: LD’s love to chase smoke (Beams are cool!). Putting a power drop at each corner of the stage for smoke, be it for your hazers or theirs, is a little thing that goes a long way.
  
• CREW INTERACTION -  Joy. Those that have gigged with me know that some of this is “Do as I say, not as I do.” (I tried, I really did. The word gruff comes to mind. I paid for it a lot, too. So let’s learn from my mistakes.) Your local crew at a festival is key. Do your best to be courteous to them because they will be with you all week. If you piss them off Day 1, this will make the rest of the weekmuch tougher. As for the touring crew coming in, maybe they got rained on the last three shows straight. Maybe the last festival didn't run too smoothly. Who knows? Try your best in the morning to be helpful (not annoying) and be there to help make their day as smooth as possible. The key is working together. Stay calm, breathe, and try not to let the really angry dimmer guy get under your skin (he probably really doesn’t mean it).
  
  
• TOURING CREW – If this is your first season, hold on tight. Your rig is not going to fit on most stages. You will spend way too much time moving gear around for other acts. It’s just not a whole lot of fun, but no one ever said it was supposed to be. And remember, your festival crew is your ally for the day. Do your best to work with them; not have them work for you. Just like they don’t know the days you have had, you don’t know the days they have had. This also goes for the local crew. They have been at the same festival all week and are having the same week the festival crew is. If you walk on stage before the crew gets there and things aren’t as they should be, do not flip out. Just wait, and figure it out when they get there. Stay calm, breathe, and try not to be the angry dimmer guy.

I hope this helps everyone as we move into summer. Thank you again for taking the time to continue reading my posts. I love getting feedback and will do my best to respond (I’ve just caught up from some previous posts).

Until next time, “Bonnaroo has kind of become the granddaddy of all American festivals.” Michael Franti

Mark

And Until next time, “Oh, Dusty. In-famous is when you’re more than famous.” Ned Nederlander Three Amigos!

Mark

kuilo Countdown to 200 - #5: The Glitch - hotamboyan

We are to number 5 in our (say it with me) No Particular Order look back at 10 of our favorite posts. This is the first one of the group that we are looking at gear on the road. This post has few things that stand out for me:

• A favorite movie quote to start the post.
• A couple of paragraphs I am very proud of as a writer: fun, informative, and give a much needed reminder about things.
• A favorite movie quote to end the post.

The Glitch

Looks like we’ve had our glitch for this mission

-Apollo 13

I used this line on a regular basis on show days, and fortunately in most cases it was just a simple glitch… a hitch in the giddy-up as it were; a quick fix and we were on our way. Today we look at gear breaking down on the road, and what to do about it. In no particular order:

• Remember: it will break: Day in, day out. In rain and blazing sun. Bouncing down the road across country in a truck. The gear takes a beating before you even turn it on. Moving lights and consoles are made of hundreds of parts, pieces, motors, and computer boards. It’s not if something on the show will go down, but when it will go down.

To the designers, board ops, and production managers: Read the paragraph above one more time. Before you freak out on your techs that things aren’t working, give them time to fix the problem or come up with a plan to fix the problem later in the day. The VL 3K Spot (still a work horse in the industry) came out in 2003. That’s over a decade of being on the road, and that is a lot of miles under the tilt belt. Take a breath, and let your techs do their jobs.They want you to have the rig just as bad as you want the rig.

• Fix it: Pretty simple, right? If you have done even a handful of shows, you know that isn’t always that simple, solearn to trouble shoot. This is crucial when you run into an issue. Maybe it is an easy fix on the fixture itself such as a blown lamp or loose connection. Maybe it’s not a quick fix and you need to swap it with a spare. Maybe you are out of spares, or have none to begin with. Then what? Hell, maybe it is a data or power issue. Are your connections good? Is it the (rare) board op error? I could fill the rest of this post with what-ifs like this, but you get the idea.
  My rules of thumb for bad fixtures were if it couldn’t be fixed in five minutes, then use a spare, and fix the bad one later in the day. If there are no spares, then pull the bad one and repair it after the rest of the rig is up. Either rope the fixture back up, or bring the truss in when it is convenient for your LD.

• Always have a plan: Handle the situation. That’s your job as the tech. There will be times when your show isn’t 100%, but do everything you can to get it as close as possible. 

To my LDs and PMs: Your techs hate it when the gear isn’t working and are doing all they can to fix it. Your lighting vendor should be equipped to handle any emergency that may arise. It may be a day or two, since it takes time to get gear from Point A to Point B, but it will get fixed. Everyone needs to work as a team to handle whatever may arise.

• Trouble shoot: I cannot stress this enough. A good tech can save untold amounts of time over his career by knowing how to best solve problems with his rigs. There are hundreds of variables that go into trouble shooting, way too many to get into here.

• Learn your gear: I mean this in two ways:
  1. Learn the quirks (both good and bad) of your gear. Good quirk – holding the “up” and “enter” buttons at the same time to strike a VL. Bad quirk – weak data connections on cyber lights (I once laid on a truss holding a data cable in a cyber for a whole show. Good times.)
  2. Learn the proper names for the parts and pieces of your gear. I can admit that I was horrible at this and I know that the guys at the shop were not pleased with me because of it. Try to avoid saying things like, “That part that connects the lens to the guide rod thing.” The nice thing about technology today is that you can take a picture with your cell phone and send it, but you still need to be able to ask for the part by name.

There you have it. I’m not sure if those were tips, tricks, reminders, or just random thoughts, but hopefully you learned a little something new, or simply got a chuckle as you thought back to your own glitches.

Until next time, “Screws fall out all the time; the world is an imperfect place.”
-John Bender (The Breakfast Club)

Mark

kuilo Countdown to 200 - #6: The Moments - hotamboyan

It’s been fun to look back at previous posts and see the various styles, changes, and growth. This week’s post (#6 on the BDB Stop Calling it a Top Ten Look Back) has a very important message, and at the same time, will always hold a very important place for me personally. I think you will see why when you read it.

The Moments

It has been an interesting ride since my last post, a mix of highs and lows. I had the honor of working with the Make-A-Wish Foundation teaching a boy how to DJ and run lights. I went to Charlotte to work on my book with my amazing editor, and while in Charlotte, I went to see the Above & Beyond show (yes, I actually went and stood in the crowd!). And to top it off, before I made the trek back to Nashville, a friend of mine in Charlotte gave birth to her baby. 

Then, Monday morning, I learned that one of my DJing mentors, and someone I had the privilege to call a friend, passed away.

“Life is made of small moments like these.”

The guys in Above & Beyond typed that on their video wall during their show on Saturday night. I watched them pull a couple of fans up on stage and knew that gave those people a Moment. It was such a simple thing, one I have seen hundreds of times at shows, but simple can be powerful.

I have a better memory of moments on tour than the actual entirety of tours I’ve been on. I’ve talked about some of them here before: the feeling when the crowd roars, or that look on stage that stays with you forever. There are memories of other things that stand out even more, and those are the ones that involved other people: my mom coming to the show on my first tour, or getting my dad on stage at another show.

While reading this, I hope you have thought of a few things in your career and let a smile slip. But there is more. There is more than you, your family, and your friends.

“Life is made of small moments like these.”

I will never forget the look of happiness on a little girl’s face as I passed her a guitar pick, or her dad smiling and thanking me. I’ve watched many people smile as I’ve handed them my set lists from dimmer beach, and I gave it to them not because they asked, but because I could.

The other night I watched as a simple sentence was typed on to a video screen, and something I always knew just clicked:

Through all the bad, the crap, the shit we deal with every day, it is the Moments that you will remember.

That point was driven home even more so on Monday morning when I learned about my friend passing. I know my friends back home are sad. Of course they are, but as I read their stories on Facebook, each person is thinking about their moments with him.

“Life is made of small moments like these.”

We have the ability to give a small moment. Something so simple can mean so much.

Thank you, Don “Dr. Trance” Berns, for the small moments.

Until next time, “When I heard that he was gone, I felt a shadow cross my heart.” Rush – Nobody’s Hero

A small moment doesn’t have to just come on a show. To everyone who reads this (roadie or not) I challenge you to give someone a small moment every day.

Until next time, “We do not remember days, we remember moments.” Cesare Pavese

Mark