How to...

Tinwhistle*

organise a successful trad session in a pub? !!

I have a post further down, but as yet, it has had little interest.

Surely, all I require is two/three or more, enthusiastic musicians who are keen to come in and play, for fun.

I'm happy to provide sandwiches and a couple of drinks to welcome them.

Please note, I'm aware that musicians are more often than not looking for a wage, but this isnt what I'm trying to do here. I want them to come in for a couple of hours for the love of music not a paid gig.

I know there's a few who meet in Sallins who do this.

Advice and ideas welcome.

T*

Blade

We're finding the opposite, we started with 5 or 6 and now we have about 12 regular musicians. It's great on one side but we're quickly running out of room in the pub. Crammed on top of each other for the last few weeks, but it's a good complaint

This was all without advertising and no one gets paid, just a few pints as it's only a mid week open session. I think you need to gather a few locals who all know each other and might have played with each other in the past and once you have 3 or 4, it'll grow from there. What we've noticed is that you'd start seeing what you think are regular punters sitting up at the bar just listening in for a few weeks, then they'd eventually ask could they join in.

Blade

BTW I think thesession.org might be a better place to advertise if you need to.

squelly

HI there,

I think the days of musicians turning up for sandwiches and a few drinks are gone. Most musicians will have to drive to the venue so drink is of no interested.

I am involved in a similar type set up in my local where three musicians are paid, (not a huge amount) but it is enough to make us commit to turning up every week. Without the cash it is too easy to stay at home of an evening if your not quite up to it. (long day at work maybe).

If the situation arises you cannot make it due to illness, you do your best to contact another musicians to sub for the night and get the few quid. Bottom line you always have a min of three good musicians, enough to keep any punters entertained for the couple of hours.
The session as a result is thriving with an average of ten musicans turning up each week. Also we have noticed quite a few punters who show up regular to listen to the music.

hope this helps.

neil_hosey

Tinwhistle* wrote: »

Please note, I'm aware that musicians are more often than not looking for a wage, but this isnt what I'm trying to do here. I want them to come in for a couple of hours for the love of music not a paid gig.



T*

:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:
so they play the music for free.. while you rake in the cash .. seems fair to me!

Tinwhistle*

neil_hosey wrote: »

:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:
so they play the music for free.. while you rake in the cash .. seems fair to me!

That's not the idea, it's merely for fun as I clearly stated.

I knew I'd get a comment like this.

Thanks to the other posters for your suggestions.

T*

Beanstalk

Are there any other sessions in the area where you can contact musicians directly? You have to make sure you won't clash with other sessions.

Generally sessions will have two to three regulars that get paid then others will join in for a few drinks or food or whatever. Of course unpaid sessions are not unheard of so don't despair! The trick is to make sure the musicians have an audience because then it will will be worthwhile for the publican and the musicians. There is nothing worse than going through the motions and meeting with silence after every set/song. Are there any resource centres, or community groups that you can contact to provide an audience? Are there any tourism/bus companies in the area? Make sure you advertise the session well.

Tinwhistle*

Beanstalk wrote: »

Are there any other sessions in the area where you can contact musicians directly? You have to make sure you won't clash with other sessions.

Generally sessions will have two to three regulars that get paid then others will join in for a few drinks or food or whatever. Of course unpaid sessions are not unheard of so don't despair! The trick is to make sure the musicians have an audience because then it will will be worthwhile for the publican and the musicians. There is nothing worse than going through the motions and meeting with silence after every set/song. Are there any resource centres, or community groups that you can contact to provide an audience? Are there any tourism/bus companies in the area? Make sure you advertise the session well.

Thanks Beanstalk. I'll contact a few people and spread the word.

Beanstalk

I think I saw your session advertised on session.org. Did ya have it already? How did it go?

Tinwhistle*

Beanstalk wrote: »

I think I saw your session advertised on session.org. Did ya have it already? How did it go?

Yes, you saw it there Beanstalk.

I have two great musicians to start it off. No-one joined in but the regulars were very impressed with their playing.
I have had some interest and am sure this is going to work.

Thanks
T*