Casino or County Fair?

[Staun]

Your a band and you've had your hey day. Your still out there and now your reduced to this. Which would you rather play?

[Sturgeon's Lawyer]

Casino. Especially if we can do the "residency" thing.

[Staun]

Casino. Especially if we can do the "residency" thing.

No No, Dan. R&R is a cruel business especially at the end. No soft landing like a residency.

[Yodelgoat]

I ended my "playing out" career in a band doing mostly casinos. They were boring, low key. They loved my Phil Collins imitation of "In the Air tonight" . It wasnt nearly the trip that playing for a bunch of drunk rockers was (we still played a few of those from Time to time) They are still playing:

http://www.nitecrew.net/

The guitarist (Jim Brammer) is one of the best in the Seattle area, though he seldom gets to display his talents. Same with the drummer(Jeff Wade)- who by the way, played on the first Presto Ballet album. Both are Top notch musicians and we did Awesome Rush covers back when I was with them. They have since scaled that back, I believe with their venues almost entirely consisting of Casinos. The keyboardist (my replacement, though I played bass) is just basically a second singer. The keys are MIDI'd with him "air playing" the parts. No one seems to mind. They sound good and the singer they have now is great (and actually IS a musician)

I think I would prefer the State fair circuit, because the crowds are just a little more rowdy. You dont have to dress up nice either. Is there much of a difference in pay between the two? - I have no idea. The band members are probably pulling in 4 to 5 hundred a week. Jim, the leader is probably about 750-1.2k a week - perhaps more. He was a union scale master electrician before he hung up his spark plugs to play music full time. He has really made a decent living off of music, and I admire that.

I'm basing my preference for County Fairs over Casinos because I have seen Kansas in both situations, and it seems like they were enjoying the crowd more at the County Fair. Plus who doesn't love the smell of the deep fried foods.

I have to imagine there are mixed bands that do both regularly.

[JKL2000]

BTW, it wouldn't be just County Fairs, it'd be small town carnivals mostly.

[rcarlberg]

Casinos would be an adult audience, mostly original fans. County fairs, they'd bring their kids and/or grandkids. Give you a chance to cultivate a whole new generation of fans.

[Jerjo]

Ish, 'tis terrible to contemplate. I wonder how many of these guys think about the piles of money wasted or just snorted away in the 70s/80s and now they're reduced to these options.

Casinos would be indoors and that is generally preferable but county fairs have better audiences. I'm a lazy bastard so I'd prefer the casino circuit. And I'm so glad that most of my true musical heroes have never had to go this route.

[Vic2012]

I've seen Kansas many times at corndog gigs. Not a county fair but one of the many horse racing venues down here. Last time I saw them was at a nearby indian rez. I've seen Styx and BOC at the same venues.

[Staun]

Casinos would be an adult audience, mostly original fans. County fairs, they'd bring their kids and/or grandkids. Give you a chance to cultivate a whole new generation of fans.

Good point. BTW Robert, when did your cat start wearing glasses?

[rcarlberg]

Dottie is old. She needs 'elevator up' to the kitchen counter these days. Still eats like a horse though.

[Staun]

Dottie is old. She needs 'elevator up' to the kitchen counter these days. Still eats like a horse though.

The local dictator here was peering over my shoulder and she noticed your cat and wanted me to say something nice. We have two Maine Coons. He weighs 22lbs and she weighs 18lbs. Never thought so much of my life would be dedicated to the comfort of two cats. Something is wrong.

[rcarlberg]

Dogs have masters. Cats have staff.

[Jerjo]

The local dictator here was peering over my shoulder and she noticed your cat and wanted me to say something nice. We have two Maine Coons. He weighs 22lbs and she weighs 18lbs. Never thought so much of my life would be dedicated to the comfort of two cats. Something is wrong.

At one point we had four Maine Coons. Those were glorious days when monsters walked our halls (and tipped over random shit on shelves and tables because...reasons).

[Jefferson James]

I just adopted a couple of cats, a teeny tabby female (she's tiny) and her BIG orange brother. Man, he's build like a dachshund.

Both cats say they'd rather play the county fair/carnival circuit.

[Staun]

At one point we had four Maine Coons. Those were glorious days when monsters walked our halls (and tipped over random shit on shelves and tables because...reasons).

I would have been afraid. Very afraid.

[Yodelgoat]

We had Maine Coons for a while. Wonderful animals, but they dont handle being indoor house cats well. They want to live outside... And Texas is not kind to outdoor animals. (the wildlife eats them). They love playing casinos.

[rcarlberg]

They want to live outside... And Texas is not kind to outdoor animals. (the wildlife eats them). They love playing casinos.

Well they would, wouldn't they? Gamblers, every one.

[Jerjo]

Our Maine Coons lived in an apartment for quite a while and didn't seem to suffer. Of course once we moved to a small town in a house they adapted quickly to going out for mayhem. The cats we have now live the same life, six-eight months a year they're out a good part of the day but generally all are in by bedtime. Winter they pretty much refuse to go out but our winters are downright savage at times. My wife loves all critters big and small so she cannot come to terms with all the carnage her cats cause. I try to hide the bodies the best I can but there's nothing I can do when a feline shows up at the door with something freshly killed.

My brother sent me a notice of all the bands playing in his area next month. Man, there are just a lot of artists that used to be HUGE that are now on the casino/fair circuit. What a life, in one century you were playing arenas and the next you can't even get the big downtown theaters. It's gotta be a blow to the ego.

[rcarlberg]

My brother sent me a notice of all the bands playing in his area next month. Man, there are just a lot of artists that used to be HUGE that are now on the casino/fair circuit. What a life, in one century you were playing arenas and the next you can't even get the big downtown theaters. It's gotta be a blow to the ego.

We need a Branson MO for progressive rock.

[SteveSly]

Interesting question. I am going to add in a 3rd category of local “free” festivals (basically you pay a $10 admission or something, and the concert is free). Although they are similar to the County Fair thing in, my neck of the woods the festival thing is quite different. I have been to a lot of concerts at Casinos, Fairs and Festivals so here is my take:

CASINOS:

Advantages: The good thing about casinos is typically the sound and production are top notch for the bands. We have 2 Casinos within an hour of us that have concerts. They both have great sound systems and lights which I would guess the bands appreciate. The venues themselves are just ok. Typically big banquet rooms with a stage on the end. Of course most of the venues in Vegas are much nicer.

Disadvantages: Often the audiences for these shows are kind of “dead”. At least some of the crowd at these shows are comped / papered casino guests who may or may not have a clue about the artist that they are seeing. The shows also are often shorter too as the Casino’s typically put strict time limits on the performance time in order to get people back to gambling. It is rare to see a casino concert longer than 90 minutes.

Bottom line, I have a love / hate relationship with these venues. They have the financial clout to bring in some great acts on occasion, and I have seen some great shows, but they also have their drawbacks.

COUNTY FAIRS:

Advantages: I can’t think of many really. In my area county fair productions can vary greatly. We have a couple that hold big name artists with full production values. Others are lower budget and the production can be rather pedestrian.

Disadvantages: Typically you have to pay admission to the fair on top of admission to the concert. In my area alcohol is typically not served at county fairs (I like to have a few beers with my shows). Fairs tend to draw a bit of a different audience from normal concerts from my observation. Sound quality is often not all that great with the sound bouncing off of grandstand seating.

Bottom line, I am not a huge fan of fair shows and have not been to one in years.

“FREE” FESTIVALS:

Advantages: In my area we have summer festivals like “Ribfest”, “Taste Of Kalamazoo”, “Greek Fest” and others that bring in a lot of corn dog circuit bands. Usually the production is decent to really good, they sell beer and food, the crowds are rowdy, and fun. If it is a warm summer night these can be great.

Disadvantages: Many of the people are there for the festival and not necessarily the bands, so you can get a lot of people just half paying attention which sometimes is a pain. Weather can also play a factor in these as they are typically outdoors with no cover.

Bottom line, the festivals may be my favorites as I have seen some really fun ones.

[GuitarGeek]

We need a Branson MO for progressive rock.

Well, first of all, you would need an alternate universe where progressive rock was a bigger part of pop culture than it was. Secondly, you would have needed to do what you're suggesting about 25 years ago. You would need a fully functional Yes, King Crimson, ELP, Genesis, Jethro Tull, Gentle Giant, etc to pull off that off. Only two of those bands are still in existence, and one of them is doing the cruise ship deal every year, so I imagine the idea of "going Branson" would be off the table with them. The other band, well, who knows what excuse Fripp would dream up for deciding that an open ended residency would be unfeasible.

[rcarlberg]

Well, first of all, you would need an alternate universe

How about a virtual universe?

How about a web channel where fans can PPV to see their idols rehearse and perform?

[Enid]

Very difficult to choose when considering the crowds. The crowds in both places are generally supportive and just beautiful people . For example , several casinos I played were like large halls with supporting crowds , overwhelming in fact. I've played many County Fairs and they are fun but unpredictable whether it suits you or not. Some bands would play in the afternoon on three separate stages scattered across 5 Football fields. Sometimes an event like this will not cancel due to bad weather and be ready for adventure. I played quite a few of these gigs near beaches where the weather was beautiful until a vicious storm off the ocean slammed us through the evening hours during the end of the show and things were flying by my head. If this is not for you,.... then punch a time clock and play the casino.

At some County Fairs the running of the acts may change and piss you off to no end... if you are a orderly person that is offended by such inconvenience . You were told when to arrive and now you're being told that you can't go on stage for another 2 hours.... which in the end amounts to 3 hours. Adventure! What are you going to do for 3 hours? Several streets are blocked off by the police and it's too crowded to drive anywhere. Pretend for 3 hours, I don't know. This kind of malarkey sets forth it's mouse trap when ten bands are all booked to play the same event. Things always go wrong and if you cannot handle surprises ...Then play casinos where you're a number that files for independent taxes yearly and your work force is robotic and mastered to perfection. Whatever you choose, essentially you must be acceptable of the situations at hand and have a good time. If you have to break down the stage and load the equipment into trucks during a raging storm.... consider it a challenge to be adventurous.

[BravadoNJ]

instead of going to the mountain, you bring the mountain to the band... in this case fans.
now The Who are doing Vegas- why tour? just play in the same venue and have the fans come to you.
Billy Joel does this by playing Madison Square Garden in NYC once a month. he only lives a half hour away.
of course he's actually helping MSG recap the massive cost of it's recent renovation...

[Jerjo]

That's one thing about the Cruise to the Edge, it's as close to Prog-Branson or NEARFest as you can get with all those acts in one place

[not intended as a slight on Prog Day, Rosfest, etc]