Is this a battle of the bands type of setup or is it a festival type of setup? Is there somewhere for the audience to go during changeovers (Outside to
smoke, get more beer,
etc...)
Also, is this a "Jam band" (Phish, Disco Biscuits) or a few bands "jamming"?
If the bands sets are 45 min to an hour long you don't really need to entertain them. Put on some tunes that are similar to the bands that are playing and
roll with that. The audience will be spending their time waiting in
line for the bathroom, bar, or trying to get in/out to
smoke.
I don't want this thread to turn into a "how to run a festival", but a few pointers if you have not played this game before....
-Try to keep
backline consistant. Make all the bands use the same amps and the same kit. Small modifications can be made, but you don't want to be swapping amps and kits all night long. Standardize a
stage layout and
send it to all the bands and have them respond with any modifications. DI and mic all amps. If you can not avoid swapping kits, try to get rolling drum risers and another set of mics for the 2nd
riser if possible. Really, all you should be doing is having them
plug in, quick
level/
monitor check, and
roll. The less things you have to
roll on/off the better.
Most bands are fine with using a common
backline. Your local
backline company should be able to help you pick the most
rider friendly gear possible for the type of bands that are coming in.
