This group is for rock musicians ready to perform out in clubs without the long-term commitment - and hassle - of joining a band. Phil Brandt, organizer of the successful "Pick, Play and Perform Guitar Group" - which regularly played out in the Village - is creating "4 ON THE FLOOR." Here's how it works:
Four musicians from the group will be paired together to create a "band." Each band will give themselves a name and have two rehearsals to select and rehearse four rock cover songs. At the show four bands will take the stage. Four Bands – four songs each – four/ twenty minute sets – two hours total. After the performance night, everyone will be paired with new partners from the group for the next show…and we'll do it again!!
Show times will be from 6:30PM to 8:30PM on a weeknight.
- No waiting all night for your turn to play.
- No performance times at ungodly late hours.
- No playing for an empty house.
Including group members, my last group pulled in a steady audience of 40-60 people, but this group will have more!! The audience will be 50% musicians and friends, and 50% general audience.
First and foremost, this group is about having fun!!! Meeting and working with other musicians, building friendships over music and drinks and playing out for friends and friends of friends in a supportive environment.
Interested? Here’s what you need to know:
1) You don’t need to be an expert musician to be in this group and perform out. But, you will need to be good enough to play with others in a band and be able to lock down four songs in two rehearsals. Also, since one of our goals is to attract a general audience, you have to be competent enough to entertain them enough so they will come back the next time. We will be having an initial jam “meet and greet” on Wednesday, December 14th. All members will be required to attend an initial jam before being asked to participate in a band performance.
2) We will be playing rock cover songs. Only lively songs, no slow songs or ballads are allowed. That said, any type of rock is acceptable: pop, classic rock, indie, metal, alternative, pregressive, new wave, punk, etc. Note: We will be playing out at Nightingales in the Village to start. In time we may venture to other locations. Nightingales accommodates a max of about 100 people and is great for electric rock at “reasonable volume levels.” So for hard rock or metal, drummers will have to tone it down a bit.
3) This group is for musicians who play electric guitar, electric bass, drums or keyboards. Sorry, this group is not for singers who are not also proficient at playing one of the above instruments.
4) Band rehearsals will be two-hours on a weekday evening starting between 6:00 to 7:00PM. Rehearsals will be at The Studio on 31st Street. All the equipment is there, no need to bring anything. It is easy, convenient, centrally located and very inexpensive. Band members will need to contribute to the cost of studio rental which should be about $10 each for a two-hour rehearsal.
So please sign up now for the first jam now on Wednesday, December 14th, and read over the agenda regarding songs which we will be playing. I hope to get band rehearsals started in January and have the first performance in February! Great way to start out the New Year!
Also, you are welcome to check out pictures and info of my previous guitar group:http://www.meetup.com/pickplayperform
And, if interested, my filmmakers group:
http://www.meetup.com/ufanyc
See you on December 14! Thanks!