How many members play out on this forum?

[Kid Metric]

I'd be interested to see how many folks play out versus elect to be at home players.
I played out for 14 years, and I got my fill.
Like to know how you feel!

[strat56]

I've been playing out since I was 13, 40 years. I still enjoy it.

There are some club gigs where no one is paying attention to the band, it's like the band is just background noise, and that used to be a bummer. But I've learned to enjoy playing with a band and appreciating all the cool stuff that happens with musical, vocal and personal interplay between the members and don't worry so much about if the audience is paying attention.

I've also learned to limit the gigs per month to allow some weekends to do things with the family. I try to keep a weekend or two open.

I play in bands that play a variety of music and that also learn different material all the time and I learn the songs note for note from the recording. It doesn't always get played note for note though. Keeps it interesting.

I also do fill in work, which is always a challenge.Sometimes playing songs I've heard but never played.

Variety is the way to go.

I'll probably continue to play out as long as someone will hire me.

[Earthworm]

I perform three nights per week (Thurs, Fri, Sat) on top of teaching high school. It makes for a busy yet rewarding life. I perform mostly as a solo, but duos sometimes, too. You will find me playing my Crowdster Plus or my new Taylor Fall Limited GACE.

Check out my new album here: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=301125106&s=143441

[GASMAN]

I've been doing this since I was 12-13 (just turned 51--Yikes!!!!). Still can't imagine completely stopping. Although , the "just background niose" thing has kind of gotten to me the last couple of years. Times have changed I suppose.

We're an established band in the area (over 40 years). I've been with them for the last 8 yrs. We keep busy with private parties, wedding receptions, etc.

Still fun! I'll try to keep at it for a few more years. I love everything about it. Even set up, tear down, late nights getting home. I would greatly miss it all if I had to stop.

[Pietro]

I "perform" two or three weekends a month at my church. I work there, though, as Worship Arts Pastor.

That means I get to play guitar at work.

Yes, it rocks!

[mdrs]

I've never been a gigging musician. I've played out, but for special functions, not on a regular basis.

I was always busy pursuing my education and just never committed the time and effort it took to play out. I was, however, playing all the time, all along.

At age 52 I do, at times, regret that I didn't play out more. But, my day job worked out pretty well. It has allowed me to keep involved in my music in ways I never anticipated.

I always hung with musicians, and was around music as much as I could be. I guess I was living vicariously thru my gigging friends.

[pipedwho]

At age 52 I do, at times, regret that I didn't play out more.
It's not too late to start now. :)

[markus]

I'm playing out a few times a month with my two Alternative/Hard Rock bands and once a month with an acoustic showcase in San Francisco called SFTV Unplugged (I guess the idea was to merge MTV Unplugged with San Francisco... :p)

I'll sure have to cut back a bit as my wife and I just had our first child in December, but I can't imagine not playing out anymore... I've been doing it for the last 20 years and it's still just way too much fun! :D

And if anyone is interested here are some links:
http://www.myspace.com/untiedtrio
http://www.myspace.com/mrmimeband
http://www.myspace.com/sftvunplugged

Cheers,
Markus

[santellavision]

It's not too late to start now. :)I agree 100%! All our band are in their 40's and we can tear it up! Here's a shot of me with my Atom.

http://www.santellaproductions.com/band/ernieanderson.jpg

[markus]

Very nice shot, Ernie!!!
Here's a picture of me and my Candy Apple Red Classic in action....

http://cache.reverbnation.com/data_public/photo/image/55/552156/330312840_ko4oP-XL.jpg

[mdrs]

It's not too late to start now. :)

True!! I've recently played with a local bass player who used to play for Greg Howe "in the day". I currently have two of my three sons living at home...one is a great drummer, currently not in a band, and the other is a great guitarist (junior in H.S.). We've all jammed and the bass player and I are talking about the possibility of playing out.

We have two issues; the first is time.....both our day jobs are demanding, and involve being "on call". The second is that we live fairly far out in the boonies. So, there aren't really any venues nearby. I suppose the third issue is convincing my sons that it'd be cool to play in a band with their Dad!!! I'd love to do it, though. All three of them are really fine musicians. We could do classic rock and blues without much effort.

We're talking about it, though. We'll see..............

[Son of Anderson]

i get to play with my "old man" at church 1-2 times a month! I love playing with my dad.

[guitarzan]

I'm a traveling clinician for a guitar manufacturer and I play around here when I'm in town. Also, I'm the MD (music director) at my church, so that means I hire the players and speak "band speak" when the worship leader wants something but doesn't know how to explain it in musical terms. I don't usually lead worship except when the worship leader takes a weekend off which happens pretty often. And he took a long break in the Fall, so I was a wannabe-Lincoln Brewster for a few months- but he's back and I just get to be me again. I also do the sideman thing here and there, but I got a little soured to it about a year ago because gas prices got so high and I was getting less and less excited to drive up to Hollywood in traffic (because there's ALWAYS traffic) to make $50. I'm anxious to get out and play locally again, though, so I'm booking more stuff through this Spring. Maybe it's because I have a new Anderson Classic that inspires me. :)

[Road King]

I used to play at least 4 nights a week but the last 4 months or so I've been traveling alot starting a new business. Can't wait to settle down again and pick back up. But in the mean time I'm redoing my rig, so that's fun.

[huzits]

i get to play with my "old man" at church 1-2 times a month! I love playing with my dad.

Sweet gig to play with your pop. :)

I play out probably 4-6 nights a month with a variety band. Good enough since we all work full time professional jobs. Plus, it is just enough time between gigs for our singer to forget her parts. It keeps the rest of us on our toes. I keep telling my band mates to think "like a cat" when we play (i.e., land on our feet). ;)

<a href="http://entertainment.webshots.com/photo/2549322070072366792tFhxdQ"><img src="http://thumb12.webshots.net/t/63/763/3/22/7/2549322070072366792tFhxdQ_th.jpg" alt="Paid in Full"></a>

[Casper]

Like Gasman and Strat, I have been playing semi pro for nearly 30 years and have done the variety thing mostly. Makes you well rounded as a player, but doesn't leave room for growing musically as much. Current gig is with a regional variety showband (together as a name for 35 years!) I have been pretty fortunate to see alot of sights, go to places I never would have seen and meet people who have made their mark on my life.
Its a great thing and a great way to make a living, but the sacrifice of family and relationships can take a toll, if your'e married, committed or otherwise involved. If you are making money, but not enjoying the gig itself..there's the rub. Then it becomes a day job instead of inspirational fun.

I would love to do the praise worship thing again. I was into it back in the early 80s. Trouble is, finding a gig and getting to a church on a Sunday after getting in from the road at 4am that morning! This points to my earlier comment about relationships, not only personal, but with God)..It would be great to find a church to play and worship in..

[Ray K.]

I feel extremely privileged that I get to play electric lead guitar in my church's Praise band every week. We play with our orchestra, choir and Praise team (vocalists). We also do special events at other churches/venues throughout the year collectively and individually.

For some 35 years I was an on/off local & regional musician doing the typical bar and club scene. I also have some studio time on my resume.

I had some great times, but what I do know is by far the most rewarding "gig" I've ever had! :)

Ray K.

[BrownDog]

At 56, still making the rounds at least a couple times each month - http://www.myspace.com/knockkneedsally

With tone and oneness, Mike

[ckofahl]

For about 13yrs, I touring with different Christian artist, and kept my hand fairly active doing studio work and local gigs when in town. I'm now the lead pastor at a growing church that has ended my touring days, but I still keep fairly active doing session work and playing for different city wide events and doing some guitar clinics with various churches and their worship teams. My church let's me play with the worship team only twice a month. With all my other duties on Sunday morning, twice a month at times seems like too much and at other times, not enough.

[picnic]

I play with three groups of friends, all long time players. Tues, Wed and Thursday nights. Each group has a music zone they like to be in and that keeps the variety level up for me. Each group may play 2-3 parties, picnics backyard bbq's a year. Just for fun, we all got day jobs.

Several times a summer I get to sit in with local bands I know who playing corporate events at my picnic grounds. I played with some of the bands back in the day, so it's fun to get on stage with old friends again.

I host two Fender Forum jams each year in May and October. Lots of forum members, 60-80 including with family and friends. I arranged a songlist, usually 50-60 well known guitar oriented classic, fill in the players and herd the cats during a real fun day. This May will be ClamFest #6.

[tom]

plat 3 services at home church every other week, and play with frinds at other churches every once in a while. did the clubs and corperate stuff when i was younger. much prefer the laid back attitude at church. great players, great gear and best of all no egos.

[Suriel Zayas]

in 2008, i did well over 200 shows and over 275,000 air miles. every year i say, this is the year i will slow down, but.........it's too much fun.

[tom]

just went back and read the first page. i highly encourage you to try playing with your kids. my son mentioned that we get to play together fairly regularly and i too will say that i love to play when he's drumming. he's pretty darn creative. i also remember when i was a kid that my dad took group guitar lessons, from ernie ball no less, and we used to play tunes for my mom. it was a pretty great time then too.

[csd]

presently play 2 services a week. i used to play out quite a bit, but i do not miss setting up systems and lugging gear till all hours!! being a diabetic, my health is pretty important and long crazy road trips had to stop. since then i got married, a family.......(i can't believe my girls are 8 & 10, man i'm getting old!!). we are quite involved with P & W at our church. still loving it!

[mdrs]

just went back and read the first page. i highly encourage you to try playing with your kids. my son mentioned that we get to play together fairly regularly and i too will say that i love to play when he's drumming. he's pretty darn creative. i also remember when i was a kid that my dad took group guitar lessons, from ernie ball no less, and we used to play tunes for my mom. it was a pretty great time then too.

That is so cool, Tom!!

While I've never played out with my sons, they did grow up playing with me, almost on a daily basis.

In my home, on most days there are at least 3 or 4 interludes of music....and we do still play together here at home, though not as often as when they were younger.

[huzits]

i highly encourage you to try playing with your kids.

Great idea Tom. My son is 12 and autistic. I am hoping that he will one day take an interest in playing an instrument. It would make my day/life to play with him and his "regular" twin sister (who plays piano and sax). :)

[Ahess86]

I play out a few weekends a month, coast to coast w/ CCM artist Brett Rush www.myspace.com/brettrushmusic I just moved and so I had to change churches, so I'm not in on Sunday mornings yet.

I am getting married this summer, not sure how its going to impact the playing out yet.

[TonyG]

Played in a local band in the late 60's then work, marriage and kids mean't I didn't pick a guitar up again till I retired in 2001. Been back in a band in recent times but it's on hold for the moment as the keyboard player has a serious illness. I enjoy playing at home and trying different guitars, amps and pedals but nothing beats gigging.
Sadly I never encouraged my 2 boys to play but my 10 year old grandson now has a guitar. Would be great to gig with him but he will need to hurry as I will be 60 in April.
I am intrigued by the consistent reference of forum members to playing in bands associated with the Church. There is nothing like this in the UK and I would be interested to know how this works.
Lastly, I got my TAG DVD a couple of days ago - it certainly is an insight into how great guitars are made. The bridge between Durham, England and Newbury Park, California seems a little shorter now.

[ToneLounge]

Like others here, I'm a regular on the worship team. I'm blessed to play with good friends and other working pro's (Norm Stockton on bass, David Owens on drums). In addition, I play an hour or so a day at work (Taylor Guitars) when we're working on new stuff, or doing videos.

I can't imagine not playing with other musicians - it's like paid therapy for me!

[Pietro]

just went back and read the first page. i highly encourage you to try playing with your kids. my son mentioned that we get to play together fairly regularly and i too will say that i love to play when he's drumming. he's pretty darn creative. i also remember when i was a kid that my dad took group guitar lessons, from ernie ball no less, and we used to play tunes for my mom. it was a pretty great time then too.

Inspiring! I think I should have a couple guitars at home so that maybe the kids (I just got two... pre-adoptive foster care... they'll be "mine" sometime around summer...) will get interested. I have an old beater tele that they could "relic" for me, but they can't touch my new Cobra!

[geoangus]

Pretty similar situation to Picnic. Played with some high school friends for 20+ years, gigged out a few times, but mainly it was a weekly alternative to bowling or softball. Once we hit our '30's, we all had started families, and time together became more difficult. Now as we approach 50, we haven't done anything together in 10 years. So I pretty much twang my Hollow Classic at home.

Its funny though - I have more GAS pain now than I ever did in those years we were playing all the time. My imbuya and wicker Mesa Mk III, as nice as it is, just doesn't do it for me anymore, but I just don't know where to turn next. Tweed 6L6 (LP Twin) or EL-84 (Tophat or Maz 18)? I'm afraid a new amp will also drive me to add a Cobra T w/ humbuckers. If only I had more confidence in the economy, I'd probably pull the trigger.

[tom]

tony, church can look lots of different ways these days. it can be a traditional building with wooden pews and stained glass or it can be an industrial space setup with a stage and tables and chairs. music has always been a part of the church. back in the reformation luther set traditional hymns to the music of bar songs of the day to make them more accessible to the population. today church music can sound much like popular music with all the same instrumentation. i end up using the same kind of tones that would be used in any band situation. the music is geared for all to sing, not just the band. it's not a performance, just group of people honoring an audience of one.

[guitarzan]

tony, church can look lots of different ways these days. it can be a traditional building with wooden pews and stained glass or it can be an industrial space setup with a stage and tables and chairs. music has always been a part of the church. back in the reformation luther set traditional hymns to the music of bar songs of the day to make them more accessible to the population. today church music can sound much like popular music with all the same instrumentation. i end up using the same kind of tones that would be used in any band situation. the music is geared for all to sing, not just the band. it's not a performance, just group of people honoring an audience of one.

This is a great explanation, Tom. And while the Lutheran church is normally on the conservative side, I actually saw a drum set in one of the old cathedral churches while I was on a college trip to Germany in the mid-90's. It's a tell-tale sign that guys who frequently play in church gigs (worldwide) are coming with the same gear, the same licks, and the same enjoyment that comes from playing with a band in any other venue.

[MapleGuitar]

Just turned 50, and got back into playing about 8 years ago after taking off many years to grow a family and build a business. Currently play once a week with a variety/rock-n-roll band. Also lead the worship team at a small church, playing every Sunday evening. In my studio, I host semi-regular jam sessions for fun. Life is good.

[TonyG]

Tom - thanks for the reply.
I always think of you chaps living pretty much the same lives as us here in the UK. There are, however, many differences and this is one area where we could learn so much from you. The traditional Church here, comprising the Church of England ,the Catholic Church and the various forms of Methodism have been dying a slow death for many years. In my town of maybe 3000 people I doubt whether 100 regularly attend Worship. Its down to people's lack of values but also an unwillingness of the Church to acknowledge the need to modernise. I envy your "Church" which obviously gives people of all ages what they need. It sounds as if the Church is very much at the centre of everyday life in the USA. From a music point of view there are opportunities for performance which simply do not exist here. I have had a look at the David Crowder Band to get a perspective on the type of music - it's brilliant!

[guitarzan]

Tom - thanks for the reply.
I always think of you chaps living pretty much the same lives as us here in the UK. There are, however, many differences and this is one area where we could learn so much from you. The traditional Church here, comprising the Church of England ,the Catholic Church and the various forms of Methodism have been dying a slow death for many years. In my town of maybe 3000 people I doubt whether 100 regularly attend Worship. Its down to people's lack of values but also an unwillingness of the Church to acknowledge the need to modernise. I envy your "Church" which obviously gives people of all ages what they need. It sounds as if the Church is very much at the centre of everyday life in the USA. From a music point of view there are opportunities for performance which simply do not exist here. I have had a look at the David Crowder Band to get a perspective on the type of music - it's brilliant!

search YouTube for a guy named Lincoln Brewster. He's a pretty outstanding guitar player as well.

Actually, here's the link. (http://www.youtube.com/user/lincolnbrewster)

[Barry]

This is a very interesting thread . Ive been lucky enough to be a working musician for 35 + years. I will be 56 in March . It certainly means alot more to me now . I dont take it for granted . Im very fortunate to still be doing it, and getting paid as well ! Its a luxury in my eyes . I also get to play in church occasionally . Played a gig for the Souper Bowl of caring last weekend . The Souper Bowl was started in my home town so its big deal here . Interesting reply from Tony about church in the UK . I wasnt at all surprised by what you said as my mother is from the UK and am quite aware of the state of affairs regarding religion there . I will actually be traveling there in two weeks time . Sorry to stray off the thread, but Ive been very fortunate to play around the world in my life and have met so many people and seen so many places and played with so many wonderful players . I guess i'll keep doing it until they run the old man off !

[csd]

tony, church can look lots of different ways these days. it can be a traditional building with wooden pews and stained glass or it can be an industrial space setup with a stage and tables and chairs. music has always been a part of the church. back in the reformation luther set traditional hymns to the music of bar songs of the day to make them more accessible to the population. today church music can sound much like popular music with all the same instrumentation. i end up using the same kind of tones that would be used in any band situation. the music is geared for all to sing, not just the band. it's not a performance, just group of people honoring an audience of one.
That is an awesome explanation.
i learn so much from you; from your professional input in helping others with their gtrs, with their performance comments, with being able to play and encourage playing with your kids.... i would love to meet you. you have the heart of the Father. koudos my friend.

[tom]

thanks, you know where i hang out:)

[Suriel Zayas]

my daughter has been studying violin since the age of 3. she'll be 16 soon and continues studying, and amazes me to no end. last spring she played carnegie hall and the conductor had me do a piece on classical guitar and she was the featured soloist. almost a year later and i still can't wipe the smile off my face. she ripped!:eek: :eek: :eek:

[tom]

there's nothing like seeing your kids succeed.

[dannopelli]

Suriel,

That must have been amazing.

[mdrs]

Oh man...........I can't even imagine seeing your very own child play Carnegie Hall..........

Congrats, Suriel. Keep smiling!!


And, big time kudos to your daughter, too.

[huzits]

last spring she played carnegie hall and the conductor had me do a piece on classical guitar and she was the featured soloist. almost a year later and i still can't wipe the smile off my face. she ripped!

Awesome! It must be a great feeling. :)

[fusgtr]

Being playing 25 years and pro last 17 as a session, guitar instructor and studio player...lots of gigs and fun...last 4-5 years not too active because of being married (i'm 41) and having 2 daughters...fewer gigs now...but family and kids is the best thing!!!!!!

[Janine Doubly]

I am the Sunday Worship Leader/Musical Director for my church after playing with John and Jami Flynn, the worship leaders before me. I tend to play a few "out in the world" gigs to keep my chops up and keep my ear to the ground as well. But the best thing I started doing to reach out was to start teaching guitar lessons. Its improved my playing immensely and its exciting to see others start to "get it". Our style is pretty rocking and I get to set my amp off to the side of the stage and crank it up to get the tone. I use as many, if not more, distortion tones/effects in a worship setting than I do "out there". Especially during more meditative musical situations in our service. I've started to play more out of town worship opportunities as well, which is fun and challenging. I am playing more, now as a worship leader/guitar instructor/session guy, than I ever did when I was trying to "make it". I love it!!!!

[StudioRat]

I'm one more guy with pretty much the same story. 50, took many years off to start a career and family. Then at 42 I started playing again. Now I play out in 2 bands. A successful club band that plays almost every Saturday night till 1 am. I get home at 2 sometimes 3 am. Then get up at 6:30 and go play 2 services at church. Of course my Sunday afternoons are spent holding the sofa down "watching" (but really napping to) football, or golf, or baseball, even soccer.

Both gigs have improved my playing immensly. The Saturday night gig has honed my ear. Playing 45 - 50 songs in a 4 hour set, only getting one shot to make your mark, really shortens the distance between your brain and hands. The Sunday morning gig has helped my sight reading, my timing, the ability to "lay out" and my faith.

My equipment between the two gigs could not be more different. The Saturday night gig is several guitars (you never know when you're going to break a string) a CS relic Strat, a TAG Drop Top, a 335, and a Taylor 614. The pedal board is all analog into either a Bogner Duende or a Dr. Z Maz 18, sometimes both for a festival gig. The church gig is just the TAG Drop Top, HSH. It covers all the bases from from humbuckers to single coils. The amp is a Fractal Axe FX. It's the only box where I can go from a triple rectifier crunch to a totally clean twin to an ADSR'ed multidelay that sounds like the angels are coming down, to a funk box with an envelope follower. The church gig really stretches my sonic abilities and the Axe FX is the only box I've found that covers all that.

I agree with several of the previous posts about playing contemporary Christian music. It's come a long way since the hymns of the past. Lincoln Brewster, Chris Tomlin, Hillsong, Jars of Clay, it's all incredible music that can bring you closer to God and express incredible joy.

[Harker1440]

I play out in a cover band atleast once a week have been playing out for 20 years