What my gear can do
I use Mackie sound gear for my shows, and the quality is excellent for any venue up to about 200 people. This is suitable for most bars, clubs, and private parties. This also covers pool parties and outside bar decks quite nicely. For smaller venues, I only set up the amount of gear I need to cover the room and leave the rest in the van.
What my gear can't do
My sound equipment is not well suited to carnivals, fairs or outdoor stage-type concerts, nor is it suitable for large rooms say, the size of a roller rink or bowling alley. For all of these kinds of shows, it would be wise to hire a professional sound company.
Guest microphone
I usually have one guest microphone available for someone in your party to make announcements if they wish – or to sing along.
Guitar player
I am first and foremost a singer/ guitar player. I like to use technology to add a broader appeal to my shows, but when it’s all said and done, it’s still about the singing and guitar playing. If the venue calls for it, I enjoy leaving the band in the box and just going it with the guitar.
The Band
The full band sound I bring to my show is pre-recorded in my home studio. Most songs start out as professionally sequenced midi files which are then mixed and fully produced in my studio. Completed songs are burned to an MP3 CD and played back on a professional MP3-CD player during the show.
Besides the excellent “live band” sound produced into the recordings, the sound gear I use brings more of that live sound to the show. Powerful Mackie sub woofers can make you think you’re standing in front of a real bass player.
Adaptability
I’ve always felt that my ability to adapt to whatever the occasion calls for is the reason I’ve been able to do what I do for so long. Whether it’s sitting in a corner and singing love songs or standing on a table and leading the party, I take pride in being able to bring excellence to any occasion.
Arrival & Set up
I normally arrive an hour before show time to set up the equipment, but it only takes about a half hour to get everything up and running. Everything I have is on wheels, and if there are no stairs, grass, or gravel to push the gear over I don’t need help; however if your venue requires me to cross these surfaces I will normally need you to provide at least one person to help me over the rough spots. This is a five minute job at most. I’m sad to say I don’t have any roadies.
Breaks
I generally take a fifteen minute break each hour, during which time I’ll play regular jukebox favorites through my sound system. Breaks are standard for bands and solo acts and are usually included as part of the time package the venue books.
Complimentary beverages
Most venues provide complimentary sodas and beer for the entertainment, some offer stronger drinks, and although appreciated, none of this is required. If it’s your policy to have the entertainers pay for their beverages, just let me know.
CD sales
Unless the venue objects (so far no one has) I usually set up a small display of CDs, which I sell during the breaks.
Song lists
Prior to the start of the show I pass out laminated song sheets, one to each table and a few at the bar. These sheets list the songs I sing, and encourage the audience to request songs. You can view this song list here.
How far will I go?
I’m often asked how far I’m willing to travel, to which I answer: How much money do you have? (I hope you know I say this with a smile)
I like to travel and will consider any request to do so, but for anything more than an hour out of Altoona I normally increase my normal fee to cover my travel expenses. Call me, we can talk about it.
Let’s talk
Although I don’t list my fee schedule on the web, I’ll be happy to talk with you by phone. Call me at 814-386-2535 and tell me what you have in mind.
Discounts for bars and clubs
If you’re a bar or club you’ll be happy to know I have always discounted my hourly fee for venues that promise repeat business.
Payment Due
Unless you make prior arrangements, payment for each show is due immediately after the show. Feel free to pay by cash or check.
Invoicing
Some corporate events require an invoice and several weeks to get a check cut from the corporate office. If this is the case, it’s helpful if I can send you the invoice several weeks ahead of time so the check can be cut by the time of the show.
Fund raisers for charities
I usually only play for one or two fund raiser events each year, and It’s always been my policy to heavily discount my regular fee for these events.
Rehearsal Dinners
I’d be happy to play for your wedding rehearsal dinner.
Weddings
Although I have played for weddings in the past, I avoid doing so when I can. A wedding is one of the most important days of a person’s life, and as such deserves to be perfect. Many times this includes a selection of songs chosen by the bride just for the event.
I’ve spent a lot of time polishing my act and learning songs that lend a good time to clubs and bars. Most of these songs aren’t appropriate for weddings; therefore the bride typically wants me to learn several new songs just for the ceremony. This translates to several hours of work for me, the result being several songs that I wouldn’t sing anywhere else. This is akin to a bridesmaid spending $500 on a dress she will only wear once, something you would only do for a good friend.
Wedding receptions
Unless the couple has been to one of my shows and specifically wants MY show for their reception, I always counsel the couple to hire a DJ. Why? I can answer the question with two words: Chicken Dance.
There are a whole list of songs and wedding-type things a good DJ builds into the reception that I’m unequipped (nor willing) to do. But, hey… if you’ve read this and you STILL want me, we’ll talk.