General Chat (Non-Music-Related)

just saw an ad on CL, and it looks like the LGBT band is still looking for a keyboardist or guitarist.. they have changed the ad somewhat with the header just asking for players.. before the header was blatantly flashing their pride in being an LGBT band.. my question is, should I give them a call and chat them up and see if I could get an audition, since they will be playing some 3500 seat GAYPRIDE Festival this coming summer? sounds like a paying gig? they have been looking for months.. would it be dangerous being in the band, lots of people hate gay bisexual people, and although I am not that way, I am sure the audience would probably believe I am one of them, since I would be associated with the band, and this could create some uncomfortable circumstances maybe.. but I would love to make some money playing, not saying I have a snowball's chance in hell even being invited to an audition, but..

one of the best and most enjoyable bands i played in was a six pc originals band called Natural Selection (always hated that name). i was the only straight guy in the band. great players and great people ( even IF the bible says they're all gonna burn in hell forever! yeah, right). i never had any problems...of course this was a different time (late '70's) and a different place (NYC).

if you're not bothered by their lifestyle choice (and i know you're not)...and if the music is happening i'd say go for it.

This is a musical post... Go for it, and go post it in the musical section. Thank you.

I'd say go for it. LGBT people will NOT assume you are GBT because you are in the band. However, straight people and anti-LGBT people may indeed thing you are. Don't assume that 3500-audience gig is paying, though - ask.

I'd say no and here is why:

Would you answer an ad for a 'Heterosexual band?' I wouldn't. It sounds creepy.

I'm also unaware of a musical genre that is LBQG or whatever.

A band that puts their sex lives out front like that seem silly to me. If they are band that played music I liked and turned out that most or all of them were gay, no big deal...The music biz has always been a little off beat.

Talbot

I'd say no and here is why:

Would you answer an ad for a 'Heterosexual band?' I wouldn't. It sounds creepy.

I'm also unaware of a musical genre that is LBQG or whatever.

A band that puts their sex lives out front like that seem silly to me. If they are band that played music I liked and turned out that most or all of them were gay, no big deal...The music biz has always been a little off beat.

Talbot

there's no need to mention it's a "hetero band" cos that's the norm and the expectation. mike, you and i might be ok w it, but we both there are plenty of homophobes and haters out there who will want no part of playing music w homosexuals.

so....why not put that out there upfront so neither side is wasting their time? not all that different than ads that stipulate christians only, no drinkers, or no old smelling geezers over 30.

thanks Mike, that is why I brought up in my post, that they had now kinda backed off from blatantly pumping up the LGBT factor of their band, in the CL header, now, it simply states keyboardist or guitarist needed... I guess the next step is to see if they can provide a link to their music , to see what genre they are.. first and foemost I have to get paid for playing, and as Mike B. pointed out, a 3500 seat audience does not necessarily mean a paid gig, but..

here is a clip of their ad:
"Looking for experienced keyboard or guitar player. No beginners. Non judgmental, lgbt friendly. Music format is fun Rock & Roll. Age not relevant if you have talent. Cover tunes for right now evolving into originals. We're playing at Pridefest 2015 in Springfield, MO. Crowd expected is approx. 3,000. I also have other gig connections. Let's talk ~ Thanks!

Well that Pridefest gig could be a 'charity'event - no pay, lots of 'exposure'....

I was looking at the GLO Community Center website, and it does seem to say, in the Pridefest Schedule 2015 page, "Pridefest makes every effort to recognize the businesses and individuals who donate their products, services, in-kind donations, and financial support. Additional information is available upon request."

so, it looks like they are donating services (music performance)..anyhow, I have shot off an email to them..

My gay friends are some of the best artists on the planet. I don't think you could hang with them, because they are usually very style-conscious.

But I'm sure that no one will mistake you for being one of them, so go ahead and give it your best shot.

ain't heard back from them, so you might be right Ted, although they can;t be too judgmental about my lack of style, since they have not seen me yet, they are fond of the finer things in life, and surprisingly they have high average median incomes, over $80,000.00 per annum (source: per GLO website)..think Jasper on Family Guy and you have one pegged..LOL

My gay friends are some of the best artists on the planet. I don't think you could hang with them, because they are usually very style-conscious.

But I'm sure that no one will mistake you for being one of them, so go ahead and give it your best shot.

not my experience at all w the many gays i've played music w. all different (just like heteros) and ran the full spectrum from being waaaay out there to being more private about their preferences.

ted, in the same way that neither you nor i are representative of EVERY heterosexual on the planet...i'd say the same holds true for your gay artist friends. always best to treat every new situation and person w a clean slate and leave presumptions and biases behind.

as many musicians as you've worked with, ted...i'm guessing you've played w many who were gay and you didn't even know it. ( no doubt applicable to me too). obviously not every gay person wears it like a badge.