Musician Forum - Band Discussion Board - BandMix

Back in the day, bands would dress up to do shows, often even going so far as to wear "uniforms." They also did a floor show around midnight or one AM, in my part of the country, where ppl actually stopped dancing, & the band would do a little performance of some sort.

Ppl don't seem to do that anymore.

I wonder why it stopped. Or has it stopped only in my part of the world?

Do you do floor shows, or know anyone that still does?

They were usually pretty good, if the band was tight. Audiences were often wowed by it.

I'd like to do it again. Embrace the cheese!

what kind of floor show performances do you mean?

Pole dance?
Actually it is kind of interesting I'd like an example of what you mean by floor show. In our area usually around midnight the band was trying to keep one of their members from getting killed by a local for hitting on his girl.

Hey Gang,

I cant believe I clicked on your post while thinking of our old floor shows in workin with a hypnotist/magician...I just spoke with 2 agencys not long ago that used to book us 6-7 nites a week in the SE and Mid W..There not bookin those acts anymore and havent for a while...Yeah, Im afraid it has died in most cities as a rule...Of course in Atlantic City, Vegas, Branson etc.Its still going strong...Yeah, a TUE nite could be enjoyed at your local Sheraton INN , Supper Club,Privite Club etc. by hearing a good road band mix it up with disco, rock, fusion, 50's etc. THEN at 11pm ,get ready to go under hypnosis and watch some great magic and illusion ...I played in a Elvis show band 6 years,then a 50's doo wop vocal ensemble...Yeah , some very interesting projects
Made a decent livin for 17 yrs anyway..Yep....The NEW Mother nature has takin over...Im afraid its a distant memory...Lets cry some more


John


John

Well, as I recall it usually included a light show, members of the band dancing or doing the robot, or whatever. There was also often a change of clothes involved. Spotlights emphasizing one or another of the band as they did a solo. There was a lot of stuff a band could do to be unique, "joke time" or whatever the band was good at.

It was good entertainment, that's all, & it seems to be missing today.

Yeah, KIDD, a lot of touring bands would showcase some local guy who did magic or standup...the whole thing started back in the speakeasy era, when there were loads of good musicians, no ipods or cell phones, & ppl actually went out for "dancing & a show." Usually, both were found at the same spot...anything to keep ppl drinking & having a good time.

When I've brought up the subject with musicians I often get the "isn't it all s'posed to be about the music" sorta thing.

To that I say NO...it's about ENTERTAINING ... a much more involved process that includes RELATING to the audience somehow.

I think that many local acts would go much farther if they were to include something along these lines.

Sounds like a good idea, and loads of fun. Most of the stand up comics I've heard in the last few years or so were just freekin vulgar not funny.
Saw an old red neck stand up and doe pop one of these smart asses right in the mouth. Now that was funny!

Hold tight, got another story for y'all,

Some years back, Cin and I stepped out to quaff a few "brewskies" and to check out a good Allentown band that happened to be playin' in our neck of the woods. The pub was an old converted barn, and a local hotspot for many years. (I played more then a few good gigs there myself)

Much to our surprise and delight, when the band took a break, a man and scantly clad lady commenced to perform a bodacious TRAPEZE act right there in the bar! (this old building had a very high ceiling)
One of the coolest things I've ever seen out in the pub.

It turned out that the trapeze act had an R.V. that broke down and the kind bar owner allowed them to park it at the club. To return the favor (and to keep in practice) the high flyin' duo consented to put on a free show for the clientele. Proof positive that not all venue operators are pricks!

Concerning stage dress, I've done the "all alike" thing a few times over the years. Most always do formal for upscale weddings.

Good topic Philby, The whole subject seems like "vaudeville" to me.
Howlin'

Well, I guess I can see that...music was a huge part of vaudeville.

Vo-dee-oh-doh!

Hey Gang,

Yeah , your right Philby.Most of the younger gens wouldnt want to share the spotlight (Billing)now..BUT, it was actually 2 different indenties during the night...We had to play TOTALLY different music during the floor show, like the Tonite Show theme, theme from "Night Train" and Medleys etc ...Your right again, in talking about ENTERTAINING.Bands pretty much keep to themselves and play for THEM now days
We're alot more narcissisitic than we were 20 yrs ago...Im glad everynow and then ( 1 gig every 2 months or so) I play a place that involves all ages. I get down in the floor and rock out with the TEENS..They love 70s' stuff...(go figure)... ...Yeah, At least we can get on HERE and talk about it now. (couldnt 25 yr ago... )

John

So true!!

One band I saw did an entire floor show centering around tv show themes...the sing told funny stories moving the band from one theme to the next...it was really fun.

Bands would do most anything to be truly fun & unique, & put a lot of work into it all to do so.

I would have liked to have seen the trapeze act, HJ...I'll bet that was something.

Hmmm trapeze, and not vulgar?

I'll have another triple bartender, that should get me through the floor show. lol

This is such a valid point. I can't say I'm too familiar with the "song and dance" idea, but it's been a major bitch of mine that local musicians have abandoned the idea of "entertaining". Here, in my little neck of the woods, it's seems like the better the band, the more likely you could replace them with mannequins and a jukebox. No show whatsoever. Less musically talented bands tend to work a little harder to get the crowd involved, but that usually means making profound statements like "Y'all wanna hear sum SKynyrd?" Pathetic.
I think a lot of the problem comes from bands trying to do to much too soon-a debate I am having with my own band right now. Personally, I believe that having a prepared performance is a major piece of the puzzle-meaning success. I believe that so much, in fact, that I refuse to gig without some semblance of a "show." Call me controlling and stubborn (many others have!)

Really is an interesting thread the whole entertaining idea and all.
Our Bassest wants us to put together an unpluged show, and advertise / promote outdoor small group entertainment kinda red neck fireside thing.
It sounds like some fun to me but I'll have to by another guitar unless they want us to do 1200 watts at the fireside.

u n i f o r m s . . .

*rolls eyes*