Halloween gigs and band dress?

We always dress up for Halloween parties. One year we were the only ones who did and won first and second place in the contest. The next year at the same golf community, many people dressed up.

One year I dressed up in doctors scrubs and Leilani put on a nurses uniform. I drive a white van. We were booked at a gated community where the guards are very picky about letting people in. The guard saw the white van with a 'doctor' and 'nurse' in front, opened the gate and waved us through.

If you go to http://www.s-cats.com and click on the candid pictures you can see a few other costumes we've done.

Notes

I've always done it too. Don't have pictures, but my favorite was the year I was Alex from Clockwork Orange (in 1981 or so). I met my first wife at that gig.

It doesn't hurt to have a costume that is mostly what you normally would wear anyway, with something that can be added if you decide to go for it or not worn if you decide not to. A bandana or hat and an eyepatch will make you a pirate in a hurry. Likewise a cowboy hat or even a fancy bowling shirt. Whatever you decide to do (or not), the key is to be comfortable while playing. And have fun, too. If you don't think you'd have fun playing in a costume, then definitely don't. Nobody likes a performer who's obviously not happy or comfortable playing.

Sounds like it will be a fun gig, though. Looking forward to hearing about it.

Peace

Reminds me of another 'road story'.

We were hired for a Halloween party for a Knights of Columbus lodge the Saturday before Halloween.. This particular lodge has a great dance floor, is open to the public, and attracts a big crowd. We play there only a few times a year and they book a year in advance.

During the year we held the booking they changed their mind, but didn't tell us. They decided not to have a Halloween party but instead a small party where the "Fourth Degree" officers and their wives would attend. I think it was fourth degree, but whatever it was, it was the 'top brass' and they were dressed in tuxedos and evening gowns.

We came as "Hollywood-type Gypsies". Leilani in a big dress, peasant blouse, and lots of gold chains with coins on them and bare feet. Very tacky like a movie gypsy. Me? I was in a mis-shaped hat bought at a goodwill store, vest a bit too small, and tie.

The brass laughed and thought it was a great joke on them, and we had a wonderful time. Leilani put her shoes on, I took off the hat and vest and we played. At the end they even tipped us.

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One more suggestion. Your costume should be something that doesn't hinder your playing or singing. For example, since I switch between sax, wind synth, flute and guitar, and therefore put the guitar on and off many times per night, a tall hat is something I would avoid as I don't unbutton the strap but pass it over my head (it's quicker that way).

OK make it two. Don't wear anything that is likely to offend a member of the audience.

And play "Monster Mash".

Notes

thanks for all the helpful replies. guess I will dig something up. no pirate shirt for sure. puffy sleeves could get tangled with the strap, whammy bar. probably no eye patch; I need depth perception.

gig was rough. the gig was last saturday. there was a costume party. I found a cool silk mandarin tunic. I wore a black headband and looked like a ninja rocker. the stage was huge; one tier higher than the floor. we had plenty of room to set up.
the gig looked to be fun when a school bus full of girls in costume showed up. the place was packed. within twenty minutes of playing the bus was loaded and eight people remained. and that was the number for the nest three hours.
what a bummer.
the band played great. I had all kinds of problems. the third song I broke a string. they were only one week old. the next song, my pedal board started to act up. my sound cut in and out. I disconnected the power supply because the red light was intermittently flashing. something was dying in there. good thing I had brand new batteries in the stomp boxes. the third set came around and I was ready for my solo when I lost all power. the surge protector strip shorted out. I had to plug everything into a wall socket. good thing one was right there.

we got paid and the owner wants us back. when asked if the crowd level was typical. he said not really. he did say there was a big show at the club across the street.
all week long I prepped my gear for this gig. new batteries, patch cords all checked, new strings. I even brought a back up amp.

next gig is a week away. I ordered a new power supply.

You are supposed to be prepared for any failure, but that's an impossible thing to do. Sounds like you brought enough and handled the unexpected well. The show must go on.

You take the good gigs with the bad.

We dressed as cats and were playing at a yacht club. After dinner we cranked up the energy level and volume. The dance floor was full. Some of the members even told the manager it was the most fun they ever had in their lives. Everything was going great... ... ...

... ... ...Then at 9:30 one of the elderly female members of the club had a massive stroke. Since it's a private club, everybody knows everybody and they rushed to the table. We cut the volume then quit playing when the EMTs arrived. They took her out on a stretcher, and told us to go home. We played the same club the next night and she was in a coma.

Some things do stop the show.

Notes

Wow dog talk about bad luck. That must have tried your patience. Notes you are still the man, holy crap nothing says STOP like a heart attack or stroke eh. I guess in all the time you've been playing you've must have seen it all.

I have been changing strings before every gig and I bring an extra guitar I'm not skilled enough to change strings on the fly while playing..Ha

Pretty all you can do is be as prepared as possible. I got away from anything with a battery for that reason but my effects pedal could fry some day. I have been bringing two amps a Marshall and Fender mainly because I can't get the cleans I want from the Marshall or the distortion I want from the Fender but the good thing is hopefully if one goes I'd still have a backup.