The Joy

Most of us enjoy sharing. Some of us live to share.
Playing in front of an audience is a very powerful form of sharing.
Music is such an intimate language. The sharing of that language is a strong exchange between audience and performers.

Do artists and their patrons get the same rush?
That man in the third row, does he like my singing...my playing...is he just having such a good night that it wouldn't matter if we were playing the theme song from the local ice cream truck?
As in art, we can appreciate different aspects of the same act.

Bars:
If I had only myself to please, the band would have a set list of tunes that had little or no dancing value.
That would displease the bars management.
People that dance tend to drink more, thereby increasing profits.
Also guys who are with a date, having a good night, will spend more.

Folky Venues:
Now the management doesn't mind the lack of drink sales. No, they want gate movement. The more attendees, the better the profit. They also sell wine and snacks, so they lengthen sets lists. The longer you wait for intermission, the more glasses will be consumed. But it is secondary. Two scenarios - one, they charge a fair price for an established act. The second is the plethora of free programs to showcase new and upcoming talents. An investment in the future.

Concert Halls:
All that moves is the gate. The merchandising done in the lobby is a great deal of income but it is driven by the gate. So they throw flyers everywhere. Perhaps the tickets are inexpensive as well. Advertising is a much more important vital component. Get the word out and fill the seats.

Each type of venue requires a different set list...another strategy.

And each one gives the band an opportunity to share with the audience.
To make intimate contact from twenty yards away.
And to each person in attendance, a unique experience - although we may share, we share many different things.

Here's to Joy.