[Dixielandjazz] Audiences

[Steve Barbone]

Dan Augustine asked if audiences are the same state to state, country to 
country.

That is a tough question. Probably not totally, but generally, as I see 
it, very similar. Basically during the past few years we have played in 
New York City, upstate New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. 
Our experience has been that these audiences are almost identical in 
likes and dislikes.

BUT, we never go in with a set program that is written in stone. We try 
and adapt the presentation to the audience after we visually get an idea 
of average age, jazz literati or great unwashed, etc. In short, we check 
the demographics of the audience as we perceive them on the spot and try 
and adapt the program to please them.

In effect we go in with a list of 150 tunes. I pick 8 or 10 for the 
first set (which includes alternates) just prior to the program after 
looking at the audience and/or discussing them with the presenting 
organization. Then we gauge applause and do the rest of the program 
based upon what generated the most positive feedback.

We do more advance planning if it is a Jazz Society, Jazz Festival, 
Retirement Home, etc., because we know what turns them on. But if it is 
a street festival, general audience gig, concert in the park etc., we 
check out the audience when there. E.G., lots of little kids, play WWW 
and reference it to Twinkle Twinkle Little Star etc. What we try and do 
there is play a song that will appeal to each segment of the audience. 
We also book 9 year old Jonathan Russell, whenever possible, if there 
are going to be a lot of kids his age in the audience.

One for the old folks, one for the kids, one for the young girls, one 
for the jazz heads, etc. And if it is a Louis Armstrong celebration, 
like this weekend in Rehoboth, 2 nights at a jazz nightclub, we are sure 
to play Hello Dolly, and WWW,   songs that the All Stars made swinging 
favorites, yes "Indiana" is obligatory, Shine and Struttin with Some BBQ 
and some of his Hot 5 Hot 7 numbers. All in our own style, of course.

It is a little more frightening to some than going in with a set 
program, but we find it eminently more satisfying to us and the 
audience. And, if a band properly sets the stage for the program, in 
effect verbally sets the ground rules for the audience, one can't help 
but succeed.

Cheers,
Steve Barbone

PS. HAPPY 103RD BIRTHDAY POPS. YOU ARE STILL THE GREATEST.