[Dixielandjazz] on stage delays (of a different sort)

[david richoux]

The subject line of this thread reminded me to ask this list about 
something that came up during a performance by the Churchill Street 
Reunion band last Sunday.

This is directed at all the performing musicians and audience/dancers - 
your opinions all count!

What is the "best" interval between songs in  live performances - a 
minute or less, 2-3 minutes or what? Sometimes the intervals seem to 
stretch way past 5 minutes while the musicians search for sheet music, 
discuss the key signature and arrangements or have side discussions 
about the weather, sports or other such small talk.

On the other hand, some bands go from tune to tune so quickly there is 
no time for the musicians (and dancers) to catch their breath!

Also, generally how long should the breaks between sets be?

Any  "rule of thumbs" for this problem?

(I am usually not the band "leader" so I try not to set the pace either 
way, but I notice quite a lot of variation in timing for the different 
bands I play in.)

Dave Richoux