[Dixielandjazz] Schlepping Equipment

[Stephen G Barbone]

To those who are hiring roadies. <grin>

At my age, 75 +, schlepping my sound equipment is a chore. Here's what  
works for us. We tell all of our clients that we are old folks who  
need help. Those who already know us and re-book us are cool with it.

1) Outdoor Gigs:

Insist on driving right up to the bandstand. Or, if wet ground,  
necessitates a walk of more than 50 feet, insist on help.

Like at equestrian events where we park in a lot 300 yards from out  
venue, the organizers assign golf carts and drivers to us at  
performance start and finish times

2) Indoors:

At Colleges, the kids carry our stuff, or assign frat pledges to do  
so. Some have carried our equipment up several flights of stairs. Same  
for Swing Dances at Ballrooms.

At other locations, we always are permitted to unload close by the  
door, or the band stand.

Seems most folks are very glad to help out the aged musicians. I have  
not invested in a cart yet because we always get help from either the  
promoters or the audience. The drummer who has a cart is always amazed  
that our band gets so much help.

Simple, old folks, ask for it.

Cheers,
Steve Barbone
www.myspace.com/barbonestreetjazzband