I am the MC for a local blues festival/concert.....advice!!?

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O

ou812

DJ
Sep 26, 2006
1,046
6
51
Klamath Falls, Oregon
Hey all,
I was contacted a few weeks ago about being the MC for a local blues festival, in the town I live in. The festival has 5 bands, and will go from noon to about 7 pm, in a local park/waterfront. I am meeting with the president of the organization that is putting the festival on, and should learn more this evening.
This will be a first for me, as I am typically just a mobile dj, with some time spent in local bars and clubs.....the guy that suggested me, and recommended me is the drummer for a local blues band, and I work with him otherwise (day job.....that and I was the dj for his daughter's wedding reception). I am sure it will be fun, and a great experience, but wondered what the pros here had for advice? From what I understand now, I am to make announcements, plug the sponsors of the festival, plug the vendors, and introduce the acts as they come on stage......I will research all of this in the next couple days, and the festival director will be giving me a bunch of info tonight, but wondered if there are some pitfalls and problems I should look for, and things that could make me a better host/mc?

Here is the website for the festival, being held this Saturday...

www.klamathblues.org

thanks in advance all,

Jeff
 
get a band lineup for each day and make sure you have their names correct. Perhaps do some website browsing for them if possible get a feel for where they have played etc any accomplishments etc. It will make you stand out like you have done this for years. Much like MCing a wwedding pay attention to your surroundings sharing enough humor if possible but not overboard. Have fun get into it this ought to be a great op for upping your skills and great exposure for yourself see about getting some sort of billing in the process if appropriate. The radio station guys give out their call letters when performing such duties, no reason your details in process throughout the day unless told not to.
 
^^great advice Jon.....I will find much more about the "rules" tonight, but definitely researching the event, the sponsors, and acts, is on my list of things I will be doing....

should be great fun, but only if prepared!
 
Yes, I do have some advice. I recently did this for the lymphoma cancer society in NC. They had 4 different acts all with their own guitars, wah wah pedals, and in some cases mic.

I had totally forgotten how long it can take for a band to leave the stage, and another setup, since they usually bring their own stuff, have to plug in, check levels and guitars for tuning etc.

Point being, dead space, which you have to fill in. Get an idea from each band how long they will need to be ready for your introduction
and watch them, ask one of them in advance to give you thumbs up so that when you introduce them, they can start playing straight away.

Now if you can Play something that they are not going to play from their CDs,(if they have one) that would be totally kewl, since you can plug the CD. But dont play something they are going to perform live. That can help you plug them as well.
 
Remember just like at a wedding, people are there to see the bands, not you,,, so be fun, and all that but remember the bands at like the B&G...
 
I would quote Blues lyrics where I could. There's some great lyrics out there. Also, watch Bill Murray host the Crossroads event. I thought he was great even if it did appear to be 'phoned-in'.

Say stuff like:

"Who's ready to drink muddy water and sleep in a hollow log?"

"Who here makes their bed where they their head? For me the cold ground is my bed. And rocks is my pillow too."

"Who here has their mojo workin'"

Etc, etc.
 
wow....had an awesome time today. Great crowd, excellent bands, and damn fun. Will have to post some pics ya'll......

Thanks for all the advice....it was spot on as usual, for this forum!!!
 
hope the turnout provided alot of great exposure for your biz. I also hope you gained another beneficial tool in your belt bag.
 
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