1st Outdoor Gig - Tips?

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shanefrom302

shanefrom302

DJ Extraordinaire
Sep 28, 2008
948
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43
Delaware
www.chodecircus.com
In the middle of September I will be doing my first gig outside! I am excited becuase its definately a new scene for me. I am only providing music, no lighting.

My plan is to bring along one of those pop up tents to work under. Along with a small cooler with water and paper towels to wipe away any sweat. No generator will be used, party is in clients backyard.

Other then that I don't really know what to look out for, I feel like I should be covered but I know some of you guys perform outdoors often and might have some useful tips for a fellow dj.

Thanks!
:sqbiggrin:
 
Pop up is good,, but a fan is GREAT... bring a 10 or 12 inch fan, right behind you.... it'll be great...if there are kids... bring some balloons,, it's amazing how happy you can make them just by blowing some up.... Hula Hoops...

If it's just adults... hula hoops are always great for drunk chicks later in the night..
 
"hula hoops are always great for drunk chicks later in the night.."



why did i expect something like this from Chuck:sqwink:
 
oh god yes!!! Kids LOVE bubble machines! Just make sure you bring enough bubbles! Good call!
 
Shane,

Send me a PM... I may be able to stop by for a visit. :)

Agreed, take along a good, industrial grade fan. We've done a lot of backyard wedding receptions and grad parties around here. Loading this 36" fan has saved us from heat exhaustion many a night. And I don't have to remind you of how hot and humid it is around here, even at night. :eek:

We have a pop up tent in inventory. Sometimes, the clients provide one for our use. Other times, they don't. I'd recommend having it in the truck in case you need it. You'll want to keep your main system out of the sun.

Believe me, provide your own 100' 12 gauge AC power cord. Clients always promise to provide a cord... but they don't necessarily provide a good one. We had one backyard reception where the client's cord was so poor, our system shut down when the bass hit. I had to go to the truck and get our own. :(

Make sure you're not plugged in to the same service as the festoon lighting or coffee makers, if any. Festoon lighting and heaters draw a lot of current. I had to run a cord to the client's garage and plug in to the outlet in there once. :eek:

By all means, bring along a smallish ice chest and stock it with bottled water or Gatorade.

Hope this helps. :)
 
Outdoors sound doesn't have any walls to reflect sound. Your usual mixer settings will be way lower indoors than outdoors. Depending on how large an area, how many people and how close you will be, you may need more amp and speakers than normal. If your regular rig is powerful you'll be fine. Bass doesn't travel as well outdoors either.
 
shanefrom302 said:
I guess I should bring the old bubble machine out too, just in case there are any kids.

That fan ideal sounds great! I can grab a pack of balloons at the dollar store too! Great tips!
Click to expand...

Chuck The DJ said:
oh god yes!!! Kids LOVE bubble machines! Just make sure you bring enough bubbles! Good call!
Click to expand...

Bubble machines might be OK IF you can set them up in a grassy. non dangerous area... AND you have someone to watch the kids for safety..... says the party pooper ( who has booked 57 bubble parties this year )
 
power!! yes,, bring your own cords and if need be, plug them in the garage where the dryer is... 99% of the time, that is a dedicated circuit...

Bubbles,, yeah, grass area is nice......,, keep it high enough so they can't put their little hands in front of it....
 
I Recommend This Fan

Go to Sams Club. Not only is it elegant looking but it oscillates, has three speeds, is powerful and has a remote control. The Walmart version is NOT powerful. I have an outdoor gig too next weekend and will be taking it with me.
Take a Tarpaulin to throw over the equipment and large garbage bags to throw over the speakers in case of sudden rain. Sometimes the EZ up leaks or you get side wind that blows in rain.
http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=2&item=383094
 
Small tract-home backyard should be fine with standard setup, but larger yards, and anything bigger/more expansive would see you benefiting from adding a sub - even if you just rent one or borrow one for the gig.

If you have 15" mains in a standrad backyard though, you should be okay.
 
To add to the great advice already given and especially Fred's great power advice, be wary of where the plug is in comparison to where they want you set up. Many times we've had to run cords through bushes rather than a straight line. Obviously not only a trip hazard, but kids accidentally kicking out the cord is a buzz kill and bad for equipment. Gaffers tape don't work so well on the grass:)

Also, bring plastic or garbage bags to cover equipment, if needed. Those pop up tents are nice, but with wind, rain can still get pushed under the tent.
 
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