A ridiculous gig

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seansy59

Active DJ
Jan 16, 2012
89
40
76
NJ
Had a gig 30 minutes away from me. Left 2 hours early so I could take my time that day since I was tired. This gig was a low paying one of only $250 for a client. 3 hours of music, birthday, 150 people about.

Got there at this venue which was very large, but a bit run down looking inside.

Plugged in my setup, 30 minutes before showtime, and to my avail, nothing came on. Outlet had no power at all.

Plugged into the other outlet 50 feet away...dead...

This place had only 4 outlets in the entire place (it was huge), and they were dead.

Asked the manager where the electrical room was, he pointed me out to the back of the place in a small closet. Small 4 space load center. Had 1 20 amp breaker for the outlets, 1 for lights, 1 for fans, 1 for AC, and the one for outlets was broken. Wouldn't snap into position.
Looked around the area for spares, and none were available.

Was able to get a hold of the owner on the phone which hasn't been there for 8 months. He gave me permission to do what I needed in my 15 min rush. Called 4 different electricians who said they would be down the next day, but that plan was thrown out...

Ran out to Lowes which was 10 minutes away, found the replacement brand $4, and got back 10 minutes after start. Killed the main outside of the building, replaced the breaker, and 15 minutes after, the main was thrown on...just as the first group entered. Music was cued, happy ending. I actually put in a 15 amp breaker for the outlets. Someone had a 20 amp breaker on 14 gauge wire (should be 12ga for 20 amp). Whoever did the electrical did it dangerously...

Told the client what happened, she gave me a $50 bonus for my time and effort :) Was extremely pleased

Worst gig so far...
 
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seansy59 said:
Had a gig 30 minutes away from me. Left 2 hours early so I could take my time that day since I was tired. This gig was a low paying one of only $250 for a client. 3 hours of music, birthday, 150 people about.

Got there at this venue which was very large, but a bit run down looking inside.

Plugged in my setup, 30 minutes before showtime, and to my avail, nothing came on. Outlet had no power at all.

Plugged into the other outlet 50 feet away...dead...

This place had only 4 outlets in the entire place (it was huge), and they were dead.

Asked the manager where the electrical room was, he pointed me out to the back of the place in a small closet. Small 4 space load center. Had 1 20 amp breaker for the outlets, 1 for lights, 1 for fans, 1 for AC, and the one for outlets was broken. Wouldn't snap into position.
Looked around the area for spares, and none were available.

Was able to get a hold of the owner on the phone which hasn't been there for 8 months. He gave me permission to do what I needed in my 15 min rush. Called 4 different electricians who said they would be down the next day, but that plan was thrown out...

Ran out to Lowes which was 10 minutes away, found the replacement brand $4, and got back 10 minutes after start. Killed the main outside of the building, replaced the breaker, and 15 minutes after, the main was thrown on...just as the first group entered. Music was cued, happy ending. I actually put in a 15 amp breaker for the outlets. Someone had a 20 amp breaker on 14 gauge wire (should be 12ga for 20 amp). Whoever did the electrical did it dangerously...

Told the client what happened, she gave me a $50 bonus for my time and effort :) Was extremely pleased

Worst gig so far...
Click to expand...
You did what you had to do and all went well. Maybe you have an Electrical license. In this town if I did that I could face several consequences,
#1 I could be fined for performing Electrical work on a property other than my own. In other words I would need a license to do so.
#2 I could be held liable if something went wrong with the electrical system after I did what I did, even if what I did was correct.
#3 Something had to cause the blowout of that original breaker in the first case and thus just putting a new one in place could have cause an overload. Luckily for you it did not!

I am pointing out these things because I don't want people to start thinking they can play "Hero" and save the day by undertaking tasks like this one! Electrical work and overhead rigging are best left to the qualified personnel.

Again, site visits can expose those kinds of flaws, that is why they are so important. I have a AC outlet tester that I take with me to check the outlets where I will be set up. A small LED lamp or power strip will do the same job.
 
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Sean, I'm normally in the camp of going above and beyond but honestly, I think you went a bit too far. If it comes down to me needing to replace a breaker, that's a huge liability issue to start messing with anyone's building power. This is one of the rare cases where I'd notify the client, setup my gear, then wait for someone else to rectify it. Good for you for being resourceful and the client was obviously happy that you saved the day. Man, $250. I bet an electrician would charge more than that to pop in the new breaker.
 
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I can't believe a single circuit for all outlets would be allowed by code in a venue. I have 4 outlet circuits just in my kitchen (2 20A outlets had to be each on their own breaker for things like toasters/etc.).
 
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Canute is right about the pre-gig visit preventing a situation like this....
but I really gotta wonder...

Why did no one from the venue mention these issues to the client when they booked the place?
 
This venue was obviously run down to the bare minimum. And the electric was "grand-fathered" in so to speak. Honestly, I don't think they never had the place inspected when it was built. The decor was beautiful in the main room, but it was such a remote location out in farmland, and it was such a old run down building outside. (Does an out-house outside for the bathroom mean anything? :D)

The owner gave me full allowance to do what I needed to do, he understood the liability and trusted me, didn't seem like he even cared about the place, he lives 3 hours away. He knew the electric was bad from the start, and from my point of view it doesn't even look like they will be keeping this place open with how run outta town it is. I did try to consult 3-4 electricians on an emergency call, but none were available.

I have done A-LOT of electrical work, and I do know current code and the NEC. Am I licensed? Not a chance. But I can tell you the knucklehead owner better get someone licensed in there to re-do the wiring, re-support the structure, and fix the missing hand rails/broken steps...before someone gets hurt...not that he's getting many clients. I found out the people having the party there were family/friends of the manager. The manager...was the brother...WTH?

The breaker that was replace was indeed "broken". Probably just bit the dust since the plastic handle was snapped.

This gig was one of weirdest, most annoying, and pointless gigs I've done so far. But in the end, I'm paid...and after finding out the manager was his brother, I asked why he couldn't fix the electric/didn't know. Said he had know idea how to repair that stuff. :-/
 
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Ausumm said:
Canute is right about the pre-gig visit preventing a situation like this....
but I really gotta wonder...

Why did no one from the venue mention these issues to the client when they booked the place?
Click to expand...

So pre-gig you roll around and plug something in to each and every outlet to see if they work? I've never done that, nor would I, I'm just curious if this is something you normally do? I would never think to do so.
 
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kittmaster said:
So pre-gig you roll around and plug something in to each and every outlet to see if they work? I've never done that, nor would I, I'm just curious if this is something you normally do? I would never think to do so.
Click to expand...
I ALWAYS do a site visit to check out these things. The chaps here on this Board will tell you that I am not the kind of DJ who shows up on the day of the Event and asks "Where do you want me to set up?". I need my speakers spread out, not be deployed like Headphones. The Venue has to agree to how I will be setting up, not the other way around. I also check out the power outlets that I would be using and ask what else is on that circuit. There were times that when I arrived, there were Christmas Trees plugged into the outlets I was supposed to use and I had them remove them and find another place to plug them in. They were the ones who had the task of running long extension cords.
 
ahoustondj said:
I ALWAYS do a site visit to check out these things. The chaps here on this Board will tell you that I am not the kind of DJ who shows up on the day of the Event and asks "Where do you want me to set up?". I need my speakers spread out, not be deployed like Headphones. The Venue has to agree to how I will be setting up, not the other way around. I also check out the power outlets that I would be using and ask what else is on that circuit. There were times that when I arrived, there were Christmas Trees plugged into the outlets I was supposed to use and I had them remove them and find another place to plug them in. They were the ones who had the task of running long extension cords.
Click to expand...

Perfectly reasonable expectation, but you never know what can happen between your walk through and event night, things go bad, stuff just happens.....it's fair as you said, to know where your gonna be, how to set up, and all the rest. I find that most times I'm in the same venues and there is really no need to go through all that mess....I mean, if your in a staging area, for bands/djs....it's pretty high confidence that things will work as expected.....but if outlets or wires burn up inside the wall/etc....what are you gonna do?....Just run an extension cord and improvise.

The xmas tree thing makes sense, but most times....you think the staff have any clue what is on what circuit? I agree it's good to know if you can, but there is no way you can maintain full confidence on how a running venue changes things as it needs.....not what outside DJ's or bands are going to need. The more upscale venues have dedicated power feeds for bands and those are the places that are optimal to play. I find it's best to be ready for anything, because even the best laid plans are just that.......plans.

:)
 
I don't think the gig was ridiculous. I think you doing what you did was ridiculous. You don't own the place. Why did you do what you did? What happened if while you were trying to fix such a thing that you got shocked? What if there was a fired that got started from what you did? What if some of your equipment got damaged? These are things I would have considered before doing such a thing. Especially considering the pay was $250.00. Oh you did say they gave you a $50.00 tip for being a good guy.

You said the client was being cheap from the beginning. That I'll bet is why they picked that venue. I'll bet it barely cost them anything if at all to have their event there. They probably just had to pay them for preparing the food. Luckily nothing bad did happen. Now what about the gas you had to burn to get that item and the cost for that item? That's taking away from your profit from this gig. One that hardly paid you much of anything.
 
kittmaster said:
Perfectly reasonable expectation, but you never know what can happen between your walk through and event night, things go bad, stuff just happens if its something minor that can easily be worked out then its is not an issue. If they have made major changes without contacting me and it will affect my setup or performance then they had better be prepared to start moving things out of my way......it's fair as you said, to know where your gonna be, how to set up, and all the rest. I find that most times I'm in the same venues and there is really no need to go through all that mess For the same venues, I make a call to the Contact person to ensure that nothing has changed since my last visit.....I mean, if your in a staging area, for bands/djs....it's pretty high confidence that things will work as expected Talk to some of the chaps here who show up and are told to go and setup in a corner with a six foo table, wearing their speakers like headphones......but if outlets or wires burn up inside the wall/etc....what are you gonna do?....Just run an extension cord and improvise. I will only plug in and operate where it will be safe for me and my equipment.

The xmas tree thing makes sense, There are some who would have been afraid to say anything for fear of being blackballed by the venue. but most times....you think the staff have any clue what is on what circuit? I have a Voltmeter and amp meter. If the circuit is being overloaded, they will have to unplug something otherwise no music. I agree it's good to know if you can, but there is no way you can maintain full confidence on how a running venue changes things as it needs When I do a site visit, I leave them with a diagram and one is forwarded to my Client. After going through all the time and trouble of doing a site visit it will be very unprofessional of the venue to disregard what we agreed to do....not what outside DJ's or bands are going to need. The more upscale venues have dedicated power feeds for bands and those are the places that are optimal to play. I find it's best to be ready for anything, because even the best laid plans are just that.......plans.

:)
Click to expand...
Some responses are above in Red. I can only remember one instance where the Venue had made no allowance for me to setup and for power (Even after my site visit) and was totally ignoring me when I got there. I very calmly reminded them of the agreement, showed them the diagram and told them that they would have to be the ones to explain to the client why there was no music. That got their asses into gear real quick.
 
ahoustondj said:
Some responses are above in Red. I can only remember one instance where the Venue had made no allowance for me to setup and for power (Even after my site visit) and was totally ignoring me when I got there. I very calmly reminded them of the agreement, showed them the diagram and told them that they would have to be the ones to explain to the client why there was no music. That got their asses into gear real quick.
Click to expand...
Why wouldn't there be music? You would just up and leave?! I could see it now. The bad review you would get from the client everywhere they could post one and could you afford the bad review and pay the client the money back they paid you?

And you call yourself a professional! Why are you so anal retentive as to where and how you're able to set up? I've seen what you have to work with and I say with what you're working with it should just sound great anyway it's set up. How many people do you know will know if your setup sounds 100% perfect at an event? Most won't know the difference or care. The only ones I know who would take an exception on how your gear sounds or the location is another DJ. Now how many times have you done a private event for a client that a DJ was there?
 
seansy59 said:
Had a gig 30 minutes away from me. Left 2 hours early so I could take my time that day since I was tired. This gig was a low paying one of only $250 for a client. 3 hours of music, birthday, 150 people about.

Got there at this venue which was very large, but a bit run down looking inside.

Plugged in my setup, 30 minutes before showtime, and to my avail, nothing came on. Outlet had no power at all.

Plugged into the other outlet 50 feet away...dead...

This place had only 4 outlets in the entire place (it was huge), and they were dead.

Asked the manager where the electrical room was, he pointed me out to the back of the place in a small closet. Small 4 space load center. Had 1 20 amp breaker for the outlets, 1 for lights, 1 for fans, 1 for AC, and the one for outlets was broken. Wouldn't snap into position.
Looked around the area for spares, and none were available.

Was able to get a hold of the owner on the phone which hasn't been there for 8 months. He gave me permission to do what I needed in my 15 min rush. Called 4 different electricians who said they would be down the next day, but that plan was thrown out...

Ran out to Lowes which was 10 minutes away, found the replacement brand $4, and got back 10 minutes after start. Killed the main outside of the building, replaced the breaker, and 15 minutes after, the main was thrown on...just as the first group entered. Music was cued, happy ending. I actually put in a 15 amp breaker for the outlets. Someone had a 20 amp breaker on 14 gauge wire (should be 12ga for 20 amp). Whoever did the electrical did it dangerously...

Told the client what happened, she gave me a $50 bonus for my time and effort :) Was extremely pleased

Worst gig so far...
Click to expand...

Hey Sean,

Question, did you set up lights and the whole 9 yards or just sound? I saw a guy get electrocuted once on a tuna boat I use to work on in my 20's. I never forgot the agony and pain on his face. It was horrible. I would have walked from that deal, no problem. But I'm glad it worked out for you.

Rod
 
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There is no way I would have done any electrical type of repair or maintenance work for the venue. As far as risk of bad review over not providing music. I would have taken that fight any day over something like this, then my next call would have been to the safety inspector. I would have had my gear setup and ready to go, then when the client got there I would have explained the entire situation and let them deal. I would have already been paid by that point, and according to our agreement , it is incumbent upon them to provide safe working conditions.
But I have to agree on the site visit point, a questionable venue I have never been to only 30 minutes away, would have called for a site visit at least a week before in my book, then the client would have had time to remedy the situation without my involvement.
 
kittmaster said:
So pre-gig you roll around and plug something in to each and every outlet to see if they work? I've never done that, nor would I, I'm just curious if this is something you normally do? I would never think to do so.
Click to expand...

I would have thought the venue person would have used the opportunity to MENTION important little details...
like the fact that NONE of the outlets work.
And no, I would not have checked EVERY outlet. (that's silly)
But I probably would check the outlet(s) that I would use for my setup.
 
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MIXMASTERMACHOM said:
Why wouldn't there be music? Because they literally left me no place to setup! Period. You would just up and leave?! Nope, I was going to wait until the client arrived. I could see it now. The bad review you would get from the client everywhere they could post one This was back in the late 80s before the Internet was the norm. and could you afford the bad review and pay the client the money back they paid you? I could care less about a bad review. I met the terms of the agreement, even back then everything was laid out in the Written and signed Agreement. They were to provide a place for me to setup. They did not. They were to provide power, they did not. It was not my Hotel, I could not just run around moving things out of the way.

And you call yourself a professional! Why are you so anal retentive as to where and how you're able to set up? I've seen what you have to work with and I say with what you're working with it should just sound great anyway it's set up. How many people do you know will know if your setup sounds 100% perfect at an event? Most won't know the difference or care. The only ones I know who would take an exception on how your gear sounds or the location is another DJ. Now how many times have you done a private event for a client that a DJ was there?
Click to expand...
I should not have to respond to your questions but others may be following the thread so I will. Answers above in red. To add to what they did to me there was something that the client asked them to do and they forgot. Then when I told her what happened, she was livid. It was the Hotel's fault. They were the ones who were being unprofessional.
 
Ron said:
I would have had my gear setup and ready to go, then when the client got there I would have explained the entire situation and let them deal.
Click to expand...

Boom...end of story. Exactly what I would have done except a call to the client once I discovered the issue.

I have NO electrical skills. Shame on that venue.
 
rickryan.com said:
I know Sean's taking some dings on this one but I'd like to applaud his spirit. He demonstrated a get'er done attitude and made things happen, even in the face of a crappy venue and crappy wages. Gotta applaud the man for that. My .02.
Click to expand...
That is why I wrote "You did what you had to do and all went well." in reference to him but leaving it as it is will only encourage others in like situations to follow suit and that is really bad advise.
 
Ausumm said:
I would have thought the venue person would have used the opportunity to MENTION important little details...
like the fact that NONE of the outlets work.
And no, I would not have checked EVERY outlet. (that's silly)
But I probably would check the outlet(s) that I would use for my setup.
Click to expand...

It's just something that made me chuckle. Call me a risk taker or whatever, but I've never checked an outlet before the actual gig. I guess it depends on the venue, if it's a complete dive then sure, it may ring my bell to look closely, but like an upscale venue like the Biltmore or the Renaissance, nah, they are so big that they can't afford to let stuff like that not work.

Now if it's a private party or something like that, or say someone's house, you think they are gonna let you in and start probing their house circuits.....I don't think I'd let anyone be doing that if the tables were turned.....

But I do agree, it's good to be prepared....and if that works for you or most.....it's all good......for me.....just not something I've ever run into. My contract states there must be a 110/120V 20 amp outlet that is operational......so my butt is covered if they or the venue can't provide it. Surely I'd do what I can to keep things going, but I'm removed of that liability to not perform if they don't have power onsite....... Greetz.
 
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