Bookings

Now you have a steelpan booking. What do you need to do to ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible? Ms Panness says.... 

Create a checklist of everything you think you will need. Experience will tell you that you cannot prepare for every eventuality but a lack of preparation will undoubtedly lead to things going wrong or a poor performance.

Bookings (also called gigs) are usually one-off performances and therefore you will need to present yourself as best as possible because this can lead to more bookings.

Ms Panness has created a checklist that you might find useful. Not all of these items will apply as it will depend on the event and the format of your steelband.

The band 

• All members have been notified
• Uniform (outfits)
• Permission slips
• Transportation for pans
• Transportation for players
• Spare sticks/stands/pan ties or string
• Business cards
• Music stands and music stand lights

Booking info

• Written confirmation of the booking
• Name and address of the venue
• Contact number for the venue
• Name of contact for the venue
• Directions to the venue
• Check the traffic reports
• Arrival time
• Playing times
• The repertoire
• Refreshments
• Changing rooms
• The available space to perform
• Sound check

Misc

• PA equipment (public-address system)
• Lighting 
• Gazebo
• Limbo sticks
• CDs for sale
• Video of the performance
• If sunny: cap, sunglasses, sun block if skin is sensitive, drinks and snacks
• If cold: warm coat, gloves, hoody or sweater

Before playing get plenty of rest. It is usually not a good idea to eat just before you perform. Finally, as a musician the booking is partly about the music. If you are not enjoying what you are playing, it's likely that your audience would not be either.