How many songs do you need down to play a gig at a bar?

[Doubleneck]

Curious never really played a gig at a bar or restaurant. Any advice for the novice.

[justonwo]

That's a good question. I was playing on a camping trip with some friends and they all felt I should try playing at some local cafés. My repertoire isn't enormous but I could probably fill an hour.

[ukejon]

Depends how much chatting you do. Averaging 15-20 without too much talking is a pretty good pace. Many folks probably do less than that.

[fitness1]

I always figured 15 songs for a set, but almost never got all of them in unless I didn't take a break (which happened a lot!)

It was never a worry because there were about 450 or so rattling around my brain when I was the busiest with it.

[JStotes]

It obviously would depend on the type of gig. Would you play an entire evening or maybe just a set?

For me, I would be comfortable with 12 to 15 songs per set and most gigs being 3 or 4 sets would be somewhere around 60 songs.

[SongwriterFan]

Figure one song for every 3 minutes, and you'll be good to go.

[kydave]

Originally Posted by SongwriterFan

Figure one song for every 3 minutes, and you'll be good to go.

This is a good rule of thumb for a solo act.

So figure 15 songs per 45 minute set times how many sets the gig requires. Should leave you with a few extras which is never a bad idea.

[clintj]

I'd ask around and see what the average gig length is in your town. Some places are looking for just a couple of hours for dinner rush music, while most bars I've played in are looking for three to four hours including breaks between sets. Fifteen an hour is a good number, and keep a few extra in reserve just in case you get requested to play "just a couple more after last call".

[scottishrogue]

Four sets of 15 each, sounds about right. Always have an extra song or two you can play at the end...in case the crowd wants an encore.

If you're not quite there yet, there are subtle ways to stretch your songs. Repeat some verses and refrains, play instrumentals between verses, chat with the audience between songs. Remember to place your tip container within easy reach. Lead crystal for fine dining...Ball jar for the roudy venues.

One last thing...ALWAYS check your fly before going up on the stage!

Glen

[Beat Up G]

Originally Posted by scottishrogue

One last thing...ALWAYS check your fly before going up on the stage!

Glen

That HAS to be one from personal experience.

[Beat Up G]

Sixty songs? My voice would most likely be toast after 20...

[lodi_55]

If you are like me and your songs are 2 minutes each....30-45 songs

[teleamp]

Originally Posted by SongwriterFan

Figure one song for every 3 minutes, and you'll be good to go.

Plus,you won't have the same audience all night, so you can repeat a few.. Just don't bore the staff or manager.

[noledog]

I averaged 35 to 40 songs per night...give or take a few. That's a lot of vocals when going 3 to 4 nights in a row. I now keep about 10 instrumentals in reserve for diner crowd, stretching sets or for voice resting.

[cdikland]

Personally, I only need 2. Three at the most. I doubt it would take longer than that to clear out the bar.