Outdoor gigs without a stage

djspecialist

My band is playing an outdoor gig in a few weeks.  In the absence of a proper stage, what would you say is the bare minimum in terms of floor covering?

Initially the organiser said they'd put up a gazebo and "you can just set up on the grass".  My concerns with this, in order of seriousness, are:

1. Electrocution
2. Drum kit being unstable (and to a lesser extent, mic stands and keyboards)
3. Equipment such as pedal boards getting dirty

So I asked for some marquee flooring, but was told that isn't possible - instead they offered to provide "some carpet or matting".

Assuming the ground isn't *really* wet, would that deal with #1 and #3?  For #2 I guess we could look at putting some large sheets of plywood under the carpet - would that work?

It's a low-key gig, unpaid - and we're far, far from pros - so going all prima donna isn't an option.  What's the minimum we should push for?

ICBM

djspecialist said:

My band is playing an outdoor gig in a few weeks.  In the absence of a proper stage, what would you say is the bare minimum in terms of floor covering?

Initially the organiser said they'd put up a gazebo and "you can just set up on the grass".  My concerns with this, in order of seriousness, are:

1. Electrocution
2. Drum kit being unstable (and to a lesser extent, mic stands and keyboards)
3. Equipment such as pedal boards getting dirty

So I asked for some marquee flooring, but was told that isn't possible - instead they offered to provide "some carpet or matting".

Assuming the ground isn't *really* wet, would that deal with #1 and #3?  For #2 I guess we could look at putting some large sheets of plywood under the carpet - would that work?

It's a low-key gig, unpaid - and we're far, far from pros - so going all prima donna isn't an option.  What's the minimum we should push for?

1. No risk if your equipment and the mains supply is properly safe anyway. The worst case is that if things were really wet, you could short something and blow fuses. A far bigger problem is water damage to the equipment.

2. You need a big sheet of plywood or something for the drum kit. Mic stands and even keyboards shouldn't be so much of a problem.

3. Bin bags - one under every piece of equipment.

Don't use cloth-covered cables either .

Also speaking from experience, don't wear a pair of nice shoes that you'll be upset at having to chuck away afterwards...

ElectroDan

One other thing is that heavy PA speakers on tripod stands can be a bit unstable if the legs sink into the ground (especially if it's uneven).

Your gear will be covered in dry grass and dust after. All good fun though.

StageStruck

1- It might be worth getting hold of a few sheets of Sterling Board to make a flat makeshift stage area. It's a fairly inexpensive solution that would save your gear sitting on grass. It usually comes in 8'x4' sheets, so you shouldn't need many sheets to make a reasonable sized band area.

2- A couple of large tarpaulins, just in case of a downpour of rain it can be pulled over your gear quickly.

* For your own protection, I'd invest in a few RCD adpaters. If there is any problems with the electrical supply, it should protect you and your gear.

Panama_Jack666

I did an outdoor gig as a favour recently. We setup on some pallets on the floor to avoid all the issues you mentioned!

djspecialist

Thanks for all the useful suggestions.

StageStruck said:

It might be worth getting hold of a few sheets of Sterling Board to make a flat makeshift stage area. It's a fairly inexpensive solution that would save your gear sitting on grass. It usually comes in 8'x4' sheets, so you shouldn't need many sheets to make a reasonable sized band area.

That sounds like a decent idea.  I see it comes in various thicknesses from 11mm up - what do you think we'd need to get something stable enough?

For your own protection, I'd invest in a few RCD adpaters. If there is any problems with the electrical supply, it should protect you and your gear.

Something like this?

ElectroDan said:

All good fun though.

Yes, I hope so - we're looking forward to it

ESBlonde

I'd echo the no tripods or at lease very low level for speakers and lights. Sinking legs make toppling a distinct danger.
Carpet is OK for most other applications if the weathers dry. One big sheet of ply or OSB board for the kit and possibly stood on a couple of pallets to get it up. Joining sheets is a nightmare because they won't lay level with one another.

bluechargeboy

I played an outdoor gig last night, on grass(*), under a gazebo, in the rain. Nothing sank into the mud, PA tripods were fine etc. One problem was that, due to damp and spray, our iPad lost connection with the mixer towards the end of the set. It just stays at the last known setting so this was not a disaster. Tearing down at the end was a pain because everything was covered in wet sloppy muddy crud.

I now have about 65m of XLR cable to wipe clean, and can concur with @ICBM's suggestion to not use cloth guitar leads.

(*The surface, not the controlled substance)

StageStruck

djspecialist said:

Thanks for all the useful suggestions.

StageStruck said:

It might be worth getting hold of a few sheets of Sterling Board to make a flat makeshift stage area. It's a fairly inexpensive solution that would save your gear sitting on grass. It usually comes in 8'x4' sheets, so you shouldn't need many sheets to make a reasonable sized band area.

That sounds like a decent idea.  I see it comes in various thicknesses from 11mm up - what do you think we'd need to get something stable enough?

For your own protection, I'd invest in a few RCD adpaters. If there is any problems with the electrical supply, it should protect you and your gear.

Something like this?

ElectroDan said:

All good fun though.

Yes, I hope so - we're looking forward to it

Yep, a couple of those RCD adapters should do the trick. As for the thickness of the sterling board, the thicker the better. Think 18mm would be strong enough for it.