This discussion will be based on the artice below. While we will summarize, we recommend you check out the article!

1. Dress in actual gig clothing- Make sure the clothes you will wear will fit comfortably and not restrict any movements you mignt need to make during your performance. Also keep in mind it can get fairly warm in the lights so you want to make sure your wardrobe wont burn you up.

2. Practice song transitions- Good transitions can really make a good show. Over time, with seasoned musicians, this may occur naturally. But any band who wants to have a tight show will need to practice how songs progress, who starts the songs and how to smoothly pull off mashups. Meanwhile, we must find breaks for tuning and maybe a little banter.

3. Plan and practice stage positions- If you have the rehersal space to play with the same stage plot as you would live, why not try it? It may help you feel more at home on the stage and some bands use choreograpy in there shows that require rehersal as well.

4. Never play just the beginning of the song- If you have a trouble spot in a song. Go ahead and address it by itself until everyone feels good about it. Then play the song again from the top. Playing the song all the way through from the top every time you mess up will not be as efficient an approach because the problem spots need extra attention compared to the song in it's entirety.

5. Fix mistakes from the end of the song backwards- This comes in handy because if you fix songs in reverse order, from back to front, you wont be preoccupied by problem spots to come as you make your way through each repetition.

6. Practice between-song announcements- It may seem (and feel) funny but if you're not a natural public speaker, you need to practice public speaking. What a better and low stress evironment to do so than with your band during practice.

7. Practice band introductions-In your head or at band practice, make sure you can give a proper shout out to the band. If you don't play with them often, make sure you get their names right.

This discussion will be based on the artice below. While we will summarize, we recommend you check out the article!

-Try to be respectful, gracious and polite to the patrons and staff of your venue. First impressions are important and may influence the booking agents decisions to hire you again.

-When loading in, try not to clutter the stage with guitar cases, gig bags, wardrobe, etc. It can slow down your set up and could be a safety hazard.

-If you are providing your own PA system (as many bands must) make sure you set that up first and check the mains and monitors with a playback device.

-Next in order of set up would be mic stands (with mics and cables plugged in) and instrument stands.

-Because things can get busy leading up to the first set, try to get into the practice of tuning your instruments at least 15 minutes before the first set.

-Your instrument (drums and keyboards aside) should be the last thing on the stage. It's not a bad idea to leave your instrument in its case as long as possible, given the unpredictable nature of the public venues you may be playing.

-Keeping in mind that all you do on stage is observed by your audience, try to limit your "noodling" (practicing licks and playing randomly outside of the performance) on stage. It might take the listeners outside of the show, an it may be a spoiler alert for songs to come.

-Finally, try not to get too much in your own head during the performance. It's easier said then done, but try "loose yourself" during the performance. And then you can analyze the show on the way home, having given your all when it really mattered!

-Since it often takes a bit of time to set up and socialize, try to be on time for practice.

-Some musicians are prone to fidgiting and noodling on their instruments during practice. Try not to do this to the extent that it interferes with band discussions. Save it for the break..or better yet, your own practice time!

-If you have the means, consider recording your band practice, or at least the songs you need work on. It's a great way to critique your work but also galvanize your memory of the material you're going to perform.

-Try to stay on task and on topic at practice. Often, one of the band members will keep the practice moving to be more time efficient and productive. If your band does not have this, consider stepping up to the task!

GIG BAG CONTENTS
-Batteries for active pick up instruments and effects pedals, mmaybe one or two spares.
-Instrument cables (1/4 inch) and mic cables (XLR), maybe one or two spares.
-Tuner for your instrument, if it needs one. Maybe keep a spare! -Vocal microphone(s). Even if you just sing back up, consider owning your own microphone and have a dedicated place for it (like your gig bag).
-Paper materials such as chord charts, set lists, lead sheets, etc. and the utensils to write on them. Pencils are great!
-Picks for stringed instruments.
-Glue, tape and sash cord for quick fixes.
-Spare wardrobe. You may find benefit in having clothes for set up vs. clothes for the show.
-Deoderant for those hot summer set ups!

SPLURGE WHERE IT COUNTS
-When it comes to investing in your gear, it makes sense to splurge where it counts (instruments and cables come to mind before all else).
-Cables with lifetime warranties will be an investment you will always be glad you made.
-Strap locks for guitars are essential for extra security.

PROTECT YOUR EQUIPMENT
-Consider marking you cables and stands with a special color tape or with lables to distinguish them from those of other band members. No one will take care of your gear better than you!
-Wrapping your cables in the same "coiled" pattern that they arrived in will help extend the life of your cables and keep them easier to pack and organize.
-Consider using a 90º instrument cable and running it through your guitar strap, from behind, to protect your jack and cable. This way, if you step on your cable, it wont pull on the jack (rather the area of your strap that the cable is run through).
-Remember to loosen your stands before adjusting them and don't put drinks on your amps or keyboards!

-Again, punctuality is key. This applies especially to the drummer because they often need to set up first so the band can build thier setup around them.

-Again, organization is key. Having an agreed "stage plot" goes a long way for your band and the sound engineer.

-Try to find efficient ways to set up and break down. Make sure everything has it's own place and try to be consistent about it.

-Drinking and rock n' roll have long been associated with one another. But make sure you keep that in check during the performance. Cloudy mind=cloudy performance.

-Try to have fun on stage. Usually, if you know the material, this comes a little more naturally because it frees up some bandwith in your brain to focus on other aspects of the performance. Some people like to "embody a persona" on stage, not unlike an actor or actress would.

-It's important to be engaging with your crowd. When making eye contact, try and spread it around the room and not focus on one person. If eye contact with strangers is awkward, just look at thier eyebrows (they wont know the difference from several feet away). Or just look out across the room. If you can learn your parts well enough to not have to look at your instrument, engaging with the crowd isn't as difficult.

-If you have the means, consider recording your shows. Even if a friend videos just a few songs, you and your band can learn alot by reviewing the footage!