We use set lists for most things, but not when we do background music. We also try to be flexible to respond to the crowd and our own moods. But for a concert we generally do the following...

Alternate tunes and songs, with contrast between each. Contrast can be tempo, key, mood, amount of instruments playing - lots of things

Start with a set of jigs, easy and bouncy, there is lots of room for different moods depending on how they are played, and they sound unmistakably Irish (we are an Irish band)

Next an up-beat, do-it-in-your-sleep song, with a full band sound. Gets rid of the jitters and gets us all working together and lets the sound guy balance the vocals in with the band, early in the show when he is still fooling with the knobs. Even with sound checks, this will need to be done because the crowd is now there.

Usually do a song with sparse accompaniement in the middle of the set and some tune that is different from a jig or reel in the middle of the set (mazurka, hornpipe, polka slip jig).

Finish the set with a strong song, or a jamming set of reels.

Second set can start on a more thoughtful note.
Roughly same format for two sets, but if appropriate, put an a capella ballad somewhere in the second set. This is to give the bottom end to the concert. I think it is important to have something slow and thoughtful to balance out those jamming sets. Gives the show depth.

One more thing. We try to leave out the talking between some of the numbers. This gives a slick rehearsed look and changes the flow just a bit. It builds excitement. Also, I work on my introductions to the songs so that they are clean and really get across what I want the audience to know before listening. Gets them into the song before I sing the first note. I wouldnt' put two songs with lengthy introductions next to each other, so that could affect your set list.


So that is what we do, or some of what we do, some of the time. The key is being in the moment when you perform.

Claire