Performers' showcase etiquette

Subject: Performers' showcase etiquette
From: Cool Beans
Date: 19 Nov 10 - 08:37 AM

I'm taking part in a performer's showcase on Saturday. Although each performer gets 15 minutes onstage, the whole event lasts four hours and we each get a table in the lobby to sit at and pass out promotional materials. Would it be rude/inappropriate for me (or anyone else) to play my guitar while I'm sitting at the table? I don't want to compete with the folks performing onstage, but if there are people in the lobby anyway, why shouldn't I promote what I do?
   I await your collective wisdom.

Subject: RE: Performers' showcase etiquette
From: BobKnight
Date: 19 Nov 10 - 09:19 AM

As long as you can't be heard on-stage, or in the room where the main performances are taking place I don't see anything wrong with that.

Subject: RE: Performers' showcase etiquette
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 19 Nov 10 - 09:56 AM

But if everyone takes the same view you could have 16 acts all performing in the lobby at their own tables. A recipe for chaos!

Subject: RE: Performers' showcase etiquette
From: BobKnight
Date: 19 Nov 10 - 10:12 AM

At that point an old fashioned thing called "common sense" cuts in, or the organisers call a halt.

Subject: RE: Performers' showcase etiquette
From: open mike
Date: 19 Nov 10 - 10:19 AM

I'll be willing to bet that some folks might have a c.d. player at their booth so you can hear what they sound like...or even a video
player of some sort. Maybe the organizers have already thought of this and made a decision that applies to all. It seems easy enough
to ask them,or just play (with the idea that you will put it away
if asked to stop)

maybe the folks in the lobby could come to an agreement about time
sharing for the booth space..although you might be detracting from
the performer who is on stage...and that is the focus of the event,
to give everyone time to be heard live on stage. Who is organizaing this? sounds like a good opportunity to meet folks (both listeners
and performers)

Subject: RE: Performers' showcase etiquette
From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker
Date: 19 Nov 10 - 11:19 AM

I think, for various pragmatic reasons I'd opt for a laptop
playing a looped video of a recently recorded performance set,
and a headphone mixer-amp allowing a few curious/interested folks at a time
to 'enjoy' the experience....

Subject: RE: Performers' showcase etiquette
From: GUEST,Banjiman
Date: 19 Nov 10 - 11:24 AM

I would have thought the etiquette would be to listen to and cheer on the other performers........ but maybe I'm just old fashioned!!