'Stand Up' versus 'Sit Down' gigs

Subject: 'Stand Up' versus 'Sit Down' gigs
From: Johnny J
Date: 22 Jun 13 - 10:48 AM

O.K.

We know what these mean in terms of the audience, of course, and there are various views and preferences as to which is most ideal as regards seating arrangements(or not)for punters.

However, I was wondering about how performers feel themselves about their own "seating" arrangements.

Do you prefer to perform standing up(either solo or with a band? Or does it depend on the circumstances and type of gig/venue etc?
i.e. standing up might create a a more boisterous and lively atmosphere whereas performing seated could arguably establish a more intimate feeling possibly bringing the more "subtle" aspects of the proceedings to the fore.

Obviously, this "rubs off" on the audience too and the behaviour and postures of the performers on stage will ultimately effect whether a punter is more likely to want to sit or stand at a particular gig or not. Of course, he or she might not have much choice if there are no seats or vice versa!

IMHO, there are pros and cons in both approaches although I'm now getting towards the age where I appreciate a more laid back approach.

Subject: RE: 'Stand Up' versus 'Sit Down' gigs
From: GUEST,Brad Sondahl
Date: 22 Jun 13 - 11:45 AM

If you play a farmer's market or such where you're not "foreground" music, you might as well sit. If you want people to think you're serious, and /or get them tapping their feet, you stand and use some body language. Well, I do, anyway...

Subject: RE: 'Stand Up' versus 'Sit Down' gigs
From: GUEST,PeterC
Date: 22 Jun 13 - 12:01 PM

In our ceilidh band (Amazing Matchless Band) we stand up to play, and sit down between dances, (and when the caller is doing the interminable 'walk throughs') Seems to work well!

Subject: RE: 'Stand Up' versus 'Sit Down' gigs
From: RTim
Date: 22 Jun 13 - 01:14 PM

I would always prefer to Stand and Sing - however, if you are like me and have had a major operation on the ankle - Sitting can be very good!!

Tim Radford

Subject: RE: 'Stand Up' versus 'Sit Down' gigs
From: Harmonium Hero
Date: 22 Jun 13 - 02:21 PM

As a punter, if I've bought a ticket for a show/concert, I expect to get a bloody seat.
On the other hand, as a performer, I will always stand where possible. If I'm playing the harmonium, harmoniflute (lap organ) or perhaps the psaltery (which I haven't played for yonks), then I need to sit down. Otherwise, I stand. Standing is better for singing; sitting down restricts the diaphragm. Standing also makes you more visible to the audience and puts you in a more 'commanding' position. It also helps to project your voice. Of course, if you're just burbling into a microphone.....

John Kelly. The Last of the Stand-Up Folk Singers.

Subject: RE: 'Stand Up' versus 'Sit Down' gigs
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 22 Jun 13 - 08:05 PM

If the people are standing to dance, a standing band seems right. If they are sitting to listen, a sitting band seems more fitting.

Sitting to me seems to go with treating the music with more respect and affection.

But I suppose it varies with the type of music. You can't imagine The Chieftains going in for standing.

Subject: RE: 'Stand Up' versus 'Sit Down' gigs
From: DebC
Date: 22 Jun 13 - 08:40 PM

As a singer, it's always better for me to stand. I can get much better breath control with standing and can make all the important bits work that have to to put the song across.

Deb Cowan

Subject: RE: 'Stand Up' versus 'Sit Down' gigs
From: Bobert
Date: 22 Jun 13 - 09:37 PM

I play country blues and it is never performed standing up...

B~

Subject: RE: 'Stand Up' versus 'Sit Down' gigs
From: Leadfingers
Date: 22 Jun 13 - 10:00 PM

If I am doing a 'Pub' gig I have a fold flat seat (Courtesy of Skarpi when he worked for IKEA) - At MY age standing for a couple of hours playing is hard work - but Club Floor Spots I am happy to stand ,
And we still do a fair amount of 'wandering' things in shopping malls and such .
Fairly happy either way , though IF I have all the gear on a stand I will tend to sit .

Subject: RE: 'Stand Up' versus 'Sit Down' gigs
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 23 Jun 13 - 03:57 AM

Well I do know a double bass player who sometimes plays in the laid back (literally) position.
Cellists usually sit down, though one intrepid friend managed to play at a brisk march when we did our Sport Relief mile down Edinburgh's Royal Mile: she strapped her cello on with a guitar strap! ( She did say the intonation wasn't that great!)

I also prefer standing for singing because of the breathing thing.
Easier to play piano/keyboard sitting, and bodhran is much better sitting: it may look more dramatic standing up holding it in the air and just whacking it, but you really can't do the left-hand stuff properly while standing.
Can play guitar or melodeon either way, tho' better with 2 straps rather than one for standing with the latter.
And in a band, I don't think you all have to do the same:just whatever is most comfortable/ suits you or your instrument.