how early do you get to a venue?

[DeckstarDeluxe]

Take into account we have different set up times, different access and some of us use a roadie. How early do you arrive at a gig? or what time do you leave?

All things being even say for arguements sake its a 7.30pm start at a ground floor location without any restriction on room turnaround and its a 30 minute drive away. What time would you leave your house or what time do you aim to arrive for?

For me I like to get to the venue no later than an hour and a half before the start. In the example Ive given I would set off with the van already loaded around 5.10pm which gives me 20 minutes breathing space on the drive. I could be set up within an hour if i really pushed it but prefer to be able to set up quite relaxed without rushing hence the 90 minute rule.

[DJMaxG]

It depends how big your rig is, If you're running a load of plasma's on trussing, with a F1 Dance Stack, then more time is required than just hooking up a pair of JRXs and an IDJ 2.

Take the amount of time that you would like once set up to relax for a while before guests arrive, and add it to the amount of time it takes to set up, add that to travelling time, plus extra time incase a puncture or accident arises.

[Mayhem 1]

Same here mate, I hate rushing the set up!!!

I would much rather be set up and checked within time allowed thus giving me a bit of time to do the PR bit and chat with the client and any other people who ask for cards and info on my services.

It works a treat.

[CRAZY K]

Take into account we have different set up times, different access and some of us use a roadie. How early do you arrive at a gig? or what time do you leave?

All things being even say for arguements sake its a 7.30pm start at a ground floor location without any restriction on room turnaround and its a 30 minute drive away. What time would you leave your house or what time do you aim to arrive for?

For me I like to get to the venue no later than an hour and a half before the start. In the example Ive given I would set off with the van already loaded around 5.10pm which gives me 20 minutes breathing space on the drive. I could be set up within an hour if i really pushed it but prefer to be able to set up quite relaxed without rushing hence the 90 minute rule.

Always 2 hours before important events like Weddings, 40th Birthdays, Western Theme Nights etc. so clients feel relaxed about things---otherwise for smaller events involving a simple PA system about 90 minutes.

I also allow an extra hour on the driving for punctures, breakdowns and traffic problems.

In many years gigging never been late starting, never let any one down.

CRAZY K

[rob1963]

It takes me about an hour to set up & I work alone. If I had a gig 30 minutes away with a 7.30pm start, I'd leave home around 5.15pm to 5.30pm giving me an extra 30-45 minutes on top of what I actually need.

I'm the kind of person who would rather be very early for something (whether work related or not) than a few minutes late, and I have no problem with sitting outside the venue for a while waiting until they're ready for me.

In the case of discos it's partly because I hate having to rush, partly in case the function is running early (unusual, I know, but it HAS happened!) but mainly in case I get delayed due to traffic problems.

My policy seems to work, as I've never been late for a function. However, traffic delays have happened on a number of occasions, including a couple this year due to accidents. In both cases I was delayed by around 30-45 minutes, but still arrived in time due to the time window I leave.

When I use my own cliches I get moaned at, so I'll use someone elses here...Everything matters!

:D

[Shaun]

I like to arrive at the venue at least 45 minutes before I'm going to setup.

[DeckstarDeluxe]

It depends how big your rig is, If you're running a load of plasma's on trussing, with a F1 Dance Stack, then more time is required than just hooking up a pair of JRXs and an IDJ 2.

Take the amount of time that you would like once set up to relax for a while before guests arrive, and add it to the amount of time it takes to set up, add that to travelling time, plus extra time incase a puncture or accident arises.

all well and good but I was asking how much time do YOU allow yourself.

[Ferks]

I like to give myself an hour to setup (I have setup in 25-30 mins when I couldn't get into the room to setup at a wedding that was running miles behind schedule), plus I usually allow an extra 30 mins as a precaution, so I'd be looking to leave home at 5.30.

[Jonathan Ford]

Reading everyone elses replies, I feel bad answering this...

Firstly, I too have never been late, or missed a function, but I try and leave everything as late as possible.

So, in the case in question, 7.30 start, half an hour away, I'm leaving the house around 6.00-6.15.

[Creature]

usually about 2 hours early but as i travel a fair distance to 90% of my gigs have to factor in if i break down or road is closed.

mind u turned up at my first nite club booking the other week 2 hours early and they didnt arrive till half hour before they opened - lucky for me only had me cds and cortex to hook into there system :):)

Admin Note:
Members are reminded that 'text talk' is NOT permitted on the forum, and posts containing text talk run the risk of being deleted without notification!

[Larry B Entertainment]

I like to be at the venue about an hour before im due to setup so I have plenty of time to setup and a good 15 minutes downtime before I have to switch the gear on and start.

[Penfold42]

For me with a 7:30pm start and a 30 min drive - i'll get to the venue between 4:30pm. (I also build in traffic and accident time - about 30 mins)

I like to get my set just right and be well presented (not sweaty :eek: ) before the guests arrive.

It also allows a bit of PR with the venue manager to see how the land lies. ;)

[rob1963]

This thread has been a real eye-opener for me.

When I said I arrive 30 to 45 minutes before I need to set up, I thought a number of people would suggest I'm arriving too early.

However, looking at some of the posts, it seems I actually arrive quite LATE compared to some people!

You live & learn!

:shrug:

[JAMdisco]

I like to arrive about an hour and half before the start time but usually arrive about two hours before. It takes me roughly 1 hour to set up (as I work alone) and like has been said, I too would rather be very early than a bit late. I'd hate to be rushing round last minute and getting all hot & bothered.

I've never been late for a function yet (goes to touch wood) and would like to keep it that way. :D :D :D

[DJ James Lake]

I always try to allow 2 hours to setup as its a very large show, and normally arrive 1/2 before

[Danno13]

Assuming a normal 70-120 person booking with no specific requirements for a large show, for a 7.30pm start, I'd leave at 5.30pm to get to my lockup to loadup and aim to arrive at 6.30pm. 40-45mins to setup, with the extra time to change, speak to the client, get a drink and relax.

Although, it rarely happens like that - most Weddings I'll arrive to find everything has over-run, spend some ridiculous amount on a cup of coffee, wait another hour before loading in and setting up as quickly as possible, change, speak to client and foregoe the relax part! Though, i'm used to doing that enough that it doesn't bother me.

[Creature]

oopss Sorry Elitedj that one slipped thru :(:(

[Reminisce disco]

I try to arrive 2 hours before the start time so for a 19:30 start and a 30 minute drive I would be looking to leave home around 16:30.
I hate rushing and would far prefer to be killing time rather than sweating to get it all done. It takes me an hour and a half to achieve a set up that I'm happy with, and it also allows that bit extra time if there any faults with the equipment , as I found out last week when one of my Impossibleds didnt work. Only a dodgy lead ,but having plenty of time = no stress!!

[Excalibur]

For me with a 7:30pm start and a 30 min drive - i'll get to the venue between 4:30pm. (I also build in traffic and accident time - about 30 mins)

I like to get my set just right and be well presented (not sweaty :eek: ) before the guests arrive.

It also allows a bit of PR with the venue manager to see how the land lies. ;)

Whaaaaaaaat? :eek: Just how long does it take to fire up a Denon? :confused: :p

This thread has been a real eye-opener for me.

When I said I arrive 30 to 45 minutes before I need to set up, I thought a number of people would suggest I'm arriving too early.

However, looking at some of the posts, it seems I actually arrive quite LATE compared to some people!

You live & learn!

:shrug:
You do indeed Jamesy. Mind you, your large rig equates to most folks absolute bare minimum one. :p :D :D And as for turning up early, there's one person on here who is on record as turning up 24 hours early. :eek: :D :D :D

[rob1963]

Mind you, your large rig equates to most folks absolute bare minimum one.

Not so sure about that, as I'm seriously thinking of adding a second light to my large rig.

:D

[DJWilson]

An hour, leaves me with around 25mins to get me breath back lol, get changed and sort out the first lot of tunes.

[Penfold42]

Whaaaaaaaat? :eek: Just how long does it take to fire up a Denon? :confused: :p

....and then Denon makes an evening? :confused:

:D

[Leicester Ben]

If I am not going far and know the venue etc and its a smallish wedding then I tend to arrive 30 - 40 minutes before I am due to start (I dont have much kit to take in so dont need to arrive with hours to spare).

I can set up for a wedding in 20 minutes if I had to and can set up for a kids party in 7 mins.

Obviously if I am doing something a bit different i.e. a gig in London or where I am putting in lighting, a dance floor, starcloth as well etc then I will leave loads more time but for a simple disco I would much rather be at home chilling out than at a venue ridiculously early!

Ps, I have never started late for a gig!

[Tony Scott]

I usually like to arrive 2hrs before start time if possible, it takes me and my roadie a relaxed 1 to 1.5hrs to load in and set-up and I like the extra 1/2 hr to tweak things and get some pictures before the guests arrive.

If pushed I can get a show up and running in 45mins on my own but I'm sweating my @ss off which is not a great look when you're trying to look professional, composed and in control! :D

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

We waiting 2 hours last night to get in a venue...(wedding over ran)

I don't really understand getting to a venue an hour before you are due to get there tbh.

[Excalibur]

....and then Denon makes an evening? :confused:

:D
I'm assuming that must be the item which takes a long time to get ready, cos you can't get too much kit in the Vectra. :p :D :D


We waiting 2 hours last night to get in a venue...(wedding over ran)

I don't really understand getting to a venue an hour before you are due to get there tbh.

:confused: :confused: Earlier or later then? :confused:

[Shaun]

I don't really understand getting to a venue an hour before you are due to get there tbh.

To allow time for unexpected delays (breakdown, puncture, traffic problems). I don't really understand those that don't prepare for the unexpected. :p :d

[DeckstarDeluxe]

indeed it rather surprises me you say that Darren because Im guessing most of your work like mine and others is weddings so why leave anything to chance? (there are limits).

And yes I know most if not all weddings overun but still....

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

indeed it rather surprises me you say that Darren because Im guessing most of your work like mine and others is weddings so why leave anything to chance? (there are limits).

And yes I know most if not all weddings overun but still....

I don't leave anything to chance and I'd rather you didn't insinuate that either.

I turn up on time or with a short amount of time to spare. I don't however turn up an hour early.

75% of my work (possibly more) is within 10 miles, so I don't have to leave an hour early.

[Leicester Ben]

I turn up on time or with a short amount of time to spare. I don't however turn up an hour early.

75% of my work (possibly more) is within 10 miles, so I don't have to leave an hour early.

I'm certainly with Darren on this one.

I have a small / smart disco which I have designed so that it dosent take ages to set up!

Take tonight for example, I am due to start at 19:30, I will arrive at 19:00 as:

a)Venue is only about 20 minutes away
b)I am there a lot so know the access etc
c)Weddings typically overrun and so I will probably be sat in the bar untill they come out of the room anyway.

I dont see the point in arriving 1-2 hours before the event.

If you are doing weddings in hotels then there is typically only a 45 minute turnaround so a B&G would want you to be set up in that time - not taking an extra hour and eating into the evening reception time!

[rob1963]

I don't really understand getting to a venue an hour before you are due to get there tbh.


I dont see the point in arriving 1-2 hours before the event.

The reasons given in this thread by those who DO turn up early for gigs include allowing for bad traffic, breakdowns, not having to rush, having extra time to do the PR bit with venue staff and allowing for functions which sometimes run early (unusual, but it does happen).

I think all of these are valid reasons for arriving a fair bit earlier than you need to.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

The reasons given in this thread by those who DO turn up early for gigs include allowing for bad traffic, breakdowns, not having to rush, having extra time to do the PR bit with venue staff and allowing for functions which sometimes run early (unusual, but it does happen).

I think all of these are valid reasons for arriving a fair bit earlier than you need to.

And as explained in MY posts are the reasons why I DON'T feel the need to turn up or leave hours early.

[DJMaxG]

75% of my work (possibly more) is within 10 miles, so I don't have to leave an hour early.

That's the thing, if you did have a vehicle failure as such, it could be dealt with, or 'alternative transport' could be arranged in time.

[rob1963]

:whiteflag:

[Tom]

I always try to be at the venue 2 hours before it starts, so I don't have to rush when setting up.

[Leicester Ben]

I always try to be at the venue 2 hours before it starts, so I don't have to rush when setting up.

2 Hours!!!!!

I honestly at am a loss to work out what kind of rig that you are putting in to want to be at a venue 2 HOURS before hand!!!

[Tom]

2 Hours!!!!!

I honestly at am a loss to work out what kind of rig that you are putting in to want to be at a venue 2 HOURS before hand!!!

lol

Well it all fits on my Ford Focus so it's nothing too big.

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb129/tommyboy6996/20062009110.jpg

And there is this one before I had my Denon CD players

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb129/tommyboy6996/pic2.jpg

[DeckstarDeluxe]

those led moving heads you got there Tom?

[Tom]

those led moving heads you got there Tom?

Yeah. :)

[Chris1984]

I would say it takes 30-45mins to set up so i would aim to be there 1 hour before it starts.

Did leave 2weeks before a gig once, mind its was a long haul flight and a 10 day get in!

[Goodfellows Discos]

Around an hour for me for the venues in my town. I basically add 30 minutes onto the normal travel time for traffic etc. Any longer and i'm normally just waiting around! Then again, that's the only time that I really do some gig logs :p

Alex

[soundtracker]

We waiting 2 hours last night to get in a venue...(wedding over ran)



Same for me! Due to be in at 6.00pm, got in 7.50pm! Usher comes over and says B&G want to do first dance at 8.00pm!! Joker! Just laughed, and said to him 8.30pm absolute minimum. I was ready to go at about twenty past, which I thought was good going. Played first dance and father/daughter dance, and then handed over to the Celidh Band until 10.30pm, so basically four and a half hours sitting around! Deep Joy!!

Back on topic, I arrive one hour before start time, which allows plenty of time for set up, adjustments and getting changed, but usually end up waiting around as above!:)