Band Dynamics PERFORMANCE PREP - NEVAH Crunch Time - Part 8

Okay NEVAH fans and new acquaintances (wow spelled it correctly) - As you know we've got an upcoming gig "Cabin Fevah Relievah 2 at the Next Generation Theatre in Brewer Maine, on January 26th" and we're adding a bunch of new material … and … going back over older material to get it ready for the show in three + weeks. Normally I'd be in panic mode because three weeks is not a lot of time and I want NEVAH to be really good-ish!

NEVAH Maine Bluegrass - rehearsing

However, we have implemented a number of procedures/techniques/organizational routines to increase our rehearsal productivity and efficiency:

Larry and Richard from NEVAH Maine's Bluegrass, Newgrass band

Phil, Larry and Richard from NEVAH a-practicin'

1) We recorded the NEW songs we're adding and everyone in the group has received them so we've been able to practice on our own which helps tremendously.

2) We've doubled up on our rehearsal schedule - practice makes "better" (actually a good coordinated practice makes you better.)

Ed the NEVAH Progressive Newgrass Flutah

3) We've selected our songs for this show from our NEVAH song list of over 44 tunes.

4) We've added all the NEVAH originals to the Show (8 total) - our plan is to eventually have enough original material at our disposal to do an entire evening of NEVAH doing NEVAH - if we want.

Triple D - Dick Da Drummer from NEVAH Maine's Newgrass, Country Band

5) We've already gone over all the preliminary selected tunes at yesterdays two and a half hour rehearsal  - with only a small break. Not too shabby a rehearsal.

6) We've given everyone in the group a copy of the tunes and asked to put them in a "show order" - only to see what the general consensus is.

Richard and the Man in the Mirror from NEVAH Maine's Bluegrass Band

7) We will have the show order fully sorted out/selected at our next rehearsal.

8) We will go over the show from start to finish at each up coming rehearsal at least once - most likely twice. And that's with only a short break in between sets. It's hard to drink a beer without a break.

NEVAH takin' a break during rehearsal for their upcoming gig at the Cabin Fevah Releivah at the NEXT Generation Theatre in Brewer Maine

We've implemented this formula before and it has provided some very nice concerts which appear to flow smoothly from song to song. At least the audience seems to appreciate our efforts. With the addition of digitally recording the songs at rehearsal I think we've made a major leap forward. And since we are adding more an more originals it will hopefully separate us from other bands.

Okay, which instrument am I supposed to play on this song? Hal the NEVAH band Banjo Guy

Next Blog: Band Dynamics - Sticking to the plan as we get closer to show time - is it working?