Playing in a cafe?

Slide/ · 10-22-2012, 12:06 PM

So I've been asked to play at a cafe a few times over the next couple of months; SO excited!

Only problem is that I've never played in a cafe before

So basically, how do you play a cafe? I'm assuming it should be mostly recognizable covers, right? Do you just launch from one song to the next or is audience banter appropriate? I usually go for a bit of banter, it's much more fun for everybody involved :p

Plankton · 10-22-2012, 12:15 PM

Definitely get the crowd involved if you can. Usually, the entertainment is there for background. Something that you can talk over, but if you have the gift of the gab, and can get the crowd involved, you'll likely be a hit and asked back, as well as develop a sort of fan base. Like if you ever play another establishment, and someone see's that you are playing, they'll likely come in to see you if you went over well somewhere else. Recognizable covers will go over well, and if you have some originals, maybe (and I stress MAYBE) mix one or two in with the covers (if they don't suck).

Common sense goes a long way too.

FRED HALE SR. · 10-22-2012, 12:18 PM

I'd say play all of the solos with your teeth. People dig that ****.

LoathsomePete · 10-22-2012, 12:26 PM

You may want to confer with your respective town's by-laws, but I'm pretty sure if you're playing acoustic guitar in a coffee shop you're obligated to play "Sex & Candy" by Marcy Playground.

Screen13 · 10-22-2012, 01:05 PM

Maybe do The Kinks' "Lola" with the One for the Road live version Audience Participation bit. That might work.

Aaron1 · 10-23-2012, 09:11 AM

With crowd interaction it's probably just best to see how into the performance the crowd are. If everybody is paying attention and you feel like you can talk to the room, then do it. Good luck!

10-22-2012, 12:06 PM	#1 (permalink)
Slide/ Groupie Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 2	Playing in a cafe? So I've been asked to play at a cafe a few times over the next couple of months; SO excited! Only problem is that I've never played in a cafe before So basically, how do you play a cafe? I'm assuming it should be mostly recognizable covers, right? Do you just launch from one song to the next or is audience banter appropriate? I usually go for a bit of banter, it's much more fun for everybody involved :p

10-22-2012, 12:15 PM	#2 (permalink)
Plankton Just Keep Swimming... Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: See signature... Posts: 7,765	Definitely get the crowd involved if you can. Usually, the entertainment is there for background. Something that you can talk over, but if you have the gift of the gab, and can get the crowd involved, you'll likely be a hit and asked back, as well as develop a sort of fan base. Like if you ever play another establishment, and someone see's that you are playing, they'll likely come in to see you if you went over well somewhere else. Recognizable covers will go over well, and if you have some originals, maybe (and I stress MAYBE) mix one or two in with the covers (if they don't suck). Common sense goes a long way too. __________________ See location...

10-22-2012, 12:26 PM	#4 (permalink)
LoathsomePete Cardboard Box Realtor Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Hobb's End Posts: 7,648	You may want to confer with your respective town's by-laws, but I'm pretty sure if you're playing acoustic guitar in a coffee shop you're obligated to play "Sex & Candy" by Marcy Playground. __________________ Last.FM 101 Albums That May Not Change Your Life, But I Really Like And You Might Too

10-22-2012, 12:18 PM	#3 (permalink)
FRED HALE SR. Neo-Maxi-Zoom-Dweebie Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: So-Cal Posts: 3,752	I'd say play all of the solos with your teeth. People dig that ****.

10-22-2012, 01:05 PM	#5 (permalink)
Screen13 Music Addict Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 1,388	Maybe do The Kinks' "Lola" with the One for the Road live version Audience Participation bit. That might work.

10-23-2012, 09:11 AM	#6 (permalink)
Aaron1 Groupie Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: UK Posts: 23	With crowd interaction it's probably just best to see how into the performance the crowd are. If everybody is paying attention and you feel like you can talk to the room, then do it. Good luck!