Safety During Live Performances

Safety is always important during live performances, and places such as Trend Coffee and Tea House always have the safety of their performers in mind.

Safety is always important at Trend performances.

For part one, please click here.

Another safety issue that is all too common in some places are loose electrical boxes, exposed wiring and broken socket plates. I can’t tell you how many times I went to a club owner or manager and pointed out exposed wiring and loose socket plates. If you ever see any of these things on stage, it would be advisable to inform the management. A lot of times they will say it is no big deal; let someone get electrocuted and see if it is no big deal. Microphones that are not grounded can be another problem that has, on occasion has cropped up. Most musicians know what to do in that situation.

Safety first, message on the road
© Igor Stevanovic | Dreamstime Stock Photos

Water on stage is also dangerous! Clean it up before you plug in your instruments. Several years ago, I played in a local club called the Dirt Club which is now long gone. They have water on stage and sometimes in puddles. Talk about dangerous; it was a miracle that no one got electrocuted. There were times when it would be raining outside and water would be coming down on stage, and the bands just played on.

When it comes to stage lighting, most venues have good work lights so you can see what you are doing while setting up. But, it is always a good idea to look around to make sure there aren’t any objects that are lying around that might cause you to trip and get hurt, just be aware because there can be dark areas on stage and you might not see objects that just might be lying around.

Stairs can be a problem during both load-in and load-out, especially if you are handling large and bulky band equipment. Be careful and don’t rush; take your time! Good staging, good lighting and easy access on and off stage is a plus. Wires on stage are one of the most common safety situations to be aware of; those amp wires, microphone and keyboard wires can pose a tripping hazard and the possibility of unplugging someone in the middle of a performance.

Every musician also needs to be aware of the possibility that a fight can break out without any warning. Musicians perform in a lot of venues and private parties that serve alcohol. So, it is not a surprise when someone gets a little more than just tipsy and for whatever reason, a fight ensues.Most musicians that perform on a regular basis have had the pleasure of playing to a sometimes slightly over intoxicated individual at a gig. Anything from simple horsing around to a more serious situation can get out of hand very quickly. Whenever a situation like that arises, take notice and be prepared to get the heck out of the way or out of the venue quickly. Don’t attempt to stop someone from grabbing your cymbal stands or other equipment from the stage; it is not worth the risk. Most venues nowadays have security or bouncers on duty, so get out of the way and let them do their job.

One venue in Montclair that is used to live performances is Trend Coffee and Tea House, located at 411 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair. Attending or performing in a show at a location such as Trend is just one example of a venue that keeps the safety of their performers in mind.

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