Do Guitars,Planes, and Vegas make a tasty Cocktail?__UPDATE!

[Ridgemont]

Ok, My brother-in-law is getting married in Vegas this weekend and I was asked to play guitar for the ceremony. I feel pretty honored and special that they asked and of course I said yes....

but I am a little freaked out since I have never really performed in front of a real audience. The songs are very very simple and have the lyrics solid, but I worry about the anxiety kickin' in like van Damme at the last minute and drawing a big blank up on stage. Any tricks of the trade that you are aware of???

and now another issue. We are flying on Southwest to the Vegas. Called them up and they assured me that guitars may be taken on as a carry on. I have seen others do it so I am not too worried. But, are there other things I should account for such as pressure differences. I have read some horror stories about snapped necks and some have suggested to tuning down the guitar. I plan on taking a humidifier. Any tips or thoughts on this???

BTW, If you were wondering, I am taking the GAD30R with its GAD case.

 

[Taylor Martin Guild]

Re: Do Guitars,Planes, and Vegas make a tasty Cocktail?

You should be fine. If you drop the tuning down to D that would be a good idea.
As long as the guitar is with you as carry on it will be fine.
I'm surprised that they said you could do that though.
It won't fit in overhead storage.
You may want to verify that.

As far as jitters go, have a set list, with the first few words to the songs with you. This will help, if you go blank.

Good luck to you and the newlyweds,
TMG.

 

[evenkeel]

Re: Do Guitars,Planes, and Vegas make a tasty Cocktail?

I will be surprised if SW lets you carry aboard. These days it's got to fit in the overhead and a acoustic just won't.

I have flown many times with a guitar, always checked it and it's never been a problem. Pre and post 9/11 I might add. But the horror stories do abound. I always just relaxed the strings, put it in it's hard case and away it went. Humidifier, given vegas seems a good idea.

Re: the actual performance. Write down the set list, have the lyrics down cold, get to the "gig" early and enjoy. Remember the audience is on your side. They will love it, it will be wonderful. Good on ya for making a great contribution to a wonderful day.

 

[tjmangum]

Re: Do Guitars,Planes, and Vegas make a tasty Cocktail?

I will be surprised if SW lets you carry aboard. These days it's got to fit in the overhead and a acoustic just won't.

I have carried on board many times with Southwest in recent years. The key is to make sure you have an A group boarding pass (and you can pay 10 bucks extra to ensure that) and stride confidently onto the plane. Overhead space towards the middle is larger than towards the ends, but there is ample room in the 737's for even a full size guitar case in many spots.
tj

 

[southernGuild]

Re: Do Guitars,Planes, and Vegas make a tasty Cocktail?

Sounds like a very nice thing to be happening ( the wedding gig) Relax, and give it you best..The audience really IS on your side, even a well handled mistake, is all part of the show.........RIDGE, DOING A VEGAS GIG!!!! :shock: :lol: 8)

 

[GuildFS4612CE]

Re: Do Guitars,Planes, and Vegas make a tasty Cocktail?

All eyes will be on the bride and groom :!:

You're just wallpaper... :lol: :lol: :lol:

People are impressed with classical musicians reading their music...so bring your words/music/stand...you won't need it, but you'll look good. :wink:

 

[killdeer43]

Re: Do Guitars,Planes, and Vegas make a tasty Cocktail?

Playing for a wedding is....a piece of cake (pun intended).
I played a short set at a memorial service a while back and that was as tough as it gets.
Lots more drinking going on at a wedding! :wink:

You'll be fine so just plan on having a good time,
Joe

BTW, what's on your set list so far? Special requests?

 

[Ridgemont]

Re: Do Guitars,Planes, and Vegas make a tasty Cocktail?

You're just wallpaper... :lol: :lol: :lol:

That is something I am definitely counting on

 

[Ridgemont]

Re: Do Guitars,Planes, and Vegas make a tasty Cocktail?

BTW, what's on your set list so far? Special requests?

It is an interesting thing. The wedding is going to be very very very contemporary. No Wedding March, Bridal Chorus, Canon in D, etc.....

I will be playing the beginning (seating of parents) and the wedding procession. So here is my "set"

Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah"
Deathcab for Cutie's "I will follow you into the Dark"
Some instrumental stuff for the Bride's Maids (probably something simple like fingerpicking chord progressions)
Bride walks down to Ben Harper's "Waiting on an Angel"

A backup song will be Matt Costa's "Lullaby" is they need more time.

 

[Ridgemont]

Re: Do Guitars,Planes, and Vegas make a tasty Cocktail?

Alright I am now making a checklist for stuff I will need:

1. Guitar
2. Booze
3. Music stand and music
4. Booze
:lol:

 

[Ridgemont]

Re: Do Guitars,Planes, and Vegas make a tasty Cocktail?

I will be surprised if SW lets you carry aboard. These days it's got to fit in the overhead and a acoustic just won't.

I have carried on board many times with Southwest in recent years. The key is to make sure you have an A group boarding pass (and you can pay 10 bucks extra to ensure that) and stride confidently onto the plane. Overhead space towards the middle is larger than towards the ends, but there is ample room in the 737's for even a full size guitar case in many spots.
tj

Yeah, I have seen people do it. I have talked to flight attendants about it. And yesterday I called SW about their official policy and it was said that musical instruments may be taken as a carry on as a replacement for the large carry on. So you can take a backpack and the git. Even though the git is larger than the allowed large carry on size, SW makes exceptions for musical instruments. I wonder what would happen if I wanted to take my tuba? :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[fronobulax]

Re: Do Guitars,Planes, and Vegas make a tasty Cocktail?

my tuba?

Another tuba player?

 

[Ridgemont]

Re: Do Guitars,Planes, and Vegas make a tasty Cocktail?

my tuba?

Another tuba player?

No sorry, it was more of a joke. The only other instrument I know how to play is the kazoo. :mrgreen:

 

[adorshki]

Re: Do Guitars,Planes, and Vegas make a tasty Cocktail?

Alright I am now making a checklist for stuff I will need:
1. Guitar
2. Booze
3. Music stand and music
4. Booze
:lol:

You need more booze. :lol:
BY the way, plus one on Death Cab for Cutie.

 

[Ridgemont]

Re: Do Guitars,Planes, and Vegas make a tasty Cocktail?

Alright I am now making a checklist for stuff I will need:
1. Guitar
2. Booze
3. Music stand and music
4. Booze
:lol:

You need more booze. :lol:
BY the way, plus one on Death Cab for Cutie.

Ok then, more booze! Yes it is a very nice song. Acoustic Guitar Magazine had the music for it sometime last year, and I was pretty excited when I found it. As far as music choices, the list was pretty much limited to what I could already play...and of course wedding appropriate. Can't sing about no cheatin' woman at a weddin'! :wink: Now the reception is a whole other ball game. :lol:

 

[bluesypicky]

Re: Do Guitars,Planes, and Vegas make a tasty Cocktail?

Can't sing about no cheatin' woman at a weddin'! :wink: :lol:

Yeah I was thinking it might be a tad too soon for the "billed out and bound to go" from your version of "Key To The Higway"....... :lol: :lol:
Have fun!

 

[slow944s]

Re: Do Guitars,Planes, and Vegas make a tasty Cocktail?

I was telling my son that he should learn "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz, for my daughter's, his sisters, wedding in October. He countered with "Hey Joe, Where You Going With That gun In Your Hand" :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[Ridgemont]

Re: Do Guitars,Planes, and Vegas make a tasty Cocktail?

I always got a kick out of this one:

"If she gets unruly, and think she don't want to, take my 32-20 and cut her half in two"

I was thinking for the first dance? :lol:

 

[bluesypicky]

Re: Do Guitars,Planes, and Vegas make a tasty Cocktail?

I always got a kick out of this one:
"If she gets unruly, and think she don't want to, take my 32-20 and cut her half in two"
:lol:

Ahhh!!! Love and poetry....... :lol:

 

[JerryR]

Re: Do Guitars,Planes, and Vegas make a tasty Cocktail?

American Airlines allso allow carry on of guitars - and their overhead lockers don't fit them nor will it fit under the seats - but the cabin crew are very helpful, and the guitar usually ends up being stored in their clothes locker. Just in case, slack the strings, put plenty of packing around the guitar and under the headstock, and put a luggage strap around the hardshell case - just in case it gets redirected to hold luggage.

As for performing in public - try and visualise it all going well, and as the others say, they will be on your side (if you think about it going wrong, it usually will ). If mistakes occur, try and avoid saying 'oh sh*t' (but speaking personally I never can stop myself :roll: ), but in many instances, the audience won't even notice anyway as probably most won't be musicians listening. Usually most of my public performances are largely in front of musicians so all my mistakes are glaringly obvious, but they are quite a forgiving lot :mrgreen:

Are you going to wear a white Elvis suit