Yesterday was rally Sunday at our church, and I was asked to play some background music while people had brunch and mingled. A church staff member made this nice little spot that was very musically cozy:
I got the ok from the pastor to play some general family-friendly music. I really appreciated that, since at some other past church gigs, the instruction was to strictly play “Jesus music.” (Nothing wrong with that by the way, but I think if you listened to what people were playing in their cars Monday through Saturday, it would be a wider variety of genres). Some tunes included:
Big Yellow Taxi
Free Fallin’
God Gave Me You
God Bless the Broken Road
Lovin’ You is Easy (Ben Rector)
This was my favorite type of gig in that people were kind of tuned in, but mostly I was just background filler before bingo started :-). I describe these kinds of environments as “Rehearsals that other people just happen to be at.” But I think they’re a great opportunity for me to get comfortable not looking at the iPad for words as much, and practice concentrating when various distractions come up: one gentleman came up to me and started talking mid-song, and various kids walked up within a few feet of me and just gave me a blank stare for periods of time.
Next week I’ve got a private gig - this time at someone’s lake property. I’m super looking forward to that. I’d of course love to get more public venue gigs, but I’m a big believer in giving every opportunity some oxygen. Who knows if someone I’ll meet at this gig will have a friend of a friend that knows the perfect music spot for me to play. Will report back when that gig’s done!
-Brian