I would definitely do two gigs per day if I had someone to set up our gear for us.

Mrs. Notes and I have neither roadies nor children to help us schlep.

Our typical gig is now 3 hours. We get to the gig 1.5 hours early. It takes an hour to set-up, and the half hour is a buffer in case a cable goes belly-up or something else needs to be fixed. This rarely happens, but if we don't allow time, that's when it will pop up. It takes us another hour to tear down. So on a 3-hour gig we spend 2.5 hours set-up and tear-down.

Add to that getting the gear in the minivan, getting to the gig, driving home, and bringing the gear back inside. I live in a safe neighborhood, I have electronic protection, and the chances of someone stealing gear from my van are slight, but if it happens, the penalty is great, so I never-ever leave the gear in the van. It comes in every night no matter how late I get in.

When setting up and tearing down I sometimes think "Why do I bring so many instruments? What should I leave home?"

But when I'm gigging I think, "I wish I had also brought the ______."

I love what I do, and schlepping heavy equipment gives me weight-bearing exercise without a gym membership. And the gig goes by way too quickly. Time flies when you are having fun.

Notes ♫

Bob "Notes" Norton smile Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com

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