I need advice on managing several hundred songs titles I perform. I need an efficient way of keeping track of where and when I play what songs, in order to keep my material fresh at each venue.

Are databases or spreadsheets the best way to go ? I can make individual playlists on my keyboards. It is the overall picture I want to keep track of.

Bernie

Bernie ... for those 1 - 1 1/2 hour Senior or NH gigs I've created different playlists or 'programs' ... one might feature BB songs from the 40's, another songs from the 50's, another C/W songs ... I will also try to set up a playlist based on the time of year, like for the summer I played some Beach Boys, some 'island' songs, ... another could be songs from the movies etc. ...
Don't know if this helps ...

Here is how I do it with my PSR-3K
Each month I make up a folder and bank of registrations for songs that I plan to play for that month. Frankly it is rare that each list gets played exactly as planned because of time restraints, requests or re-evaluating based on "reading" the room.
Eddie

I just play off the cuff never used a playlist solo in my life...

I haven't used a playlist in years. I mix up the order of the 34 songs I know.

DonM

Just let the audience be your guide...

Same here, except it's like 5 songs (if you include 'Happy Birthday'). You'd be suprised how long you can 'milk' a 'blues in F' in a jazz club - just ask Brickboo.



chas

There are times when a playlist should be used...I just finished up a month of big outdoor gigs with the band...We did not use playlist...but I wish we did....it would make life easier on stage, especially in the bright sunlight...

In "concert" situations, there is no reason, not to use a playlist....You are not, or do you need to read the audience...they came to see a "show"..

I've performed in many HUGE major touring Concert venues in my career also years ago, ...but, I thought we were talkin' OMB smaller gig situations...btw..Fran as far as reading an audience, a quarter back uses "Audibles" if you get my drift..

What Bernie was talking about was trying to provide variety at places he plays often. I often use a set list at 1-hr NH jobs because I can't otherwise remember what I played there the previous time...or the time before that. Beyond that, I can't see the need for set lists.

Have you ever noticed if you solicit NH folks to make requests...they ask for the same songs each time? If you just do requests I can see using DonM's philosophy of just having 34 songs at the ready.
Actually, I have seen him play and he knows more like 3400 songs....and some even have more than 3 chords.

Eddie