just want to ask views on whether a keyboard entertainer should sit or stand? for example sit in a restaurant gig, and stand at a dance gig, or sit at both, or stand at both? what do others here do for their gigs?
dennis

I'd say whatever you're comfortable with. Personally I prefer sitting. It might also be easier when using pedals and such.

A standing position makes an easier target for eggs and tomatoes.:P

Taike

I do both, depending on the gig. I do tend to stand for more high energy gigs, and sometimes sit for restaurants and lower energy jobs. I know my playing and pedal work is more precise when I sit, but it just feels wrong when the energy starts rising (and I can't afford one of those motorized keyboard stands, or take the weight! Donny will probably post the URL for it LOL ).

However, as I get older, I find after a long summer of playing standing every day for hours, and the twisting that puts on my knees (one foot is always on the sustain, so you can't always balance yourself well when you have a big 76-er to cover!), I am starting to get some pain just walking any sizable distance until I get a month or two off (I mostly just do studio work in the off season), so it may not be long before I will have to sit for ALL my gigs... But I will hate it!

If the music doesn't make YOU dance, how can you expect it to move your crowd?!

http://www.synthzone.com/ubbs/Forum37/HTML/001624.html

[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 07-03-2007).]

STANDING only for the short jobs. I enjoy the interaction with my audience and moving around - they enjoy that.

and........no music stands, books, computers, etc - all by memory

Zuki....stop torturing us post some demos & pics
!!

Since I bought my Apex I stand, but before that I always sat. Standing did put me more into the audience. Maybe a good compromise would be... sit HIGH.

I sit HIGH on a folding stool I bought at Ikea. What's good about it is that it puts our faces at a similar level - me sitting high, and my wife standing up - for a more balanced visual setup from the audience's point of view. Not only that, but these aging legs of mine let me know if I stand on them for too long.

I used to sit HIGH, but then I started to get worried about being busted for possession!

And only being 5'4", I can't stand HIGH if I tried..!

5'4"!!!! Ok Napoleon, now it all becomes clear .

chas

ALWAYS standing.

ALWAYS.

I also move, groove, & dance (VERY badly - but in an entertaining way) and move about the stage so much these days, that I'm considering upgrading to a wireless system.

Diki - maybe you could stand on your seat

Happy Independence Day, All!

I got to confess, I'm in the middle of a 20 4hr gigs in 15 days straight stretch in the Florida heat (at least 2/3 of them outside!), and I'm sitting for ALL of them..! : :

like a jerk I stood for years gigging with my band & in the beginning of my solo career until I learned my lesson ....I do lots of 4hr doubles sitting is the best thing you'll ever do as a KB Player!!....save your body & legs....you'll be glad you did years from now.



[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 07-08-2007).]

I can't play standing up. Never could. Maybe it's all those years of playing piano and organ.

chas

On the majority of jobs, I can't stand sitting. So for those jobs I stand. And, that is where I sit on this issue.
Eddie

I did a brief stint playing synths in a rock band and used to stand whilst playing...never liked it...too hard on the legs, and awkward using pedals.

Give me the comfort of a nice padded bench anyday.

Ian

------------------
Bring back the Chord Sequencer!

Neither can I. Hard to do both at the same time.

Taike

Down the road you wont have to worry about it after years of standing you be in a wheel chair when your legs give out.

Ok.

So I'm a jerk.

By the census of gender in these nursing homes I play - I don't have to worry about my knees - I'll be gone like the rest of the men

zuki

Nah, Greg. You're NOT! Some people just have STRONGER legs than others. I sit when playing but I sure make use of my legs during the rest of the day.

Taike

Hellboy your body will tell you most definitly when to TAKE A SEAT



[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 07-09-2007).]

I'll stand when I can, and sit when I must

I think we're getting away from music here.

Got it!

I stand for the most part during the praise and worship, but for slower songs where I'm using sustain pedal, it puts all the weight on my left leg and foot and they start hurting, so i find that I can switch and sustain with my left foot....

It's a little awkward but works... then if there are other things going on I have a high stool that adjusts with a pnuematic lift so I can sit and still see what is going on. (I use an apex, so I can't go too low.)

Seems to work fine.

Jeff

I sit high so it's easy to stand when I want - usually for the up tempo songs - the kb is set at a height so that if I sit or stand it is comfortable ...
t.

I always stand. It's an energy thing. Last year I had a 7 hour gig and took along a stool, which would allow me to sit high for part of the time... never used it. Just can't stand standing (ooops) while performing.

Glenn