Gig Etiquette: Arriving on Time

Published on 3 November 2023 at 19:33

There is a phrase that was a favorite of one of my high school music teachers and definitely worthy of passing along to the next generation of musicians: "Early is On Time, On Time is Late, Late is UNACCEPTABLE!" In a perfect world, no one would ever be late, but the fact is that life happens to everyone, and sometime you may find yourself on the way to a gig only to get held up by an unexpected train or traffic accident. But, for the most part, it is extremely important to be known amongst your colleagues as an early and prompt musician. There are a few specific factors to consider to make sure that you arrive on time, at least most of the time.

  • Make sure to leave home in enough time to have a buffer of a few extra minutes, in case of an unexpected delay on your way. If you're unsure of exactly how long your trip might take you, you can always check on Google maps or MapQuest.
  • Know the route you plan to take and that you already have ample gasoline or electric charge to get to your destination without having to stop.
  • Make sure you are fully aware of the parking situation, especially if the gig is at a location you have never been to, before. Allow for extra time to find parking, if necessary.
  • If you are running close or even a little late, be sure to communicate with your contractor, in a safe way, of course. Never text and drive! 

I hope these serve as helpful hints for all you gigging musicians out there! Remember, if you have the reputation of consistently being on time and prepared, you will be much more likely to get hired again, and again! ☺️


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