5 Things Musicians Need to Play an Outdoor Show
For my band, gigging outdoors with my own equipment started in 2020. Trapped at home with nowhere to go and the majority of nightclubs shut down, I hit up Sweetwater and bought a Fender Passport Event S2 PA.
The investment was worth it, as outdoor DIY events have exploded over the last four and a half years. Playing lawns, porches, and parks — and pretty much any other makeshift space — is now a regular thing, even without restrictions on indoors.
But unlike big festivals like Coachella, most outdoor gatherings don’t have dedicated sound teams, even if they pay. They also don’t have caterers, stage crew, personal assistants, managers, or artist hospitality teams.
That’s why, for most of us, outdoor gigging is an art in proper preparation. Bands and solo acts need more than a decent portable PA, microphones, stands, amps, and monitors.
If you’ve got a Porchfest or other outdoor concert coming in August or September, here are the essential must haves beyond musical equipment:
#1: Water
Whether you’re a Stanley fan (aka “Big Dumb Cup”) or a Swell bottle lover, having a vessel full of H2O isn’t just an emotional support tool. It’s essential to your survival. Playing in the hot sun, with or without a tent, your body loses so much water. You don’t want to be delirious when it’s time to belt out the encore, so hydrate! A good rule of thumb: 16 to 20 ounces per hour, for the two hours leading up to the gig, and the hour after it.
#2: Canopy Tent
Having a tent is a game changer in the summer, because it protects from sun and rain. I’ll never forget the outdoor gig (Lincolnparkapalooza in Fairfield, in 2022) when the band before us brought one (and took it with them). We were fried. Lesson learned. This ULINE canopy tent will set you back $250, but it’s worth it (plus you can reuse the tent for outdoor parties and such).
#3: Tarp/Stage cover
You don’t want to be the person with the $2K guitar or drum kit who finds themselves without a tarp in the rain. I’ve seen this happen again and again, and social media posts the next day loaded with regrets. This Maloney StageGear Cover from Sweetwater does the job (though you may need more than a few, depending on your rig).
#4: Banner and signage
You don’t want people breezily walking by the lawn/porch where you’re performing without knowing who they’re listening to! Make sure there’s a visible banner — or even better, a ginormous poster with a QR code that passers-by can scan (which connects to your social media accounts, tip jar, and other assets). Prices vary, but this one from Zazzle will set you back just $39.74.
#5: Sunglasses
Do NOT forget shades, even if the skies are overcast. The glare from the sun won’t just mess up you eyesight, but if you’re squinting it will be harder to play. We love these $35 cateye sunglasses from GOODR. If you’re not a sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat (or baseball cap) is a good alternative.
Marisa Torrieri Bloom is the editor and founder of Rockmommy.
