I agree with previous comments.
The only thing I wanna add is: If you want to start making gigs frequently use this gig as a bridge: make it looks professional, also act like this. If you have them, put some business cards around the room. Thats the way to get people who will most likely be the next to hire you. Because they are you relatives don’t make it half average.
And if family includes older people, you might want to make your set a little bit “chill” until the older semesters leave and then crank the dance stuff up. You do not want grandpa to dive under the table when you play some Skrillex….
I’m doing potentially my first gig in 2 months time for my dads 50th, so I’m in the same boat but my advice would be play an array of things from 60’s classics to yesterdays chart this gives you a good indication on what the crowd likes from the music your playing then play similar stuff (same genre, artist) if they react better to some tracks. For example if mum is digging Abba and has brought sister, aunty and loads of others onto the dancefloor keep playing disco/dance stuff I’m sure you understand what I mean 🙂
Playing to Mixed crowds means a lot of compromise – it is impossible to please all the people all of the time. I aim for playing 3 of each genre and mix it up. Most people won’t dance for more than 3 songs at a time anyway. Knowing your genres is important if people are generally not dancing for when they do get up – i.e. to play more of the same that got them there. Play classics, like you would hear on commercial radio stations, not the songs you like personally, as although you may know good music, the majority of people may not. Don’t have the music too loud to begin with. At a family gathering people will initially be more interested in catching up than dancing – you can turn it up later when the drink has started to take it’s effect.
ok, it was full of people, 30 yrs n above 70%, 30% young people and kidz, back hea in Kenya pple love vernacular gospel music and dats all i played for them until most of dem left. I started playing latest reggea Riddimz 4 de young pple ( dats wat mst kenyan youths luv) as dey took their booze dey enjoyed till i left
Awwww nice. Didn’t know that you come from kenya. I see that you had great time.
My uncle and aunt are from Sudan. And I am planning to go with them on safari in kenya next year 🙂
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