How does lighting work at venues?
Undead asked:
Do most rock venues have lighting techs that you work with before a show or do you have to bring your own equipment?
In Smaller places can you ask management to turn the lights down for some songs and raise them again for others or is stuff like that off limits for small bands?
Do most rock venues have lighting techs that you work with before a show or do you have to bring your own equipment?
In Smaller places can you ask management to turn the lights down for some songs and raise them again for others or is stuff like that off limits for small bands?
Serious answers only please, I’d appreciate not being told to concentrate on my music first, I really want to know about lighting. Thanks 
Usually if there is any lighting, it’s either “ON” or “OFF”. You’ll be lucky if more than half the bulbs aren’t burnt out. You have to really move up to big clubs like The House of Blues before any attention is paid to lighting. Bigger bands carry their own small lighting systems with them on the road. [who] PJH
most places have lighting that they sort out with you. you have to pay, but they send in a lighting tech to sort out what you want and when you want it for the performance. [who] lixter
Most “club gigs” will either provide some minimal lighting or none at all. Any significant lighting will be only available in a “high end” gig, if that even. Any band that wants any kind of distinctive lighting, or effects, has always had to provide their own. Always check out your venue first, see what’s available to you, otherwise you may find yourself in a club ready to play with no lights and they’re expecting you to bring some. [who] EE dude