Karaoke Forums

Last night I had a rough night. I had a very drunk, demanding, young, out of
hand crowd. They had a great time, but I was doing everything in my power not to lose my cool. I hate nights like this.

It seems like the bigger and more demanding the crowd, the less I make in tips too.
I made zero in tips, but was paid extra to stay later. So I guess it all evens out.

Do you guys ever notice a difference in your tips and crowd size?

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[shadow=pink][glow=deepskyblue]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
[updown]~*~ MONKEY BUSINESS KARAOKE~*~ [/shadow][/updown][/glow]

Poor you What you have outlined is precisely why I could never do your job. I loathe drunks

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"Be who you are and say what you feel... Because those that matter... Don't mind...And those that mind... Don't matter."

I actually have trouble with the 30-40 crowd...they are the wilder ones...the younger ones know our owner has no problems kicking them out...so they are purty mellow...the older ones think they can get away with it...

Sorry to hear you had a rough nite sweets.

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Crowd size, age and whether is is payday and they can afford to drink more all make a difference. So does the number of regulars in the group.

I used to do late-night improv comedy in Dallas with a group that had been around a while. Over the years they noticed that the Friday night audience was always more quiet than the Saturday group, even when they were enjoying the show. The theory was that they were tired from a long day at work and therefore more subdued in general.

People en masse are always a challenge.

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[glow=darkorchid]Musica delenit bestiam feram[/glow]

Babs, you need to take control when it's starting to spiral out of control. Granted, sometimes it's not a one-specific incident... but the moment you feel that "omg, it's starting", put on some low-level smooth music, and talk over the mic about the rules of the establishment. About any specifics that right then are starting to bother you.

One of the issues I've always had is when folks come up to me to hand me their slip "NOW DAMMIT" right when I'm equin' the singer, looking up a song or doing something specific. And they won't let up until I glare at them or hold up a finger. But even then, there are times when I have to say "Can you WAIT a SECOND?" And in most of those cases, they usually go "OH!"

Then when I help them, I'm going, "Sorry but I wanted to make certain that the singer has the best sound... you'll get the same treatment!" And I've yet to have had a singer get upset. I've had some storm away though, and to be honest, I'm not the least bit sorry. I've followed them later to where they were sitting and said "Can I help you NOW?" To mixed results... and one person I had NO trouble saying "You know, if you weren't acting like so much a spoiled child and waiting your turn like EVERYONE ELSE, I wouldn't have to chase you down and talk to you like this!"

I have very little tolerance for rude people... I realize that some folks won't agree, but I give back what I receive! NOT the other way around.

YOU are the one in charge, Babs... and yes, you're NOT going to make everyone happy BEING that way. But ultimately, you have to decide how you want your show ran!

Babs,  Might be time as Matt mentioned to study some assertiveness training.  While I don't know you in real life,  I think many of your problems would be easier dealt with if you were a slightly more assertive person.  Taking charge of a crowd involves an aspect of personality not all naturally have, in fact few naturally do, it must be learned or developed.  Since you work onstage,  it'd be a good thing to study the psychology of performing, and the performer/audience relationship.  ALL should know it.


If you understand HOW to take control of a given situation, it will make doing so easier for you

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Northeast United States runner up for the "Singing Hall of Shame".

Good Point, and Babs, just be glad Kappy isn't 20 years younger and a regular at your show.

*giggle*  LOL

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[glow=violet] **Sing like nobody's listening...live like there's no tomorrow**[/glow]

<slipping into Matt Foley motivational speaker outfit>


Now listen here !   <rocking back and forth>

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Northeast United States runner up for the "Singing Hall of Shame".

Something else you might want to try but you have to be a pretty good actor/actress.

I think everybody hates to get mad and make somebody else mad,..SO,...get mad when no body has done anything wrong.  :shock:  i.e.  Nobody body likes hecklers.  Pick a night when everything is fine, failry loud crowd and then a some point between songs, really let your feelings loose about you're not going to put up with anyone bad mouthing the singers.  "Bla, blab bla bla etc!" Insert whatever you would normally spew on about.

Everyone will kind of look at one another, but they are sure somebody said something.  You get your composure back and call up the next singer.  Nobody will know that nobody said anything, BUT, EVERYONE will know what's happens when you piss the KJ off.

Just an idea.  I do it when it actually happens but when going to a new club, do it around your second or third time there.  Word get's out fast you want everyone to have fun, but you ain't puttin up with no crap.

Kelly

TIPS?????????????????????????????   What's that?




I don't get the screaming drunk crowd.   I attract people that are a little more serious and talented.

Don't have to worry too much about people getting really drunk here; the police will cite the bar and the bar owner could lose his liquor license if he serves someone after they are legally (.08) drunk.

dang auto smiley ... point oh eight ... see if that works

I've noticed that the larger rowdier crowds seldom have very good singers.
When it's like that, I'd rather just hear the stereo or a DJ instead!  LOL

Good points for sure! I think you are all right in the fact I need to be
more assertive at times.
I have my regulars trained well and haven't had a crowd like this in a while.
I had a lot of new people there that night, more than usual. My regulars know
I won't take their crap. Part of it is going through that breaking in stage with the new people. It is kind of like baby sitting children. They will try to get away with what they can until they find out you won't put up with it. Once you train the children to
behave and that there are consequences for their actions it gets easier.  LMAO

I haven't really needed a bouncer lately, so the owner only has him come in when he isn't there. One of the regulars was next to the stage that night worried for me. The owner had his own hands full with these people. He was caught off guard too.

I look back on it now and think I should have been more assertive at times, but some things you just can't forsee coming or control.

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[shadow=pink][glow=deepskyblue]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
[updown]~*~ MONKEY BUSINESS KARAOKE~*~ [/shadow][/updown][/glow]