Mike's Oud Forums

What would you play in a bar/restaurant ?

Kirbaba - 2-4-2025 at 11:36 AM

Hello dear friends

I would like to show up at bar/restaurants and maybe play there, but I am not sure what kind of repertoire I should be performing. Do you have any recommandations and maybe some advices ? I am sure some of you have already performed in this context, I was hoping you could offer me some guidance.

thanks a lot :))

Jody Stecher - 2-4-2025 at 09:38 PM

I did such jobs in the early 1970s. I played everything I knew and what I didn't know I improvised on the spot. I was musical wallpaper. Most people paid no direct attention but I created a pleasant enough sonic atmosphere to get some generous tips.

I got some pretty good dinners and lunches and a modest but reasonable fee.

Just play the oud as well as you can and it will be fine.

John Erlich - 2-11-2025 at 11:31 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Kirbaba  
Hello dear friends

I would like to show up at bar/restaurants and maybe play there, but I am not sure what kind of repertoire I should be performing. Do you have any recommandations and maybe some advices ? I am sure some of you have already performed in this context, I was hoping you could offer me some guidance.

thanks a lot :))

Mostly, I would recommend visiting the potential venue and getting a sense of the atmosphere. Would you be a the main focus or background music? How loud or quiet is the venue's atmosphere? etc.