While in Las Vegas on Friday I met with someone who was filled with positivity and happiness. One element of discussion was the topic of expectations, which, when managed, can help avoid disappointment. You can see, then, that it keeps you on the path to a healthy mindset.
Two nights earlier I’d been told about a lounge to go to out there where there was going to be live music in the style of local performers who are at the top of their craft. In other words, it was an opportunity for a good night of entertainment without having to go see a traditional Las Vegas style show on “The Strip.”
Expectations? I had them, unfortunately, and I’d put that bar pretty high.
On Episode 452 of my weekly “Now Hear This Entertainment” podcast I had interviewed Las Vegas headliner Frankie Scinta. I’d once seen a video that he was tagged in on Facebook where he was singing in a lounge out there and I was so impressed that I put it in my Saved items for that social media platform. You could feel the audience hanging on every word being sung and sensed that they were conscious of being present for something really special. (Scinta was doing a duet of “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling.”)
Quite some time ago, say, maybe 15 years ago, I had been made aware of the lounge acts one could see in Las Vegas. Sure, the fully produced shows with all the glitz and glamor were something to see at least once in what I consider to be the real “city that never sleeps.” But it was becoming more and more apparent to me then that if you went into a lounge in Las Vegas, you’d be in for a real treat from a singer who would command the stage and leave you wanting more after he or she finished performing.
Somewhere along the way in all of this I convinced myself that each and every one of these lounges was presenting the performer in a listening room environment. And thus my having set myself up for disappointment three nights ago.
When I arrived Friday evening the music had already started. The band was in full swing, and the singer was clearly someone whose voice had entertained audiences with regularity. The problem was, this particular audience was just as interested in talking during her performance as I was listening. It did not make for a good formula.
As the comparison game began mentally for me, my mind went to the sports bars where the guy or gal performing with their guitar was competing against sports on two dozen televisions, conversations at every table, and silverware and glasses clanging. Sadly, at this lounge on Friday, there were sports on the TVs behind the bar, and conversations were at a fever pitch. There might not have been forks and knives hitting plates, but the glasses that the drinks were being served in somehow contributed to the distractions from the entertainment everyone should’ve been giving all their attention to.
A sign at the door, an occasional announcement by the band leader, a finger held up to the lips of the cocktail waitress, and maybe even a sign on each table could’ve been employed to let people know that this was a room to listen to great live local music and not to whoop it up, so conversations would need to be left outside.
Disappointed, I didn’t spend anywhere near the amount of time at Friday night’s destination as I had thought that I would. Maybe next time I need to read online reviews and/or take other measures to manage my expectations.
Tell me about the venues that you’re performing in. What facets of your indie music career are not enjoyable for you? Where do you need some professional advice to make sure you’re staying positive and happy about the path you’re on in entertainment? Let’s have a call so I can pull from my almost 20 years of working with independent artists from around the country to share some insights with you.