Gigging in nasty winter weather

[RoyceM]

Here in Salem, Oregon our weather seldom gets very extreme. Recently we've had cold, snow, and ice. Of course, some gigs had to be cancelled and rescheduled (couldn't drive, couldn't even get into my iced over truck). When things began getting better, I decided to go to a scheduled gig, and THAT'S when things got really awkward trying to wheel gear through remnants of snow and slush both at home and at the gig.

All this is to say that the whole time I was thinking, "How do giggers in the colder regions manage moving their equipment?"

Would some of you share your techniques PLEASE!

Thanks!

- Royce

[DrakeM]

I am playing only at Senior locations. The parking lots and walk ways are always cleared. They also provide me a large cart of some type with which I load all my equipment onto to transport it from my car.

Two gigs were canceled this week.

[Toril S]

Sorry friends, but this made me giggle I live in Norway. Snow and ice almost all year long! Musicians drive all across the country. Cancelled gigs may happen, but almost never. We have good, sturdy cars with "winter wheels." And people come out to help carry the instruments, so we don't need carts.  A polar hug from Toril

[travlin-easy]

My basic rule during bad weather was - If it's snowing, freezing rain or ice, I will not leave the house and reschedule for another day when the weather is clear. Never had a problem with this policy, the activities directors and nite club owners never complained, and I got a day off from work.

The same goes for doctors appointments - and while some wish, and sometimes try, billing me for canceling the appointments, none have been successful in getting that cancellation fee. I remind them that I often have to wait in the waiting room for up to an hour or more, and I could bill them for being late for their appointment with me.

Good luck,

Gary

[maarkr]

Well, up heya in Maine, maybe not as bad as Norway, but if it's blizzard conditions or over a foot of snow then I'm not going out, otherwise, I'm there.  Haven't gigged out late anyway for many years, but when I get more songs built for my SX900, I'll be looking for some daytime gigs.