Applauding at the squares.

[DGx2]

I know this will probably open a Pandora's box, but what's up with the crowds at the squares not applauding the performers? I have lived here for almost three years and frequent the squares for (free) nightly entertainment on an average of once a week. Some of the bands are fantastic, some not so much, but it never ceases to amaze me that 98% of the people there do not applaud the bands, no matter how good they are. Am I missing something? Is it rude to clap at the end of a song or set? Are the performers insulted if you show them any appreciation? Perhaps in Florida it's too hot too clap. Can someone straighten me out on this. Thanks, DGX2. P.S. Maybe because it's free people don't appreciate it.

[graciegirl]

We don't go often, but we were there last night and applauded.

I dunno. It might be people have different "bringin's up".

[kathy and al]

"Maybe because it's free people don't applaud"??????????????Huh????
Do you think that this entertainment is done on a charity basis by these performers?

[Tom Hannon]

I know a musician/band plays to the audience. If the audience gets into the music the band will play better. If they show less appreciation the band might not give it their all. I almost always applaud. I noticed the same thing at Katie Bells. One time I was the only person clapping.

[Pturner]

DGX2,
I applaud you consideration for the performers and agree wholeheartedly.

:BigApplause:

[DGx2]

My wife and I were down there the other night. Caribbean Chillers was performing. In my opinion a very good band. It was quite a lively crowd. A lot of people dancing and seemingly enjoying the show, but I would estimate that 75% of the people there did not applaud at the end of the songs, even the ones that were obviously crowd pleasers the vast majority did not clap. Similar situation a few weeks ago when Empire, a phenomenally talented band in my opinion, performed.

[DGx2]

I didn't mean the performers played for free. I meant that the audience can enjoy for free.

[BritParrothead]

I always applaud, even if they are not so good. We have to encourage the bands I think!

[Here2Stay]

RUDE....just plain rude people:spoken:

[villages07]

I usually applaud as it shows the band you enjoy their music. As I look around at others, so many people are engaged in conversation they don't seem to notice the band. If 25% applaud, that's not bad. I think the performers are also rewarded by seeing the energy on the dance floor. Much better than looking out to a sea of people sitting in chairs.

Conversely at Savannah Center concerts, the audience applauds heartily after each song. Same people, different venue.

[wendyquat]

Now, how can you clap with a drink in your hand? :1rotfl::clap2::clap2:

[Joaniesmom]

I would applaud if they were the worst entertainers ever. My applause would be for the sheer guts it takes to get up there in front of a bunch of people and perform your best, even if it isn't up to their standards. I'd never do it!

[JoeC1947]

now, how can you clap with a drink in your hand? :1rotfl::clap2::clap2:

lol!!!

[bluedog103]

I know a musician/band plays to the audience. If the audience gets into the music the band will play better. If they show less appreciation the band might not give it their all. I almost always applaud. I noticed the same thing at Katie Bells. One time I was the only person clapping.
Tom you're absolutely right. The musician/band feeds off the audience. I don't think any performer gives a lackluster performance on purpose but you just automatically do a better job when the audience is responding to your work. I've performed for many years and if the audience is having fun the musicians are having fun too, and it shows.

[John_W]

We only go when Uncle Bob's Rock Shop, Yesterdayze or Cactus Jack and the Cadillacs are performing. When any of those three bands are playing, everyone claps. Now, if you're there when it's the girl with the band in the box, that might explain the lack of enthusiasm.

[Shimpy]

I always applaud, even if they are not so good. We have to encourage the bands I think!

That's the same as tipping for bad service in a restaurant. They won't ever improve if they think they are good based on applause or good tips.

[CaptJohn]

Tom you're absolutely right. The musician/band feeds off the audience. I don't think any performer gives a lackluster performance on purpose but you just automatically do a better job when the audience is responding to your work. I've performed for many years and if the audience is having fun the musicians are having fun too, and it shows.

:agree: Being a long time musician myself in concert and dance bands, audience participation can really improve a fun evening for all. Different venues can affect results too. Having the 'fixed' audience far away and with all the dancers in between makes for a difficult mix. Some bands can combine both with their performances and others just don't quite have "it". I've always preferred audiences close to the stage so we could interact with them better.

[jgbama]

:agree: Being a long time musician myself in concert and dance bands, audience participation can really improve a fun evening for all. Different venues can affect results too. Having the 'fixed' audience far away and with all the dancers in between makes for a difficult mix. Some bands can combine both with their performances and others just don't quite have "it". I've always preferred audiences close to the stage so we could interact with them better.

CaptJohn, you are right on. I played sax in HS, college and a few dance bands. Sometimes our music just wasn't what the audience wanted, but when playing at a night club, the more the audience got into it (and applauded) the better we got (well, maybe the drinks helped too)! :laugh:

Maybe with entertainment 7 nights a week, people start taking it for granted. Nothing helps more than making requests. Even if the group can't play your request, you have at least made a connection with the group and can thank them personally.

I also clap when we've been to TV and plan to continue that courtesy when we get moved down.

[ronat1]

No non-applauders responding????? Maybe we should just get all of the folks registered on TOTV to show up at the squares every night and then it will appear as if everyone is applauding the entertainment.

[Tom Hannon]

:agree: Being a long time musician myself in concert and dance bands, audience participation can really improve a fun evening for all. Different venues can affect results too. Having the 'fixed' audience far away and with all the dancers in between makes for a difficult mix. Some bands can combine both with their performances and others just don't quite have "it". I've always preferred audiences close to the stage so we could interact with them better.

I agree. On Long Island there was a place called "My Father's Place" Various acts performed there regularly. It was very small and the entertainers used the same bathroom as the audience. The concerts were more personalized and we would talk to the entertainers. It was a great place to be. I saw Ray Manzarek and Felix Cavalaire there. Sadly, My Fathers Place closed because it was so small, I guess the profit wasn't there to pay musicians.

[Tom Hannon]

I would imagine playing at places like the squares the performer is up close. I remember watching "Norman Lee and The Boondock Saints" at the squares and Norman (The lead singer) is all over the place as he carries his microphone into the crowd. He does get the audience moving. Now, if he took less breaks and shorter one and mixed his song menu somewhat they would be a band worth seeing again.

I have seen Rocky and and intend to see Yesterdayz, Uncle Bob and Cactus Jack when I return. I hear they keep everyone on their feet. Thus, deserve an applause

[NotGolfer]

It's not just here in T.V.---I've seen it other places as well. Thinking folks just aren't "into" that kind of thing.

This question could also go with---"Why don't folks sing the National Anthem at events that play it?" Been to plenty of venues where I've observed folks just standing there without singing or even showing a sign of respect!

[ssmith]

Tom Hannon...don't miss Scooter the DJ....he really gets the crowd into it!

[cahweh1975]

"Why don't folks sing the National Anthem at events that play it?"

Trust me, NO ONE wants to hear me attempt to sing the National Anthem! Personally, I think most people shouldn't. If TPTB wanted us to actually sing the National Anthem, they should have selected an easier song!

[Tom Hannon]

Tom Hannon...don't miss Scooter the DJ....he really gets the crowd into it!

If Scooter is a deejay as you said. I have no interest. My idea of a band is having multi people playing instruments... not a recording. If I want to listen to recordings I'll play my juke box. No offense to you or Scooter but spinning records on a turntable ain't what I'm looking for. Thanks anyway

[ugotme]

Must say there is nothing like applause.

Having played in rock bands "back in the day" when the audience got into it - we got even more into it.

When the audience was quiet - was harder to be upbeat. You still had to because that was your job and we all loved playing but made it less fun.

[cquick]

We are Sumter Landing a LOT. Our Patrick shows his appreciation at the end of every song!

I think many people go there to socialize and talk with their friends as much as just listen to the music and dance. It's like being at a restaurant with a live backround band or music. I don't think you are expected to applaud every time.

But, really, I think people are very appreciative of the bands. The music at the squares is why me moved here instead of another over-55 community.

I think the musicians they have are so people friendly! They really interact with the crowd!

[applesoffh]

My husband played in bands (Classic Rock and Southern Rock) in and around NYC for more than 40 years. One of the first things he commented on when we moved here was the lack of applause given to the performers in the square at LSL. We aren't frequent attendees, but always applaud the entertainers. TV may be a friendly place, but there are lots of rude people here, sorry to say.

[applesoffh]

Must say there is nothing like applause.

Having played in rock bands "back in the day" when the audience got into it - we got even more into it.

When the audience was quiet - was harder to be upbeat. You still had to because that was your job and we all loved playing but made it less fun.

Absolutely!

[ydnar9]

My wife and I were down there the other night. Caribbean Chillers was performing. In my opinion a very good band. It was quite a lively crowd. A lot of people dancing and seemingly enjoying the show, but I would estimate that 75% of the people there did not applaud at the end of the songs, even the ones that were obviously crowd pleasers the vast majority did not clap. Similar situation a few weeks ago when Empire, a phenomenally talented band in my opinion, performed. We have visited for a month three different times and were there when Empire played. Super band I thought, the best of any music we heard during any time we visited!