For Bands playing at the squares, how much do they actually play?
 

I haven’t been a regular at the squares since before Covid, but we are just thinking of getting back. I’ve been dropping in on bands after running to the store or going out to dinner to listen to who is playing these days and I most often see an empty stage with a band on break. I vaguely remember they played 3 sets with two 20 minute breaks, but I’m wondering if those contracts changed when they came back to nightly entertainment.

If I have 20 minutes to check out a band after 6pm, what is the best time to get there to see them playing?

I believe they play four sets with three 15-20 minute breaks (I never timed their breaks).

Yes.

Generally as follows:
5-6 Music
6-6:20 break
6:20-7 Music
7-7:20 break
7:20-8 Music
8-8:20 break
8:20-9 Music
Some bands may break a little earlier/later but the above is the general lineup.
Storms and lightning may change the times. I've been told that when they shut down for lightning, the band has to wait for 20 minutes with no lightning.

One or two of the bands, in my mind, would be more acceptable having 40-minute breaks, and only play for 20 minutes!

Three twenty minute breaks. So over the course of 4 hours they are Not playing for 1 hour- or 25% of the time people are in attendance. I'm guessing these frequent breaks, which are the norm in all the squares are designed to maximize the sale of booze. People will be inclined to get a drink rather than sit empty handed while waiting for the music to start again. The bands probably don't mind facilitating the opportunity to buy a drink because dollars generated by booze sales will determine if the band will continue to be invited back, and also impacts each band's paycheck amount. I once saw a listing of the fees bands are paid and I believe Rocky and The Rollers was getting the most- $2,500 per gig if memory serves.

Sex, drugs/alcohol, rock & roll.. What has changed

It's no different really from bands that play at supper clubs or small venues. They play a set, take time off for their OWN drink and bathroom and schmooze, then return for the next set. Also similar to when I used to watch The Michael Bolotin Band (before he changed his name to Bolton) play at HL Wilfred's back in the 1970's. Except here, it's all outside.

I have booked bands in the past and playing for 3 hours out of 4 hours was not unusual.

IMO what I have observed Most bands have about 12 song repertoire repeatedly played over and over at each performance. R & R good example plays same old songs every time cause they know audience wants to hear them. which gives about two of performance. Covers most concerts platforms. Most famous bands play same songs over and over that why the preform them so well. So the breaks are fillers before the run out or songs to play that they are efficient at.

It’s long way to top if want to rock and roll…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTMsf9ZAh80

Bands take breaks. Duh.

The breaks a band takes don't seem excessive in hot summer evenings in a gazebo or cold winter fall evenings after performing steadily for 40 minutes

Times
 

They play (1) 1 hour set. And (3) 45 minutes sets. The 1 hour is played at different times depending on band. Some play the hour during 5-6. Most seem to play it from 7-8.
The music is one of the unique activities TV has to offer.

As an option once a month, for the young at heart of all ages - couples and singles - come to 'Club 'E' - Epic' at Lake Miona Rec Center - 3rd Sat each month 6:30-8:50 PM. No breaks in the official music videos of current and past pop hits. (No rap music). No worry about rainouts. Nightclub setting. BYOB
It's an official Villages lifestyle club. Bring TV ID or guest pass.
freeda@lifeboost.com for info or reservations
More info under the Clubs section of TOTV or on the 'Club E Dance Live' Facebook page.

Band Breaks
 

Bands have some discretion in how they take their breaks. Most take 3 fifteen minute breaks, from the top of the hour to a quarter past the hour. One band takes 2 twenty minute breaks.
If you want to get a seat or find space for your folding chair when the popular bands play, you need to get there early. Crowds increase as the evening goes on.
We really enjoy it!

I’m not looking to sit find a seat and listen for an hour, I just want to pop in and stand in the back and listen to a song or two to see if it’s a band I want to make plans around. Friday at Sumter I waited from 6:05 to 6:25 for the band to start playing, though they never left the stage for their break. Apparently that was their break time.

We always bought a glass of wine until they changed to a horrible brand and raised the price from $5 to $7 for what tastes like white grape juice..now we drink water.
This is not a reflection of the bands.