#RealGigs
Boxing Day at the Caledonian Hotel
It was a privilege to play a part in the festive celebrations at one of Edinburgh's Best Luxury Hotel Destinations. Using a refined set-list and a laid-back approach to my performance, I helped to create a relaxed atmosphere while serving as a focal point for the evening.
The Brief
Provide a classy and warm accompaniment to a festive evening.
As one of Edinburgh's premier hotels, the Waldorf Astoria Caledonian in the heart of the city is one of my favourite venues, and performing at Christmas is always a great pleasure. My goal for the performance was to give guests a welcoming and warm atmosphere, while blending comfortably into the background - to be the perfect accompaniment to a perfect evening.
The Performance
As with all of my gigs, the most important aspect (arguably) is the setting up! My aim is always to load-in and build up my kit as quickly and efficiently as possible, while remaining inconspicuous and professional. This is particularly important in venues like the Caledonian, where guests deserve the best possible experience. This space also serves as a dynamic, shared drinks, dinner, and waiting space: so it was important to manage the guest experience with this in mind.
Once the set-up is complete and I've performed a brief (and quiet) sound-check: I'm ready to play! This particular performance called for a 3-set show, and as always, I split my sets into three 'hour' blocks, each with a slightly different goal and 'vibe':
Set One: 7pm to 7.45pm - 'Musical introduction', tone-setting, and honing the sound
Set Two: 8pm to 8.45pm - Personal favourites, relaxed classics, and deep-dives
Set Three: 9pm to 9.45pm - Finishing in style with folky and festive throwback
As a musician, you're always doing a bit of a balancing act as you try to 'sit nicely' within the space. It's more of a 'vibe-based' art than an exact science, but experience does help a lot. This is particularly true in a hotel space like the Caledonian, where guests are from a diverse range of ages and backgrounds (often visiting from abroad), and they are entering and leaving the space frequently. It's important in these contexts to be both surprising with deep-cuts and lesser-known favourites (Just Like A Woman - Bob Dylan); and familiar with must-have classics and festive comforts (Let It Snow!).
I always enjoy the challenge though, and I had a great time playing for the guests and staff. When I had finished my final song of the evening, I began the equipment tear-down process, being sure to follow the same professional and inconspicuous principles I mentioned earlier.
The Outcome
I was very pleased to receive a number of compliments from hotel guests/diners and staff members, and I left the venue feeling very grateful to have been part of such a special, festive evening. I look forward to playing at the Caledonian again!