& CONDITIONS
GRASSROOTS PERFORMANCE & OPERATIONAL AGREEMENT
1. Purpose & Core Mindset
This agreement establishes clear expectations, accountability, and operational standards for all current and future performances, open mics, rehearsals, and booked gigs.
While currently operating in a grassroots, testing-ground phase—including open mic appearances and dedicated preparation rehearsals—every step directly impacts our trajectory toward booked dates, venue partnerships, and promoter outreach. The standard of professionalism, preparation, and focus applied at open mics is the exact standard required for high-stakes stages. The process must be treated with full commitment to build long-term trust, reliability, and creative momentum.
2. Team Leadership & Operational Authority
Leadership: John Mathews serves as Team Leader, maintaining primary oversight regarding scheduling, venue relations, logistics, and final operational decisions.
Proactive Problem-Solving: If any issue arises regarding scheduling, gear, transport, or arrangements, it must be raised directly with the Team Leader well in advance. All logistics can be solved collaboratively, provided they are addressed prior to call times.
3. Technical Readiness & Gear Accountability
Individual Ownership: Each team member is strictly responsible for bringing, maintaining, and managing their own instruments and essential gear (including sticks, cymbals, specialized hardware, cables, and accessories) required for every session.
Rehearsal-to-Gig Continuity: If specific gear or arrangements are tested and agreed upon during a rehearsal assigned to a specific show, that identical setup must be brought to the performance unless an explicit change is approved beforehand.
Venue Spec Awareness: Claiming unfamiliarity with venue setups or established house equipment previously utilized by the group is an unexcused breach of protocol.
Logistics Support: If a member requires assistance with gear transport or storage, they must coordinate with the Team Leader in advance so proper arrangements (e.g., staged storage, load-in support) can be made.
4. Rehearsals, Call Times & Professional Conduct
Call Times vs. Stage Times: Punctuality is fixed at designated call times/soundchecks, not performance times. Arrival must be prompt and fully prepared.
Punctuality & Transit: Arrival times are fixed at designated call times/soundchecks. Each member is individually responsible for arranging their own reliable ride and transit logistics to ensure on-time arrival.
Professional Mindset: Personal bad days, external stress, or off-stage distractions must be set aside before stepping into rehearsals or venues. On-site conduct must remain focused, professional, and respectful toward collaborators, venue staff, and audiences.
Substance & Focus Standard: High operational focus is required during all rehearsals, load-ins, soundchecks, and performances. Personal habits, recreational substances, or altered states must never compromise performance quality, safety, or reliability.
5. Communication & Mutual Commitment
Timely Confirmation: Prompt communication is required for all calendar invites, rehearsal scheduling, and performance confirmations.
Execution: Once a date is locked, full execution is expected. Passive non-responsiveness, last-minute flaking, or unannounced gear omissions will result in immediate review of a member’s role in the project.