Unannounced Opener

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We're going to see one of our favorite artists tonite. Two hour drive. Heavy rains forecast. World class artist; worth it. 

Venue sent out a "know before you go" email today (pretty considerate and not often done). 

Solo acoustic singer-songwriter will be tuning the room. I guess it's now an "announced" opener but... not psyched about this, at all. 

 

More time for pizza, I guess.

I feel it

maybe email back

as long as long as it doesn't cut into the headliner's set, even by one minute...

I like your suggestion. Solid way to open negotiations. 

The venue's email reads "If your schedule allows, please plan to arrive early to avoid missing any of the fun. Seating begins at least 30 minutes before the show." 

Not sure how I'd feel if I showed up a half hour early and this dude got up on stage.

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Unannounced opener can be great.  I remember going to see Santana in the late 80's and when the show started the stage filled with musicians with dreadlocks spilling over.  Steel Pulse for the win!  
This summer I went to see Les Claypool and his toadstools.  I was bummed when I heard there would be an opener.  Neal Francis was outstanding. 
Don't miss out. 

Solo acoustic singer-songwriter will be tuning the room.

imagine listening to music that isnt endless atonal noodling 

Performers that I first saw as opening acts: Talking Heads, Television, Queen, Kansas, Suzanne Vega, Billy Joel, Patti Smith, Frank Turner...the list can go on for a long time. One never knows who you may be blown away by next. 

The only opening act I remember that I was introduced to was Styx opening for Aerosmith in 77, and of course Rachel Sweet opening for the Jerry Garcia Band which was only memorable as the worst pairing ever. It would be like having Kid Rock open for Beyonce. 

Emmylou stole the show when she opened for the Band and Maria Muldaur in 1975 in Houston.

 

Let's hear from Mary Chapin Carpenter.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuK-1_gsrdk   When I saw her do this at Telluride years ago, I believe jackass was a-hole. It went over HUGE! 

The unannounced opener can throw off your timing when ingesting certain things (happened for me at King Gizzard last year).   That being said, there were two bands that I caught as openers that really blew me away: (1) Cheap Trick opening for Robert Plant as the band was never on my radar but was really, really good live and (2) Funky Meters opening for Taj Mahal.  They funked it up so hard, almost fell asleep during Taj and ended up leaving early. 

I've seen a LOT of great opening acts, but this "unannounced" thing is new to me. Don't think I've been to a show where they teased one.  

if it's "unannounced" for a "world-class artist", then it should be good, no?

dose 45 mins ahead of normal schedule...

Went to a John Hartford show once... Grisman showed up ....ummm not the opener but... Santanna always brings it in Switzrland,,, That Malienne groupe was way off the charts

A crazy Mick Fleetwood looking hippy and his young son warmed up unannounced for a Ratdog show at Slim's way back when.

I remember a decent cover of Queen's: I'm In Love With My Car!