PANIC

My jazz-fusion band is playing our first show on July 8th. We're one of several bands. None of us have had time time to practice till now. We're all in college right now so we definitely wouldn't have time to play another show after this and I doubt the venue will be happy with us cancelling. It's just a small basement show but I really really REALLY want to fucking play this show.

So, I'm the bassist keeping all of this afloat and moving. How do I reign in my drummer and guitarist in such a short amount of time? We have fairly hard material and I don't see how we're going to be well practiced enough, even if we cut the set down to 2 long songs. If anyone is willing to offer advice I'd be willing to elaborate on the situation
Thanks in advanced.

How long are you expected to play

>How do I reign in my drummer and guitarist in such a short amount of time?

Promise them free food after each practice session. If you think you can't get it together in time cancel ASAP.

play improvised noise and say you're actually a free jazz band

20-30 minutes.

You practice every fucking day or you don't do it.

If your drummer and guitarist aren't up to practice find a new band, you're better than them and you deserve better.

stop punching above your weight

for now though, pick a key and a mode, let the drummer set the tempo and wing it

Ok that's not too bad then you need to get a rehearsal together ASAP and decide what songs you feel the most confident in playing. You are between a rock and a hard place right now but it's not the end of the world. Get together and play your songs and time the whole thing as if it were a show

just curious OP why do you want to play this show so badly? I'm apt to perform if I'm ready, but my preparedness always relates to my eagerness to play. so what's the deal, a basement show doesn't seem too special??

I say you are between a rock and a hard place right now because there are 2 things you absolutely don't want to do. #1 is do not piss off your venue or you won't get to come back. #2 Is you do not want to play a show and mess up because if you do people will remember that it's not something that goes away

Just pick a key and jam live no one will know any better

Lol no. that works with bands who have played together for years

it worked for me in 3 different bands i've played with less than 5 times each

I've done that with impromptu bands formed by people who have never even met each other before and the results are solid as fuck

what do you mean by key? does this include a chord structure? or its literally, "play in A minor".......GO!

I know there had to be more to it then that. more premeditated aspects

I like you, but no sorry
As much as I would love to have a band with more reliable people, it's too hard right now. These guys are my friends and I'm stuck with em for the time being.
Interesting answers, am thinking about both of them rn.
I've played music since I was 9. I'm 22 now, and this is the only chance I'll likely have to play a show of any kind until next summer (and that's if I'm lucky).

Addendum - This is the first opportunity I've been given to play my music live in a non academic setting

It's a basement show. No one will care. Just be super loud and jump around a lot

With all due respect to both genres (I'm a fan of both), we're not playing pop punk or metal, we're playing jazz fusion.

Shameless self-bunp to keep it alive

Then you should be embarrassed. In what world are there jazz basement shows?

The one we live in. I'm playing in one on the 8th.

i dont understand what the problem is

do you know what music you're going to play? if not, that is step 1

step two is play the music until its completely tight

Become an AC/DC cover band for the night

Harass your bandmates constantly about practicing. When you can't practice with them, practice on your own. Like, in ALL of your spare time between now and then.

Will do, man