Three additional keyboards were added to the band setup at the last minute, but they were accommodated.

Another important thing incorporated into the preparation process for a live event is ongoing communication with the musical group or featured performer. You need to find out what they will be playing, pronunciation of names, what instruments they will be using, what they will need from you to produce their best product – you are basically looking for the kind of input that makes everyone’s job easier. In fact, for this presentation by Nachito Herrera, we had three keyboards added at the last minute on a small stage and we were able to work things out. We had a rehearsal and sound check, the midnight countdown, and went through the opening and talked through the station IDs. Most groups haven’t done something like this before and talking with them gives them a real feeling of ownership.

Dayna Calderon, NPR field producer, Dakota Jazz Club, Minneapolis
Dayna Calderon is a 20+ year veteran of live, cultural arts programming and production in Chicago. She currently manages the Grammy-nominated group, Sones de México. She has been involved with Toast of the Nation for the last 14 years.

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