The Jitterbug Vipers – TOUR TIPS

The set of Tour Tips were written by the trippy-swingadelic 1930’s rock band, The Jitterbug Vipers. You can check out the band’s tips for being on the road, after the break.

1. Air Miles as currency. We started a “Will play for air miles” campaign and it’s working!  We just got our round trip flights to LA bought for us with air miles.  A lot of people who either love us & want to supports us or want us to play for free for a charity or who hire us for fancy private events have TONS of air miles.

2. Local sponsors – for example, we’ve built a relationship for our Oregon tours with Roots Organics. They make hydroponic fertilizer, which has a symbiotic relationship with viper culture.  They are covering some of the costs and hosting a house concert above their store for our upcoming “Jitterbug Vipers Roots Organics Oregon Tour”. Mentioning that here, just got our rental minvian paid for ;)

3. ALWAYS get to the next city first and then waste any extra time you think you have near the venue.

4. Establish Band rules for the road in advance.  This prevents a lot of conflict and protects relationships – examples:  If you lose your gear, wallet, anything, it’s only your problem.  If you need to be stoned, you can’t be the driver. I know you think you’re a better driver stoned & being a passenger makes you car sick, but pick one, stoned or driver. No phone sex in the tour vehicle. Even if all you are saying on your phone is “uh huh, yeah, really? And then what?” we know what you’re doing,  eeewwww. (for the record, those rules are MOSTLY from pre- Jitterbug Vipers experiences).

5. Neosporin in your nostrils on flights – I learned this from a flight attendant. It can prevent you catching whatever airplane plague that might be circulating, especially on overseas flights.

Keep up with the band on Facebook and Twitter!

Did you find these tips useful? Let us know in the comments below!