Quick Start

HOW THE GRID WORKS & FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

                          

 ​​​​​1.) All participants have the opportunity to select songs, and the parts they want to play at Prog On The Ranch. You can ADD new songs to "The Grid" and/or JOIN songs that other participants had previously added. Once your song has a full roster of players, your song is complete. At that time the song will "GO GREEN" on The Grid, which means that it will be scheduled to be performed at Prog On The Ranch. You can add up to two parts to any song. EXAMPLES: Lead Vocals & Bass Guitar, Drums & Backing Vocals, etc.​

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​2.) Choose songs that you feel will have enough appeal to the other musicians that it will fill up on The Grid.  If you choose a particularly obscure, top forty or mainstream song, don't be too surprised if very few musicians join you. This means the song may not "Go Green", and ultimately may not be performed at Prog On The Ranch. You're encouraged to reach out to other players to join your songs (that's part of the fun).  ​Unless otherwise noted on your Song Request Form, the "original studio version" will be the default. 

 

​​3) VERY IMPORTANT PLEASE READ CAREFULLY:   Once again we are utilizing the "POTR CHIP SYSTEM" that we have used very successfully in the past.  All participants will be allotted a total of TEN VIRTUAL CHIPS.  Each new song that you ADD or JOIN is represented by either a RED CHIP (for adding new songs), or a BLUE CHIP (for joining existing songs).  As always, we are expecting a "feeding frenzy" when The Grid opens, and we expect The Grid to close within 2 to 3 days of opening (it used to take 3 to 4 months).  The chip system will help keep things visually organized and easier for everyone to understand.

3a)  SO HERE GOES...... On the FIRST day that The Grid opens, each player will start out with FIVE RED VIRTUAL CHIPS in your bank.   Your RED CHIPS can only be used to ADD NEW SONGS to The Grid on the first day.  You cannot JOIN existing songs yet.  Each new song that you ADD will be represented by a VIRTUAL RED CHIP on The Grid (meaning your name will be highlighted in Red).  You do not need to do anything, your name will automatically be shaded red on the first FIVE songs you choose.  You are not required to use all your chips.  Some players prefer to perform on fewer songs, or even just one song. It's all up to you. 

​3b)  On the SECOND day, (and up until The Grid closes), you will have FIVE ADDITIONAL BLUE VIRTUAL CHIPS in your bank for your use.  These chips can ONLY be used to JOIN existing songs that have previously been added to The Grid by other players on the first day. IMPORTANT: If you don't use all your Red Chips on the 1st day, your remaining Red Chips CAN NOW BE USED to ADD and/or JOIN songs.  However your BLUE CHIPS can ONLY be used to JOIN existing songs.  Every Grid has its own dynamic, which changes as it grows, and we need to adjust with it.  Nothing is set in stone.  If you are new to this, you'll understand what I'm saying soon enough ;-)   Be aware that the likelihood of all your songs  "GOING GREEN"  is not guaranteed.  It all depends on how many other musicians are motivated to join the songs you have added, and how many songs you are motivated to join.  If you added a new song with a RED CHIP and that song is not getting any attention after a day or two, I would advise you to DROP that song, and either ADD or JOIN a different song.  REMINDER: If you are on a Dream Team and/or Snap Set, the Grid will open with your chips already appointed.

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4.) The best way to make this an enjoyable event for both you and the audience is to ADD a couple of songs that you are really excited about playing when The Grid first opens.  Then JOIN a few songs that other players have already posted.  Try to hold back a chip or two so you can help other players complete a song that isn't getting much attention ONLY IF it is a song that you think you would enjoy performing.  There is a lot of competition as The Grid unfolds, but collaboration is actually what The Grid is all about.  Every entry you submit on The Grid is digitally time-stamped.  So if you see someone else's name on a song slot that you also requested, that means another participant had the same idea, and clocked-in before you, possibly just a second or two before you. If this does happens, don't waste too much time.  Move your chip to another song that you're interested in, or maybe you'll want to help another player to complete a song and turn it GREEN. There will be many to choose from. You don't need to message us to ask for the chip back.

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5.) To maximize the number of songs that can realistically be performed in the allotted playing time, we have developed a system to help assure that the average transition time between songs is from 3 to 5 minutes.  As The Grid fills up, we will be keeping track of how much live performance time is remaining of the 12 to 14 hours allotted for the three day Grid Schedule on Prog On The Ranch.  This is all dependent on the average length of the songs, and the average amount of time it takes to transition between songs.  Once we run close to the limit, The Grid will wind down, and notifications will be posted on the Facebook POTR Grid page once we get down to the last few song slots, to allow the players to make their final choices on The Grid before it closes. This usually happens with a frenzy.

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6.) This page may be a little difficult to absorb, even for our seasoned musicians..... even for me. This chip method does work well, but my articulation may be the issue.  My best suggestion is to read the entire page again, gargle, rinse, and then read it again if needed ;-)  But seriously, if you're still confused, anyone on our Production Team will be glad to help in real time, as will any of our alumni players, who will be very happy to guide you through, so don't hesitate to reach out if you need assistance while The Grid is live.  I promise you that you will "get it" very quickly once The Grid opens.  My best advice is "Have Great Fun, Learn Great New Songs, Make Great Music, Make Great New Friends".  THAT'S how The Grid Works!!                      

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

                        

1.)  SO WHAT IS THE GRID ALL ABOUT? 

This is an online pre-production tool, and real-time song registration format from which our schedule is prepared, allowing participants to individually select songs, and rehearse them at home in the months leading up to the Prog On The Ranch Event.  This is a multi-faceted event, assembled by our Production Team and a core of volunteer musicians and instrument techs.  This unique format provides our musicians the opportunity to perform live onstage in dozens of different live performance configurations, over a three day period from Friday April 11th, through Sunday April 13th 2025.

 

 2.)  HOW DO I SIGN UP TO PLAY?

You do NOT need to send an audition audio or video sample if you have ever previously signed up and/or performed at any "Prog On The Ranch event", or any "Cruise To The Edge" or ProgStock event.   Just go right to “The Grid” tab on the Prog On The Ranch website, and choose the relevant link to ADD new songs and/or JOIN existing songs.  If you are joining us for the first time and have been recommended to us by one of our Alumni Players, you do NOT need to audition.  Go to The Song Grid and choose songs.  If you are a Tampa Bay based musician and have been contacted by a member of our production team (after we've searched tirelessly through Facebook, Bandmix, Craigslist, and recruiting musicians at nightclubs, restaurants, and even a Sam's Club, to find musicians like YOU for POTR)....... then this means we have already seen your videos, or have heard you perform, and you are good-to-go.

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3.)  HOW DO I GET TICKETS?  This is a private event by invitation and personal referrals only.  However, if you somehow found us, or heard about us from a friend or otherwise, we want to hear from you.  Please send us a message through this website's Info Page (or email us at: crimson444@usa.net)  and we'll get you going.​

 

4.)  DO I HAVE WHAT IT TAKES?
"Prog On The Ranch"  is for any talented musicians who are up for learning some challenging songs and performing them in front of a large crowd of music fans, and fellow musicians who will also be performing during the event.   The level of musicianship is semi-pro to professional level, so be sure to bring your personal A-game!  If you've never participated at POTR, the best way to find out if you’re the right fit, is to sign up and send us your audition link(s).   KEEP IN MIND THAT THERE ARE NO PRIOR GROUP REHEARSALS.  YOU WILL MEET YOUR "BANDS" WHEN YOU ARRIVE  ;-)​​

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5.)  WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?  Bring your instrument, and/or your vocal prowess, and be fully prepared to perform your songs.  Bring your own Guitar or Bass (or make arrangements in advance to share).  Keyboards will be provided, however you are welcome to bring your own keyboard.  DRUMMERS - DO NOT BRING YOUR DRUM KIT, however you can bring your favorite peripherals including snare, cymbals, sticks,  temple blocks, etc.  We suggest bringing a spare set of strings if you are a guitarist or bassist, and a possibly a battery (or two) for your active instrument as well.  Amps, Drums, Keyboards, Monitors, as well as a full state-of-the-art sound system will be provided.  Vocalists can bring their own mics our use one of ours.  If you're bringing gear you'd like to share, let us know.

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​6.)  WHAT'S ALL THIS ABOUT SONGS GOING GREEN? 

 A song is completed and "GOES GREEN" as soon as ALL players are in position, and there are no available instrument or vocal slots remaining on this song.  When a song Goes Green, all players are locked in place and the song will definitely be added to the POTR Performance Schedule, so those on the song can begin rehearsing their parts at home.  The players on your song are encouraged to contacted each other (usually via a Facebook or Facebook Messenger) to discuss specifics of their song's key, tempo, endings, versions, etc.    Groups that meet regularly on Facebook Messenger (or alternate platform) to coordinate their parts and discuss progress have a much better chance to pull off a flawless performance.

7.)  WHAT IF MY SONG DOES NOT GO GREEN BY THE TIME THE GRID CLOSES?  

While we can't guarantee every song will be completed, we have contingencies in place that will ensure enough songs get completed to fill all the available POTR time slots.  That does not mean all songs on The Grid will Go Green. When the allotted playing time runs out, the songs that are incomplete will be deleted from The Grid.  To keep from getting stranded on a song that nobody else is interested in, be sure to SWITCH into a different song before The Grid closes.  There will be a button on The Grid that will allow you to quickly drop a song.  

 

8.)  HOW WILL I KNOW WHAT DAY/TIME I WILL BE PERFORMING?
The final schedule will be posted shortly after the POTR Grid fills up and closes.  It will include the songs to be played, as well as the day and approximate times they are scheduled.  Please be near the stage two songs prior to the song you will be performing; especially in cases where the schedule is pushed ahead (or back)  due to varying circumstances.  Please be at the designated side-stage “Pit Area” with your gear, ready to plug in at least one song prior to going on. There will be tuners available to tune side-stage. PLEASE TUNE BEFORE YOU ENTER THE STAGE!!!  The schedule will flex in case we need to accommodate weather issues or address a technical issue.  Please don't count on all of your songs being chained together in one block, although it is possible.

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9.)  IT'S A MONTH BEFORE POTR, AND I REALIZED I CAN'T MAKE IT.  WHAT DO I DO? Please let us know as soon as possible, so we can determine how to fill your vacant slots. Otherwise, any songs you're on may have to be dropped at the last minute, and there will be some very disappointed musicians who are at risk of not being able to perform their songs. :-(    

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10.) GUIDELINES & EVERYTHING ELSE:

a.)  Whether you are a Newcomer or Alumni, don’t choose the same player(s) to perform all your songs with.  Part of the fun for you and the audience is watching different combinations of players on each song.

b.)  Make sure you fully read and understand the entire “HOW IT WORKS” section and ask questions if you are unclear about anything BEFORE THE GRID OPENS.  You can post your questions on the Facebook Prog On The Ranch Discussion page. Somebody is always willing to help.

c.)  Do NOT participate if you are planning to learn your songs at the last minute!!!   We’ve seen it all.  People who signed up for songs many months prior, but only get around to start learning them at the last possible moment.  You may have the technical ability of your favorite Idol, but if you don't rehearse, take this thing seriously and prepare, YOU will be the reason that the song fails, and there will be at least 3 different videos on YouTube afterwards that may make you and your bandmates cringe.  So if you don't think you are disciplined enough to actually learn the songs you choose, then this is probably NOT for you.

d.)  Remember, the other players on your songs are counting on you (as you will be counting on them), so don't let your bandmates down by coming in too early (or too late), forgetting a chord progression, playing a passage in the wrong key or at the wrong tempo, etc.   Don’t get us wrong, nerves and adrenaline can get the best of us, and mistakes can happen.  That’s ok.  However, it’s fairly easy to tell if someone just got around to learning their part merely days before the event.   

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