What you need for an unplugged concert

An unplugged concert needs more than acoustic guitars and a few chairs. You will need a compact sound setup, safe cable management, stage lighting, seating, refreshments and enough tableware for the audience and artists. Use the quantities in your event plan as your starting point, then add a small reserve for breakage, spills and unexpected guests. Check the list at least one week before the concert, and complete the shopping or equipment rental two to three days before doors open.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Chairsqty 90
Beer tablesqty 8
Buffet tablesqty 4
Dressing room tablesqty 2
Stoolsqty 8
Stage sectionsqty 6

Equipment

Acoustic guitarsqty 4
Guitar standsqty 4
Microphonesqty 5
Microphone standsqty 5
Mixer
Active speakersqty 2
Monitor speakersqty 2
DI boxesqty 4
XLR cablesqty 8
Jack cablesqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Extension cordsqty 8
Cable traysqty 10
Table microphonesqty 2

Lighting

LED stage lightsqty 6
Atmosphere lightsqty 12
String lightsqty 4
Spare batteriesqty 24

Tableware

Water glassesqty 100
Wine glassesqty 80
Coffee cupsqty 70
Platesqty 100
Forksqty 100
Knivesqty 100
Spoonsqty 100
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving utensilsqty 12

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Ice cube traysqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knifeqty 3
Bread knivesqty 2
Pliersqty 6
Measuring cupsqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Waste binsqty 6

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 12
Stage drapesqty 4
Menu boardsqty 4
Artist signsqty 6
Flower arrangementsqty 8
Directional signsqty 8
Changing room hangersqty 12

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 4
Mopsqty 4
Broom setsqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Cleaning clothsqty 20
Hand soap dispensersqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 1 box
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Semi-skimmed milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Coffee creamer - 2 packs
- Still mineral water - 8 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 8 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Tonic - 3 bottles
- Ginger beer - 3 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Alcohol-free beer - 48 bottles
- Pilsner - 72 bottles
- White wine - 8 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Rosé - 4 bottles
- Sparkling wine - 3 bottles
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Limes - 12 pieces
- Fresh mint - 4 bunches
- Ice cubes - 20 kilo
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Mini ciabattas - 80 pieces
- Wholemeal bread - 6 loaves
- Butter - 1 kilo
- Hummus - 2 kilos
- Cream cheese - 1 kilo
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Brie - 1 kilo
- Goat cheese - 750 grams
- Smoked chicken breast - 1,5 kilo
- Roast beef - 1 kilo
- Vegetarian slices - 1 kilo
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Bell peppers - 8 pieces
- Carrots - 2 kilo
- Celery - 4 heads
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Pears - 20 pieces
- Bananas - 20 pieces
- Strawberries - 2 kilos
- Nut mix - 1.5 kilos
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Olives - 2 kilos
- Sun-dried tomatoes - 1 kilo
- Pickles - 2 jars
- Herb butter - 1 kilo
- Pesto - 4 jars
- Tapenade - 4 jars
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Balsamic vinegar - 1 bottle
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Herb mix - 2 jars
- Allergen cards - 30 pieces
- Napkins - 250 pieces
- Cocktail picks - 200 pieces
- Parchment paper - 1 roll
- Aluminum foil - 1 roll
- Cling film - 1 roll
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 1 pack
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet cleaner - 2 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 1 bottle
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Hand soap - 4 refills
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles

Tips

Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then allow roughly one additional drink per person for each following hour. Keep still water available for artists and volunteers throughout the concert.
Count tableware against your maximum attendance, not your expected turnout. Prepare at least 10% extra glasses, cups and plates so a dropped item does not interrupt service.
Check every audio connection before the concert: microphones, DI boxes, XLR cables, jack cables, the mixer and speakers must match the instruments and stage layout. Keep spare batteries and a few extra cables ready.
Measure the distance from the power supply to the stage before buying or renting extension cords. Use power strips and cable trays where people walk, and avoid leaving loose cables across entrances or aisles.
Arrange drinks, snacks and coffee supplies before the artists arrive. Chill drinks several hours in advance, while the final stock check should happen no later than the day before the concert.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for an unplugged concert?: Plan for acoustic guitars, guitar stands, microphones, microphone stands, a mixer, active speakers, monitor speakers and DI boxes. Add the required XLR and jack cables, power strips, extension cords and cable trays at least 2–3 days before setup.
How many drinks should I buy for an unplugged concert?: Use 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour, then about 1 drink per person for every additional hour. Add 10% extra for artists, volunteers and unexpected guests, and chill the stock several hours before doors open.
How much tableware do I need for a concert?: Prepare one plate, fork and knife per expected guest, plus 10% spare. For glasses and coffee cups, use the same 10% buffer and count artists and crew separately if they will be served backstage.
When should I check the shopping list for a concert?: Do a full inventory 7 days before the concert so missing equipment can still be rented. Complete shopping and the final quantity check 2–3 days before the event, with drinks chilled on the day itself.

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