Josie,

Busking is not even close to playing for free. It is a gig and as you state you have booked other better paying gigs from it, besides you are getting tips.

What I am speaking about is the what 99% of the replies have addressed and that is the business dangles the lure of a better pay day or even stardom down the road if only you'll sacrifice your payday until he is making enough money to afford you.

Great analogies within this thread but Notes' line regarding who all gets paid at the club IMHO states it best, if they get paid why shouldn't the musicians get paid?

Of course your experience with the open mic cat and you must bring 10 people may just take the cake for the cheapest $@B I have ever heard of. This is now just another reason why I do not go to open mics.

PS: See you at your set this Saturday, you are taking the Jelly by storm.

Later,