Just for the record, it s not the musicians who play the open mics for me as it is more the "lure" the establishment used to get them there. Then on top of that they, while adding dollars to their bottom-line, do not offer even expense money to the performer. And of course I am well aware that the performer has to agree to the "deal" to be present. But one has to agree this is a one way deal with little to no incentive for the performer.

Last week I spoke at length to another single act musician who just started playing the same corporate circuit that I do and he asked me what kind of pay he could expect, if I did not mind telling him. Of course I was happy to do so as I truly feel that if we as musicians communicated more openly about this issue it would benefit all of us.

So when I told him the average fee his contemporaries were getting at the same venues, it turned out it was 25% - 35% more than he was charging. Instead of the "hey man thanks for that heads up" I was expecting he said great I'll keep my price lower so I can still get the gigs. And that attitude is what my gut tells me is what is happening everywhere these days.

No right or wrong thing to do in this situation the finally decision as to when and what one must charge for their services is truly a personal thing. However if it is truly an act of love to "play just to play" I would encourage please check out the many venues who do not sell food and beverage and entertain at these places and you will find the warmest most appreciative audiences known to man.

My opinion on this subject, like many of my respected colleagues here, has not changed. With this said I will close my participation on this thread with a old quote I saw on an antique Jack Daniels bottle . . . "all goods worth price charged".

Now lets play some music!

Later,



Danny C.
www.dannycampo.com
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Danny-Campo/379776252109306?skip_nax_wizard=true

The More You Drink The Better I Sound