Man, I wish I were there. You would be great to work with (for).

You should have some sort of lighting.

I NEVER set up when customers are dining. At my Wed/Thurs supper club job, I go set up Wednesday between 1 and 3, then go back home, shower and put on the tux and drive back to start at 7. It's an extra hour of driving. Then, on Thursday when I quit at 11, I wait until all diners have left to tear down. Some of the other people that play there arrive at 6 or 6:30 (the place opens at 5:00), carry their equipment in between tables and set up. This shows no class at all and I don't understand why the owner can't tell the difference. Also, I've seen them quit and start tearing down while many people are still dining and dancing.
I'll continue playing until the customers leave or the owner WANTS them to leave.
$50. for the extra hour would be o.k. if it's a single act. I generally don't ask anything extra to play over if the customers are enjoying it. If they are enjoying it, they usually take care of me tip-wise.

I don't like to eat much immediately before playing. I would prefer to take the dinner on a night when I'm not playing, so I can enjoy it and listen to the other entertainers, if there are any.
DonM