I know it is not fair to ask what each of you charge for gigs, especially since we are so geographically diverse and our services are so different (one-man band, singing, accordion, PA systems, etc.) so perhaps I can best ask what you think would be reasonable to charge for my situation:

One-man band accordionist with arranger. No singing, concentrating on standards and ethnic Italian songs in California. I used to play an old Excelsior accordion for years at functions in my community for around $100-$150US but that was over 15 years ago. I'm just now getting back into it as an adult and have no idea what to charge. I imagine I will be playing weddings, anniversaries, and private parties.

Thank you.

The Accordionist

The sad fact is that wages for live performance have not changed much in 15 years and most musos I know still charge under $200 a night for club performances and whatever they can sell themselves for to private and corporate affairs. The amount clubs are willing to pay vary a great deal depending on what they can get musos for in their area and what kind of clientel they serve.

Charge what the traffic will bear, relative to what you think you're worth ... and as Uncle Dave advises, NEVER underprice yourself...
You might want to get an idea as to what the going rates are in your area... you could call some 'one man band' (I really dislike that phrase, although I'm not sure why) type entertainers, pose as a potential client, and try to get prices, or call a local booking agent, again as a potential client, and ask about prices...
If you're just trying to get back into the business, you may want to hook up with an agent yourself..... Just make sure you have the details about payment in writing before you do any gigs (jobs) ... some of these guys are notorious for paying late... I worked for one here in RI and I was sure he paid so late hoping you would forget he owed you the money ...
t.
PS ... How do you do the 'bellows shake' on a reedless accordion?!? ....
t.

Funny ...... of all the high priced gear I've had, the BEST belly shakin' squeezebox was on the Farfisa G7 ! It was awesome!
(if you like that sort of thing)

Hi Accordionist,
I live in Southern California and will play at a Irish Dance at a senior community. I am a "one man band" (sorry Tony), no singing, but play mostly Big Band, a little Latin, jazz and a little country mixed in.
I will be playing for 3 hours, have two 10 minute breaks and dinner included. I live in the community and know most of the people. I set my fee for 3 hours at $150.00. I would go 4 hours for an additional $25.00, since I am all set-up. They kind of balked at the fee, but I feel my investment of the keyboard, speakers, time and etc. are worth it. I don't consider myself a pro as Uncle Dave is, but I have played for weddings, parties, church and dances occasionally. Hope this info helps in forming your own fee. Good luck and happy playing.
Best Regards,
Dave

Dave,
$50 per hour is a bargan rate. don't discount the O/T either. Prorate the time, or even INcrease it. There's alot to the planning, and pacing of a party that needs to be addressed with energy and finesse, so don't give away the last hour for nothing !

Dave S ... Sounds like the rates in your area are really quite reasonable, if that's what most are charging... Around here (Rhode Island), most guys I know of are charging $75 to $100 (some more) per hour ...
I also agree with UD on the O/T ... It should be at least the same price as the other hours ....
t.

The average in this part of the world (people's republic of Maryland) is the same as it was 30 years ago, about $50 per hour with a $200 minimum. Some really good musicians that I know play for a lot less when it's a regular, four to five night a week job. They're probably averaging about half that at $25 to $30 an hour plus tips. Depending on the gig, the tips can vary from just a few bucks to a couple hundred.

Good Luck,

Gary

Yes...that $25/hour seems right (at least for a "newcomer").

My first gig was $60 for 3 hours (but that includes 45 mins break).

Hi Gang,
Thanks for the advice on setting a fee for playing, especially the last hour, your right Uncle Dave, it's just as entertaining as the first hour and I sure agree that it takes triple that amount of time in preparation.
Happy Playing to All,
Dave Shively

It's not even the "prep" work .... it's the idea that for 4 hours, I've watched the crowd ..... held their hands, taught them to mingle and have fun. I've listened to their requests and woven a tight, organized, musical roadmap of where the party SHOULD go. I've taken them up to peaks of excitement, and down to moments of quiet relaxation, and back again. We've communicated and shared passion for the entire night. Now, as the end is drawing near ...... I plan a "climax" .... a meeting of mind and body, I lead them to a place that will gratify their "fun quotient" and leave them wanting more from the entertainment. (Me!)

I space out the tunes to end on time ..... I hand pick the best tempos and energy levels and lay my heart out with each offering. The moment comes ... we all arrive at the end of the show at the precise time that the last note fades into the night ...... and as you stand there ..... physically spent, and high on adrenaline ..... clutching to your every breath as if it were your last - you take your bows to thunderous applause.

You smile at the host and your eyes say "Thank you" in a way the words never can, and then as you prepare to unplug the mic wire .................. IT HAPPENS !

The client walks up to you and stuffs an undisclosed paper wad into your hand and says quietly ........ "Can you play for another hour?"

AAAAAAGHHHHH!!!!!!

Of course you CAN, but the build up .......... the climax .......... the thunder ........ ALL LOST.

Now, the stragglers are getting their coats, the hosts are saying good by to the guests as they leave, the wait staff begins to clear tables, strip linens and run vacuums .... And YOU ARE STILL ON STAGE!

The beauty of the "moment" has been lost. You've been replaced by exits, and coats ........ handshakes and "ones" for the road (THERE'S a brilliant concept! Lets drink MORE, and THEN drive)

Kids are stuffing their pockets with cookies, and running around the tables while Mom & Dad are dealing out last minute kisses to the nieces and nephews that they ....."never see enough of" ............. And YOU ARE STILL ON STAGE !!!!!

A half hour goes by, and a few 23 year old girls (barefoot, clutching cigarretes and beer bottles....) are dancing, and making noise ............... buy they were doing that ALL night anyway. You don't need to MOTIVATE young people when there is music and alcohol. You just have to play loud and fast......or at least HALFfast - they identify with that.

Now all you have to look forward to is a few extra dollars ......... tired feet and MAYBE, just maybe ..... a happier client. It's a "give & take" situation. The way I see it ........ I am paid to orchestrate the party. At the end of the party .... if they want more ... then O/T MUST be negotiated ..... NOT expected. It's best to have all that discussed prior to the engagement, but even as a spur of the moment disiscion ..... you need to feel confident that O/T is in the best interrest of ALL concerned.

Sometimes I refuse it because I KNOW the party is over. Even thought the host or some of their close drunks (friends) have not had enough ..... sometimes it's up to US to say ......... the party's over. It makes for a better affair. It adds class to the ending. It helps clear out the room.

Bottom line:

O/T is a PREMIUM service. Charge accordingly, my friends!