Union? Perish the thought!

The union in Philadelphia only handles the theater circuit, and can't (and SHOULDN'T) touch anything else. They do nothing for the performer, and politics is the bottom line - all the contractor's friend's get the seats .... and not the best players.

Nursing homes are a very lucrative market here on the East coast, due to the increasing number of older citizens that are living in assisted care facilities. We even have a few agencies that handle ONLY the senior market. Check out: www.jerysam.com
It'll give you an overview of the market. On average, the going rate is between $100 and $175. Most of mine fall into the $100-125 range.

Many of my friends do 1 or 2 a day and make a nice chunk of change doing it. I don't take that many because it really takes a lot out of me. A 1 hr show is the same work load as three sets in a club. My vocal output is more intense, and there are virtually NO breaks in the action. You slow down, and you LOOSE the crowd. Remember ..... you're just a "filler" till Jeopardy comes on!

A couple of other ideas for where to play where I've made a few bucks....the veterans hospitals and the colleges especially the junior colleges. The JC's usually don't pop for big name, but have activity days 1 or 2 x's a month. Usually a student lounge gig.
Terry