Do you charge same regardless where your gig is or more for private parties?

Top-end restaurants here pay $150.00.
Society (horse industry, government, etc.)
pay $350-500 and up. It all depends on whether you're part of the establishment.

I get my private winte parties by working outside on the patio of an upscale restaurant thoroughbred farm owners frequent.

The patio job is rough...two sound systems, no cover from the sun or rain, damaged equipment, etc., but the result is 125 better paying winter jobs.

That works for me..

Russ

Seems like the bar/lounge sceene is just about the same everywhere--$150 is the top rate most places, a few pay $175, and that's for a 4-hour job.

Private parties and all others, it's $100 per hour flat rate with a $200 minimum. The only exception to the minimum charge is jobs at nursing homes and assisted living centers. Most only last an hour, they're very easy to do, and they are a flat $100.

Cheers,

Gary

You've earned $350-$500 and up for those? For a one-man band? Geez.

The thoroughbred industry is interesting...lots of high rollers and big money. I have one regular at the restaurant I play who hosts a small party of 12 twice a month. His tab, including wine, is always $3,000 plus, and he tips me and the server $500.00 each.

$100.00 per hour is the rate for the top events here, in Louisville and other cities around the area...is that so much more than other areas? I have a Derby day brunch in Louisville...$500 for three hours, a Derby party in the afternoon on a farm in Lexington that raises Derby contenders....$1,000 for a trio, and my regular evening restaurant job ($150.00).

Of course, the Derby happens only once a year, but there are Keeneland horse sale sessions, racing sessions and many events hosted by farms for potential buyers.

It's a very close-knit group, and two of us get most of the work. I attribute it to luck and old age!

Russ

From your post I know one of you are from Louisville, how about the others?

I'm from Rhode Island and have recently started playing solo gigs after many years of doing the family life thing. Just trying to get an idea what is a fair price. I've had a few gigs at retirement homes that pay $75 to $100 for one hour only.

At better parties and eventsI was hoping to charge $150 for the first hour and $75 each additional hour. Does that sound like I'm in the right price range?

I never charge by the hour. I set a price for the job from 10 minutes to four hours. It takes just as much time to set up and tear down for an hour job as a four-hour job. I enjoy playing anyway, or I wouldn't be doing it, so I don't mind longer jobs. Now, over four hours, that's a different $tory!
The club prices seem to be in line--100-150 a night. That's why I seldom do clubs anymore.
Private parties and casinos pay MUCH better.
One piece of advice: DON'T under-price yourself. Once you start playing for a low figure, that's your price from then on. I've found that, up to a point, if you charge more, they think you are worth more. Of course you have to perform!
Also, don't fall for the old line, "I'll start you out cheap and when the crowd builds up I'll give you a raise." It almost never happens.
DonM

[This message has been edited by DonM (edited 04-13-2005).]

I don't know what to tell you guys... I don't leave my house for under $350. And I'm not in a wealthy community either. I'm not even going to tell you what I charge for a wedding - you'll probably die.

Because of my price I don't get to play as often -- but for me this is a side job. I still play about 40 times a year though.

Chony

Im assuming your playing alone...and since this is the arranger keyboard section.. im curious how you use your arranger keyboard for these gigs.. is it just piano with split bass and onboard drums? or all solo piano? or the ochrestation wiht the left hand block chords and play diff instruments with the right? or do you use midi backing youve recorded ahead and play with it? hehe let me know how you use your arranger Keyboard in live performances.

[This message has been edited by Timo1 (edited 04-14-2005).]

All of the above.