I had several owners tell me that they don't want to deal with BMI and ASCAP just to have some live bacground music a night or two a week. Another blow for live music...

Jim, here, I use restaurant gigs to book private parties. I get $150.00 at most for a three hour job, but that gives me access to much better private jobs. I usually play the summer at one of the three top places, fill up my book by the end of May and leave about September.

For all my jobs, I do "smooth jazz", which, today, is a lot of re-processed 70's and 80's tunes (sort of what you heard at the little country place-but that was a little more retro, due to the nature of the event).

I started dong dining rooms in the mid-80's and still see a strong market for this kind of work for a few of us here. Of course, being a long-time part of the social scene here is probably more important than the talent factor. (Glad for that)!

Be well-I'll try to call you this week.


Russ

Jerry ... "upscale = $$$ food prices" - but the food quality does match the cost ...
t.

[This message has been edited by tony mads usa (edited 10-11-2010).]

Jim- I have to ask you...

You work more than anyone I've ever heard of and people enjoy your work...

What's the attraction of gigs that pay less and last longer?

Curious...

------------------
Bill in Dayton

Jim, the other thing that works for me is early "house" jobs...usually starting at opening time...5:00 PM til whenever I have to leave for my first private job of the evening. Around here, there isn't a lot of work at 5:00 PM. The little country place you visited was owned by a fellow who also has a really old, established Oriental restaurant. I worked 5:00 to 7-8:00 and often ended up at the Oriental place for a private party in their banquet area.

These jobs are 2-3 hours and only pay $100.00, BUT...

* Equipment stays, so there's no load in-out.
I usually use my back-up unit. Right now, I'm using a Clavinova (no moving-YEA!).
* EXPOSURE...that's where I get my private parties.

I always get my meal, and I know these folks, so it's about like having dinner with family.

And, they don't get in the way of the supper clubs and one-nighter jobs later in the evening. Occasionally, I meet someone who needs film, print, research...the things we do in the daytime.

I grew up working for clubs and restaurants; starting at age 11, so this is where I'm most comfortable. And, I do "two job" evenings.

Be well,


Russ


[This message has been edited by captain Russ (edited 10-11-2010).]

I gotta get out of here!!! HA! In Central/North New Jersey where I am live music is getting nearly impossible to find. A guy with and arranger keyboard/singing, fugetaboutit! Considered a dinosaur. Friday my wife and I wanted to go out and hear some music. Called one place that used to have live stuff and guess what? KAREOKE, which is what most places have now. ..Found a good Spanish Restaurant with a video DJ-- it was actually entertaineing because he showed/played lots of classic Latin bands and I love that stuff. All thats going on around here is some bar bands playing dive bars for next to nothing or some rock clubs where four bands a night will share the doors cover charges. Almost all my jobs are DJ gigs and I sometimes get to bring my keyboard for the first hour or so. Only NH will accept a full show of keyboard and thats just for an hour.
Back to the question. The usual, Sinatra, light rock, well worn ballads. Oldies, etc.

Bill in NJ

The usual standards IE: Sinatra, well worn ballads. Oldies, light rock etc. But I know of no gigs around here with a keyboard player playing to a dance crowd. Backround music at best and little of that

Bill in NJ [/B][/QUOTE]

[/B][/QUOTE]

Bill ...I hope my post didn't mislead you ... I wasn't playing to a 'dance crowd', but the place has a small dance floor and most of the time there were 2 to 5 couples dancing ... still better than playing with no one dancing ...
There are a couple of places I know of in RI where there is a duo and the people there are pretty much a dancing crowd, but they are 'older' - 50 to 70 years - ,and they are dancing to 'standards' ...
t. ...
t.