I just read a post over at the Keyboard Corner forum ( I got thrown off there after my first post- long story-but I can still read the topics ) I know we can all relate to this story.
A guy goes to do a trio gig at a multimillion dollar mansion and is treated like garbage. Told he had to arrive and hour early, would be given no food or drink, stuck under a staircase in this gigantic room, couldn't mingle with the guests and had to go to a back bedroom on his breaks. He needed the money but an interesting reply to the topic said theres an inverse relationship between the level of venue an how your treated. How true.
When I first started working at a local CC we were told we had to stay in a back foyer on our breaks and were offered nothing while there. Eventually we became the house band and friendly with a lot of the members. Had a run of 8 years and outlasted 5 managers.
Yesterday I did a double. 2 hr Senior Center and they partied their butts off. The director gave me a $50 tip-unheard of in this type of venue. I also was given lunch. Last night I did the local VFW. 4 hour bar type gig but there are a lot of dancers who meet there so its everything from bar music to Ballroom. Drinks are free and the guy in kitchen even came out to make sure I got something to eat.
I think people who are down to earth and work for a living are more hospitable. My other conclusion is about the really well off. Old money is very gracious and generous. Sounds like Capt. Russ knows about this. New money, which is what this guys gig sounded like, are pretentious. I also experienced this in my past bartending gig at a CC where your really got to know people.

Can't say I've ever been treated poorly at a private event. It's like you're a guest that happens to play and sing.
I think people in the South are different though. Yankees are mean by nature.
Now, that oughta start some #$%^@!