My singer wanted to try a tip jar at our wkly restaurant gig. I reluctantly said I would try to make something with a musical theme. I decorated a mason jar with sheet music and found an electric tea candle at the dollar store.
After the job she said we had $65. Several 20's a few 5s and a lot of singles. Not bad for playing a few request.
Registered: 09/09/02
Posts: 2204
Loc: Florida, USA
Originally Posted By: Bernie9
I think tip jars are acceptable accept funerals,nursing homes, and benefits perhaps.
Agreed. To that list I would add Private Parties, Country Clubs. And definitely no tips at Benefits. Restaurants and bars - OK. At a local Elks I had people lay tips on my KB as I was playing, so I put out a little basket on a table next to me and baited it with a couple of bucks. No TIP sign. Just a baited basket to let them know where to put tips if they were so inclined. Always a nod of the head if playing or thank you when anything is put into the basket. Eddie
Registered: 06/25/99
Posts: 16735
Loc: Benton, LA, USA
I just have a jar and put a 20 in it for bait. Nothing at private parties or benefits of course. However I sometimes lay a bill or two on my keyboard stand just in case they want to know where to leave something. I used to have a printed paper that I taped to the jar that said "Needy Musician's Fund". Notice the "Musician's" was singular.
some will tip you personally for playing "THEIR" song when asked....others just appreciate good music and drop some bills in the jar,....but I always made sure I got paid what I needed first so that tips or not I go home happy and don't feel cheap..