Jim,

The sign sounds like a great idea! Even then, some folks will still come up and ask. I have an inepensive Radio Shack mic that I keep ready for event providers that wish to make announcements. The volume is kept down to a minimum, it's always turned off and never out where anyone can see it. Kinda' like the Out of Sight--Out Of Mind mentality.

Cheers,

Gary

Every time I see the title of this topic, on my computer it looks like "The Dreaded Quest Singer". I immediately think of all the old Elvis's (Elvi?) singers getting up, one after another, and singing "The Quest".
It's silly in here this morning. Think I'll go play G**F.
DonM

Let's face it .....if you play bars your gonna get people that want to sing!!....its the "NEW WAVE" of karaoke mentality for drunks with ba**s and American Idol wannabes who see a chance to sing and go for it being your the medium they will use because your on the stage. I personaly hate bars & restaurants to play in .....must be because I did it for 15+ years [pre karaoke popularity].....but made a decision to play private affairs for the last 15 years ONLY!!
To complian about "Guest Singers" Drunk or Sober is fruitless because the requests to do so will never end, in fact they will increase so get used to it...when bar owners see their cutomers having fun, staying to sing and drink, and spending money,that will always come first in their eyes $$.You can make all the arguments with the owners but will always lose out to the almighty dollar every time....
You are replacable by so many other entertainers and karaoke dj's it ain't funny out there...what this has done to "OUR" business as musicians in the last few years is deplorable and unless the hole is plugged the leaking of "This thing of ours" in bars & restaurants will slowly dissappear for sure but thats another story and subject for another time...look to the future and be creative to survive my friends.....Good Luck!!




[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 01-30-2005).]

You are so right, DNJ. I haven't played in any bars in quite a while. I do the supper club, but the owner will back up whatever I decide to do about guests. If it's someone I know is good, I'll invite them up sometimes. The volunteers usually don't get to sing. However, I do this for a living, and I CAN BE BOUGHT.
Even with a large tip though, I never let anybody take over. The audience will put up with anything for one song. If the guest doesn't want to gracefully get down, I just turn the mic off and tell them it quit.
DonM