Conference napalm::guitar

    Hey Coop....
    
    We used to play for the door...but no more....
    
    We charge $500 a set....and get it....

    
    A set to me is 45 minutes of music. Do you mean $500 for one set
    or 4 sets?
    

    RE: .1 $500 a SET !  Holy smoke !  So, like generally we'd play
    like (3-4) 45 minutes sets...  That'd be $1500 ??  Wow, where is this
    club at ??

    
    Well, my last 4-piece GB band charged $600 for a wedding, and we were
    CHEAP!  Established bands in the Mass/NH area charge $800-1200 for a
    wedding.   No joke.
    
    The easiest way to set your price is to visit a local agent that deals
    with GB bands and tell him that you are looking for a wedding/function
    band.  You can check out what's new in GB videos and pictures and will
    get a good range of prices to work with. 
    
    Kevin
    
         

    I think .4 had the best advice on dealing with an agent.  If you are
    getting into the GB/Wedding/Classy_function circuit, you're stepping
    into a tough racket, and you had better know the facts up front! 
    
    I don't know what it's like down in S.C., but up here the wedding
    circuit has some *tough* competition going.  Bands who survive have the
    the *entire* Top 40 list down pat, have a video of the band (to
    facilitate ease in marketing themselves to customers...usually the
    people wanna see AND hear the band before hire!), have a good agent,
    sound system, etc.  Bands in this calibre are charging between $800.
    and $1500. for 4 sets of music (like around 4 hours worth).  I think
    the price you charge has to be reflective of your band as an outfit (ie
    - how professional you are).  If you have the right look, sound, mixing
    level for wedding receptions (not above 86db!), and have the "wedding
    lingo" down, you might start looking towards this kind of
    price/performance.  However, the bands who charge this much usually
    have an Agent and/or Mgrs fee coming out of the total sum (Agent fee is
    usually 15-25%)!
    
    If the band was more of a Top40/lounge act, the fee per 4 sets would
    be in the $250. - $350. range.  

    I think we're not so much into wearing tuxedos and playing Donna
    Summer, And the Theme From Endless Love as we are into playing some
    good old fasioned classic dance rock...Although I don't think that
    it would be out of the question to leave the spandex/leather at
    home and wear a tie...
    
    I guess we're more of a bar room act, who will do anything for a buck
    (or more ;)  We've just been asked to do quite a few weddings and
    assorted private parties recently, and I'm curious as to how much
    we should charge.  Depending on the gig, a lot of people would balk
    at $500 for 4 sets...  The local clubs seem to do $4-600/night
    depending on the size.
    
    jc

    
    
    
    
                       Sounds about right!  It really depends on how
            big the room is.  Anywhere from $250-$500/night is about
            average.
    
                       Weddings/Jack and Jills and other private parties
            would probably start at $500 a night and can go up to $2000
            and higher!!    
    
                                            Quite the racket eh?

    You should never play for $4 a night!  8^)

    
      We are a four piece band playing central New York State (Syracuse).
    We have all our own sound, lights, and van. Clubs around here
    generally pay in the $350 to $500 range for a 4 piece rock/top40
    act. Weddings and private parties we generally get $500 and up.
    
    							-john r.
    

    RE .2 .3
    
    45 min for a set is about right...if you're the opening band,or if
    you're going to do 4 sets in a night.
    
    When we play we head line,and when we go on...we play straight thru an
    hour,and a half set.
    
    Of that $500 we pay the sound man for both the opening band,and
    ourselves (normally $75)
    We also pay the opening band $50....we've had bands open for us for
    nothing....some bands will do it for nothing,just to play out...
    
    

Go with a basic rule of thumb..

Most wedding bands are charging way to much.

So.. undercut em...  (just ask around, see what the 'average is,
take your stab from there.)

Fer instance, wedding bands out this way (Central Mass) are gouging
people to the tune of up to $1,100 dollars and up.  Maybe there worth it,
but we go in for $750/800 and do just as good, (or so it's been said)
(I'm not crazy bout weddings, but it's a nice change once in a while,
and it's DAMN good money)

As far as the clubs go, around here, (Again ,central Mass) it's
hot and cold, depends on the circuit.  But from the sound of things, your
in the racket were in, and thats around $250 to $350 per night depending
on the club, and the size of the band.  (You CAN get more, the bigger
the band. [people wise])  We aveage out at $300/$350 but weve
been around for about 7 years and are somewhat established in the
area.

Regarding attire at a wedding,, another rule of thumb,, when in  Rome...

Everyone at a wedding, (or most) are dressed to the nines.  You'd be
very well to get each of you a tuxedo SHIRT ( a whole tux is not necessary) and
a Tux-tie.  Pants to match as appropriate.  Believe me, it WILL make a 
difference.

If I've notice one thing about playing for the wedding crowd, the experience
goes like this.

1. You'll NEVER please everybody
2. People may not praise or remember you for dealing them straight and
   doing your absolute best. (Chances are they will but no guarentees)
3. They WILL remember you if you screw em up, or piss em off or don't  
   play FOR the CROWD.

As far as equipment, we're fortunate enough to have two separate PA systems.
(acutally three but the third is reserved for Midi stage amplicfication)

The large system, (big three way componet) stays home for the weddings, and
we bring a pair of two way (Active crossover) Golehorns..  Keeps
the appearance much less intimidating, as well as more controlable
on the volume.  (And the appearnce is something to consider...  Gotta think
about the folks who NEVER get out, they walk into a hall for someones
wedding, and the first thing the see is a stack of equipment to
choke a dinosaur.  

At that point, (even though you haven't played a note..) you're
too loud!! (go figure, but thats the way it goes many times)

Anyhow...

You're going to have to get a feel for what people will pay, but again,
I'd suggest coming in low at first, then build up to where you're
making good dough for a gig, but still less than what the high
priced bands who 'aint-no-betta' are getting.

good luck.

    My band has a $300 minimum per night - which includes 4 sets at
    45 minutes each.  More time = more money, to the tune of $150 a
    set.  Even the hole-in-the-wall clubs go for it usually.  But we
    do have tapes/videos to go along with it.  I'd say for around here
    (your area Coop ...) I'd hold out for $250 the first gig at a club,
    then no less than $300 for future dates at that club.  Try and work
    this way rather than for the door.  You might loose your ___ the
    first gig being a new band.
    
    Private parties should cost them about the same - $250 to $300.
    They're usually fun gigs so you can take that into consideration.
    What good is the $$$ if ya ain't having fun .... which is exactly
    why I'm getting out of my present money making band after Christmas
    to pursue something that's fun .... hee haw !
    
    
    
    
    				Scary

    re: .11
    
    I guess the tux I have might do...If I can't find something besides
    spandex and leather to wear for pants... ;^)
    
    re: .12
    
    We've already decided (I insisted after our deal at The Paradise
    with 2EZ - memories) to NOT play without a contract, with the Exception
    of Al's Pumphouse because Steve and I have been there many times...
    I don't like playing for the door.  Serious bummer.
    
    Well, thanks for the input folks !  Keep it up !
    
    jc

    
    re. playing for the door....
    
    Made $4 one night doing that, went across the street and bought
    a sub sandwich. Made $ -2 another night. We each received $8 
    for playing at some sleazo joint. Of course I spent $10 that night...
    Oh well, the bikers liked the music.
    

    I think the wedding band dudes should all wear Good Tux. Black, a suit coat
    style ( no tails Unless youre at the White house ) No cumberbund,
    a Tie It Yourself Bowtie Might consider white Dinner jacket if the
    events outside, in the spring, or maybe all the time for the Lead
    Singer, be that there is one.
    
    A few years ago there was an article in Electronic Musician,
    they talked about stringing a bunch of 1x12 cabs all over the place.
    This'll keep yer volume down to where people can talk, and you' re
    really close to all the audience. I thought it was a great idea.
    
    but I still think of the Blues Brothers and that shag rug amp
    

    re: playing for the door...
    
    The best way I can think of for a club manager/owner to make money,
    and a band to get take to the cleaners.
    
    I can't tell you guys what to do, every situation is always
    different.  But, if all a place can offer is the door... to me,
    I'd stay home.  This EXPOSURE stuff doesn't really go too far as
    with me...  It's all a bunch of hype most of the time.  Especially
    around here.  There aint too many places where EXPOSURE is worth
    the exchange for the door.  (IMHO)
    
    we can work, or we can stay home it's that simple.
    
    ...  we don't go anywhere for 'The Door'.

    Since my buddy Coop decided to tell "the world" that we were playing
    for the door, I'll explain....
    
    1. Al's Pumphouse is one of THE PLACES to play in Greenville.  He books
    very TOP TALENT (recording artists like Tinsley Ellis, Toy Caldwell of
    Marshall Tucker fame, Lonnie Mack) typically of the blues variety.
    
    2. We only have to play for the door ONCE.  It is Al's policy to let
    new bands without references play for the door once.  If he and the
    crowd likes us, then we "talk".
    
    3. Al's place is known to packed full (175) on a regular occassion for
    local bands or some of the "Big" guys.  Cover is $3.00 a head, so I
    hope/bet we'll hit at least $200 for our nights' work which is only two
    sets, BTW.
    
    4. It's a nice place, good clientel (sp), known for good music, and in
    this case, the exposure will probably do us right, if WE do it right!
    
    Steve....8^)

    You mean three 45 minute sets dude ??
    
    Where'd you get "two sets" ??
    
    They're gonna be Looooong sets if we do that !
    ;^)

	Keep in mind that this is a Duo I'm talking about & splitting
	money only 2 ways (no agent in this case).

	When We go into a new place, we sometimes take $100.00 plus
	10% of the bar (they raise thier prices when the band is playing,
	bar owners do that anyway if there is live music), so if the bar 
	owner has a good night, then so do we. If it's off, then the 
	owner is only out $100.00. The last time this happened, the bar
	had an $860.00 night, so we got $186.00 for our efforts. We
	really don't have to do this often, but a lot of places are
	reluctant to try a Duo when they are used to a four piece. If
	the cost is acceptable & the risk is lowered, then you and the
	club can make it work out.

	Typically, for a Duo, we ask $150.00 to $300.00 for normal
	gigs. For New Years parties we get $400.00 to $600.00 (And
	usually have this night booked no later than September).
	If we do a week someplace (this is a killer if you try to
	work at a full time job also, but a week or 2 is tolerable
	occasionally), we go for as low as $125.00 per night. In general,
	I'd rather work 2 nights at $200.00 per night than 5 nights
	at $125.00.

	I've only done 2 free gigs (One at a Chili Cook Off & the Other
	at a Bank party), and these were to get more exposure to groups
	of people that we might not normally play for. Both efforts payed
	off extreamly well in the long run (ie. Lots more work in the form
	of private parties & Christmas Parties).

	I don't haul my stuff around for free very often & I'd rather
	be doing something else if there is no money involved.

							Jens

    Re:  .18
    
    No, Coop, I mean two sets!  Al said we were to start at 8:45 or 9:00
    (depending on attendance) and play TWO sets. He said, if WE WANT to, we
    can play longer, but since we were playing for the door, we only had to
    commit to 2 sets!  Pay attention, dude...hard to believe we're in the
    same band!  8^) (just bustin ya, but 2 sets is it!)
     
    Easy Money....

    >Pay attention, dude...hard to believe we're in the same band! 
    
    I know how ya feel dude!

    re:  .21   8^)
    
    Don't bust Coop TOO hard, he's down with the flu....;^)
    
    Steve

    The latest Guitar World has an interesting article about the LA
    metal scene; seems a few of the big clubs (Whiskey, Roxy) have a
    "pay for play" policy.  The band fronts the money for the privilege
    of playing a set; the better the slot (e.g. Friday night) the more
    you pay, up to about $1000 or so.  The clubs give you tickets to sell
    to recoup your fee.  And you thought playing for the door was bad.

    re: .23
    
    I guess $4 for a nights work is a little better than than shelling out
    a grand....;^)
    
    There must be lots of bands in LA, eh?   8^)

    
    Re: .23
    
    I also saw this in a recent article in the Boston Globe.  It's not too
    funny when you think that "new music nights" in Boston already have
    bands playing for free but giving them free or discount tickets to pass
    out.  It's only a step away.
    
    The funny part is that the clubs are saying that even selling suds and
    all they need $1K of admissions to make money, and they are not going
    to risk losing money, period.  
    
    						Brian

    >Pay attention, dude...hard to believe we're in the same band!  8^)
    
    Just like being on stage with him, huh?
    
    Greg   ;^)

    Gee Coop, I see you've got "friends" like me all over the country.  I'm
    startin' to worry....;^)
    
    Bulldawg

    
    
    I've been to the Whiskey before....not only do the bands pay to play,
    but on a Sunday night with all local bands playing, it cost my wife
    and I $20 to get in, and the ONLY beer (if you can call it that)
    was Bud in cans for $5 a pop!!!  Talk about outrageous!!  This was
    about 2 years ago....I wonder what they rob customers for now!
    
    Ralph
    
    

    20$ to get in, PAY to play (work/fun), and beer is 5$ a hit.  Let's
    see, I've had fun before, and I don't think this is it.....|^)
    
    How 'bout this dream.  Wouldn't it be neat if some club owner called
    your band, and asked you to play for $8 kagillion, all your friends
    were invited for free admittance, and the "lawyers brought beer"?
    
    Steve...8^)

    
    
    	But wait a minute fellers... Bands are actually paying the frieght,
    right??  Howcum??  What do they get out of it???  I agree that it's
    pretty outrageous, but I've gotta believe that if bands are paying that
    kind of cash, they expect to make a profit somehow...  Heck I guess
    I'll call up my favorite LA band and have them pay ME $1000 to play at
    my house.. tee hee.. yuh, shure Steve.

    
    
    Hi all,
    
       I have a country/country rock band here in Maine. We have yet to get
    into a club,but,we play for snowmobile clubs,eagles,and whatever else
    we can get. We are even considering renting a hall and doing our own
    dances. We have six members. We can get $300 for snowmobile clubs,and,
    most others. The larger clubs pay from 3-400 for a five piece band. Its
    according to how popular you are and if you bring a lot of paying
    customers with you. The trend here is now going towards 50,60s rock.
    
    Mike 

I'm playing in a top-40 MIDI trio with myself on guitar/vocals and two 
female singers.

For club work, we charge a minimum of $100/person/night *net* (after 
paying agency fees).

For weddings/functions, we charge $600 for three 45-minute sets with 
an optional fourth set for $150.

We're currently booking every weekend 3-4 months in advance. (Booked 
through mid-April right now...)

At the weddings I wear a tux - I've decided to buy one. I've been 
renting them as we've only just started doing weddings this fall. You 
can buy used tuxes at Mr. Tux for only $125 - I paid more than this to 
rent one for two weddings!

-Dan

P.S. Special thanks to Jens Moller for introducing me to the wonders 
of MIDI! 

    Steve Morse has an excellent column on gig etiquette this month in
    GFTPM.  Should be a must read, especially for those new to gigging.
    
    Mike