[Harp-L] Paying the Piper

[David Fertig <drfertig@xxxxxxxxx>]

Bill,

My approach is, if it's a non-profit, play for free or meals, pass the hat  perhaps.  

But commercial venues GOT TO PAY, they're using the jam to draw in drinkers/eaters and profits.  The backline/hosting band should get paid almost as much as a regular gig: it's the same time (sometimes longer), hauling/setting up the same gear (then watching it get thrashed), and the host/band's gonna get blame/credit for music quality.    Around LA I think it's often 200-300 per hosting band/backline, plus a free drink or few, some places  charge hosts half-price drinks and food after the first free round, etc.   Consider the crowd and how much they're spending.

Bars do have difficulty getting jammer musicians to spend any money - and no money, no honey, and no more jams.   One ploy I've found acceptable is getting every attendee (non-host player and non-players) to buy a drink or food ticket at the door, say $5, instead of simple cover. 

But please don't host jams for free at a commercial venue that would otherwise have to hire talent, it gives bar owners bad habits and cuts into players' paid gigs!

-Dave Fertig

From: Bill Kumpe <bkumpe@xxxxxxx>
To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Wednesday, September 23, 2009 10:27:09 AM
Subject: [Harp-L] Paying the Piper

I am looking for input as to how other groups compensate the professional
musicians that staff regularly scheduled jams.  I was under the impression
that the customary arrangement was to have a tip jar or pass the hat to help
them pay for their time and expenses.  My Baptist background leads me to
prefer passing the hat since it allows me to dish out a little group guilt
and usually increase the sometimes disappointing results.  Does it make any
difference that some of these musicians jam at other places of their own
choosing without compensation?

Bill Kumpe
Route 66 Harmonica Club
Tulsa, OK