Re: [Harp-L] how much are you getting paid at your gigs?

[icemanle@xxxxxxx]

It depends on internal and external factors.
 
External factors are the economy and the region of the country. For instance, Detroit has become a dead zone for club gigs - area runs off of US auto industry which has tanked. Clubs are closing left and right. D.C. is still recovering from anthrax and sniper scare - people don't come out of their homes like they used to. NYC has lost most of its blues clubs/jam sessions in Manhattan.
 
Internal factors include ability to hustle up gigs. Even in Detroit, there are still corporate gigs and private parties, but it takes a certain motiviation on the part of the musician to cultivate them. Lots of musicians (especially blues musicians) haven't developed the skills nor the presentation to make an appointment with an F&B Director of an organization or hotel/banquet hall and sell their services.
 
Here in Orlando, I get minimum $100/gig for local clubs and $150 - $300 for corporate/private parties. This is in a 4 piece band and the $ I mention is my own take home pay. Granted, the club dates are only a few a month, but this area is in a growth spurt in development and population, so the regional economics look promising for the future.
 
The Iceman
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