rate of pay around the country.

[kingjames]

the amounts i've charged has always been directly proportional to the circumstances, (1)is this gig a good and long lasting one.
(2)am i comped on food and drink
(3)does it pay the same year round
(4) and do i have to break down and haul or leave my equip.
1 yr was the shortest time frame i played at a bar. 8 yrs 3.5yrs, 1yr, and 1 at the current, and looks like it will be for many more. 2 night a week @200.00 a night. more if holidays like halloween new yrs ect. If a band can get 500.00 a night and only know 25-30 songs and I have 14,000Hmmm.

[jleekaraoke]

I Totally Agree With You, I Have Tons Of Gigs That I Have Had For Years...i've Raised My Rates Somewhat, But Not Too Much, Usually When The Bar Has A Good Night I Get An Extra Bonus So They Are Very Good To Me....... I'm Starting To Have Problems With Bmi...the Bars Can't Even Advertise Because Bmi,, Finds Out, Then Contacts The Bar For Money...it Sucks... 2 Months Ago I Went Totally Computerized With Over 70,000 Tunes And A Huge Dj Library........(less Is Best When It Comes To Setting Up) Anyways.. That Is The Problem I'm Having Now Is With Bmi... Everything Else Is Cool

[capnvic]

I have to be on the low side of 200 dollars, since most of the gigs I get are either Moose Lodges , the American Legion or some other service org. These places generally don't get the hassle of outside groups like BMI or ASCAP.

The shows are steady and I usually do one to two shows a weekend. The only exception is if it is a party or reception, then my rates are changed accordingly to the going rate for these functions.

[bryant]

Originally Posted by capnvic

I have to be on the low side of 200 dollars, since most of the gigs I get are either Moose Lodges , the American Legion or some other service org. These places generally don't get the hassle of outside groups like BMI or ASCAP.

The shows are steady and I usually do one to two shows a weekend. The only exception is if it is a party or reception, then my rates are changed accordingly to the going rate for these functions.

Ditto

[gotrich]

Problem I am facing is in the last year or so it has gotten much more strict on DUI around NW Indiana...Crown Point Expecially. I make 150 for a week day and 175-200 for a weekend. I feel its fair as long as the bar make 4x's what it pays me. So if I get 150 they should make 600 on the register. Well in some of these smaller towns it not easy to hit 600 every night.

so 125-175 is more realistic.

I get 50$ from any show my other KJs run ...maybe 4-5 shows a week

I also give a break to repeat a weekers on bar has us on wed fri and sat so I charge 125/175/175 instead of 150/200/200 its a win win

Rich
aka Dr Karaoke

[bryant]

Originally Posted by gotrich

I feel its fair as long as the bar make 4x's what it pays me. So if I get 150 they should make 600 on the register. Well in some of these smaller towns it not easy to hit 600 every night.

so 125-175 is more realistic.

I know the feeling. I hear from outsiders that Kennebec County, Maine, is the strictest there is on OUI/DUI policing.

Also, I have heard that magic number "600" figure before from bar owners. You say it's fair to charge 1/4 their take, I do too; however, do we return money on the real slow nights when it's less. Naw. We also don't get a proportionate extra amount on the 3,000 dollar nights either, do we? Although, one time i did get a 30 dollar bonus from a bar owner.

I just thought it was interesting to hear that 600 dollar figure again. I know what you mean about some rural areas trying to achieve that. Here in Maine, two places I work at, their most expensive drink is 2.75, and a beer is usually a dollar or less.

[kilith]

Originally Posted by gotrich

Problem I am facing is in the last year or so it has gotten much more strict on DUI around NW Indiana...Crown Point

Well if that is the case the patrons should know well enough if they like to go out and have a good time they better have DD. That is the reason they are getting strict becuse they want to get it through these peoples thick heads that it is not ok to drink and drive and to get a sober driver for the night!

I always try to give a message about that during the night to call a cab, call a sober friend, or to make sure you have a Designated driver Just because you can not drink does not mean you can not have fun.

Anyway this is on and off topic all at the same time but really it should not matter if they are getting strict on DUI or DWI because if the people that came out to the bar were responsible there would be no need for that county to be strict with the laws?

[bryant]

Originally Posted by kilith

I really it should not matter if they are getting strict on DUI or DWI because if the people that came out to the bar were responsible there would be no need for that county to be strict with the laws?

Yes and No, Kil. What they (the police) do here is park in front of the busy bars, patrons tend to feel uncomfortable. Result: they will tend other bars not so busy where they feel they are not being watched.

Roadblocks: Patrons may hang around the other bars where they don't have to "cross the lines". In Maine, everyone that leaves a bar drunk has broken the law, along with the bartender and owner. Is this enforced: yes and no; sort of randomly. Result: Patrons will migrate to areas where they know it isn't.

I remember a friend of mine telling me that in Miami once he left a bar, with a bottle of beer, staggered across the street and was stopped by an officer half-way across. Officer asked "are yo okay"? He put the bottle in his pocket and said yup. Officer says "can you make it home alright". He says "Sure no problem". Okay be careful. that's it.

If that was around here: Handcuffs on for staggering in street, breath test for intoxication, "Hey what's in your pocket guy", then full search. spend overnight in jail, bartender fined 1500 bucks, bar watched for next year.
That's what we mean by stricter in some places.