How Are Economic Changes Effecting Your Karaoke Business At The Start Of 2009?

[billyo]

Originally Posted by capnvic

My 2009 has just been lousy....I had a cancelled New Years Show to start, my shows at my own post has been cut back to none. And Now I will have to go 25+ miles to do a show that will only pay me 125 dollars for three hours...I have started to sell some of my backup equipment so I can recoop some money......Everyone in my area has been cutting back. I was supposed to have a Wednesday gig at a local restaurant, but they closed due to the silent partner's not being so silent....

dont feel bad, i just lost a gig this weekend ( sat. feb 7 ) i was supposed to do a big 18th birthday at the crown hotel, and someone under cut me, a friend of the host who's wife works with his wife, decided that he could do it for less and come to find out he's just starting out, and from what i heard he had brought in a home type equipments complete with tuner and cd player.. oh well thats how bad the economy is they will go to who ever is cheaper..

[bryant]

My wife just got an increase in pay (totally unsolicited by us) last weekend for two of her weekly gigs.

There's still some good news left yet.

I was told by a local restaurant that I played twice at last year that I would be used "a heck-of-a-lot" more this year. I also told them that the price break I gave them only held those last two times I played there. i said the 150 dollar nights are going to have to be 200 dollars. He said great.

[capnvic]

Then When all else happens they happen for the worse. Last year I had a verbal commitment from the Race for the Cure folks that I would emcee their next couple of events...My own post commander and General manager cut me out of the deal without consulting me and the coordinators of the events. So now there is some infighting....I tell you this is really hinky!

[muzicman144]

Again, I know i'll catch flak for this, but this is great for the "professional entertainer". They draw the crowds that pay the tab to keep clubs open. They will also play when all others have been tried and failed. Clubs will see this and make the choice to draw crowds. Get the best equipment you can for a quality show. When all else fails, at least you will have something to sell, and not that ole $99 karaoke machine. Just keep on hacking, it'll happen
muzicman

[bryant]

Originally Posted by muzicman144

Again, I know i'll catch flak for this, but this is great for the "professional entertainer". They draw the crowds that pay the tab to keep clubs open. "Sometimes, but not always; and, many times crowds just won't go out regardless of whose playing:".They will also play when all others have been tried and failed. "More amateurs will also play then too."Clubs will see this and make the choice to draw crowds. "Some clubs will see it, and many may not."Get the best equipment you can for a quality show. When all else fails, at least you will have something to sell, and not that ole $99 karaoke machine. Just keep on hacking, it'll happen
muzicman

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[bryant]

Originally Posted by capnvic

My own post commander and General manager cut me out of the deal without consulting me and the coordinators of the events. So now there is some infighting....I tell you this is really hinky!

I think this is typical of most VFW and legion posts, at least around here anyway.

[capnvic]

Originally Posted by bryant

I think this is typical of most VFW and legion posts, at least around here anyway.

I have to say I agree with you, and I am the First Vice commander of my post. Well its back to finding gigs at small restaurants and the Moose.

[billyo]

Originally Posted by capnvic

I have to say I agree with you, and I am the First Vice commander of my post. Well its back to finding gigs at small restaurants and the Moose.

there are a bunch of VFW's out here in So. Fl. and i have a few friends that doe's them..from what i heard from my friends ,they wanted diff. players ( kj ) every fri and sat.and they pay went down from $150 t0 $125, and from what my friends are telling me they ( my friends ) are forced to bring out a tip jar to compensate for the difference.

[capnvic]

Out here in Northern VA, the various clubs are trying to undercut the KJs out here by hiring at a 100-150 dollar Rate. (4hrs) Hard to deal with the cost of doing business especially if you are constantly adding songs and replacing old equipment, and not getting paid for it.

Good thing I have my daytime job. I hate to see how some of my competitors are doing. Some just are not...

[bryant]

Originally Posted by capnvic

I have to say I agree with you, and I am the First Vice commander of my post. Well its back to finding gigs at small restaurants and the Moose.

That really sux.

[capnvic]

Well Its happening all over, what is one man's poison.....you know the rest.

I will at least keep one rig for now, and sell my old Pyle 1600 Amp and my Yamaha BR15s. Keep the Lexicon unit and my Mackie mixers... Go with two laptops a show and spend the spare time updating my songbooks. Won't let the time go idly by....