rate of pay around the country.

[WallerMan]

I definitely agree with Jim... Depending on the venue size...In our small Gig at a local Ice House here in Waller, TX We can only Justify based on the size of the place and what the Beer costs to charge 150.00 for a show. The owner just can't remain profitable if we gig him for more money just because we get that at our other shows which are in larger facilities, in a larger metro area, with Beer and mixed drinks.
I also have to identify with the poster that said he has more fun doing the shows than some of the participants... As I have said many nights at our shows when the audience is really into it, "I love my Part time job! Where else can I drink beer, smoke cigarettes, listen to good music, and look at hot looking women! Beats the heck out of a partime job at Target Skippy"!!
I have to disagree about parties and weddings though.. They pay great but I have been treated worse at those types of shows than at the bars... Maybe it's just in our area...

...WallerMan