[Dixielandjazz] Playing for Kids - Redux

[James Kashishian]

-----Original Message-----
From: dixielandjazz-bounces at ml.islandnet.com
[mailto:dixielandjazz-bounces at ml.islandnet.com] On Behalf Of Tom Wood

Tom asked if it was ok to accept money for playing a benefit gig.  First
question always is "is everyone doing this gig for free?  If the stage
hands, piano rental, site, everyone, everyone, everyone is going free,
well.....the band would probably wish to do the same.  I believe free
advertising would be heavily pushed to try to make up for your non pay.
Ever notice the large sign on the side of a grand piano at a benefit
function that says "this piano donated by so & so"?  The famous "Band
Aid" concert years ago was that type of gig.

In my experience with benefits, though, the norm is that everyone
involved is getting paid, although they may have given a special price.
That's precisely what we do, normally charging a third less than normal,
as the fancy restaurants where our type of benefits usually take place
do more or less the same.  

When sidemen get roped into doing shows with the big name singer who has
donated his/her free performance, the sidemen should get paid, as it is
the big name that can afford to do benefits, and will reap the personal
benefits of publicity (normally lots of tv, radio & press exposure
saying what a great guy he/she is!).  

Jim