[Dixielandjazz] Gig Deposits - Was turning off the young

[dwlit at cpcug.org]

I always get a 50% deposit for my private (non-booking agency) gigs and
have had no trouble with that. My contract specifies final payment in cash
for personal clients (weddings, parties) during the gig, 2% of the amount
owed surcharge per day overdue, and 20% surcharge if the final payment is
by check rather than cash.

If we are cancelled, I pay each guy what he'd have gotten if he gave up
another gig, otherwise I split the deposit evenly among 'em.

The contract specifies that the deposit is not refundable, unless weird
happens. A couple of times the bride cancelled out w-a-y in advance, so I
refunded the deposit minus $200 for my time and trouble.

--Sheik
http://americanmusiccaravan.com

> Yep, do not take any future gig for granted. Anything can happen.
>
> Contracts and deposits are important, though I never ask for 50% in
> advance.
> 10% will do. And if you get stiffed, you, as the band leader should pay
> the
> sidemen out of your own pocket because YOU booked them, not the client.
>
> Basic Musical Fact: MUSIC (played for money) IS A BUSINESS. No different
> from any other business. One side supplies the product for the highest
> price
> it can, and the other tries to buy the product for the lowest price it
> can.
> So, expect that both sides will try and take advantage of each other.
>
> I've never been stiffed in 15 years of band leading, other than a few
> cancellations a month in advance or so. And I've always paid my sidemen,
> in
> cash, at the gig, whether I've received the money then then or not. That's
> why I get a leader fee. (and maintain a high 4/low 5 figure balance in my
> band checking account for gig payrolls)
>
> Get the contract, get the deposit,
> > Steve Barbone
>