[Dixielandjazz] Meals, booze and "comps"

[tcashwigg at aol.com]

I did not mean to imply that all sidemen are drunks, however due to 
many years of abuse of this situation there are a lot of folks out 
there who think they are all drunks and drug addicts  especially in 
Jazz.   When you book upscale classy gigs and negotiate these things in 
advance as Steve says it does make for a much smoother gig and you get 
treated as a Professional more than likely.   If what I ask for 
reasonably is refused I do like Steve does and simply charge more money 
to take care of it myself and keep the band happy and hopefully out of 
trouble with the client and avoid any hard feelings.

I Always charge enough money to be able to allow my guys to buy  their 
own meals and whatever they want to drink anyway, so if we get 
complimentary extras it is just a bonus for them.   I tell them not to 
expect anything and when we get treated or invited to partake in the 
festivities it just makes for a better atmosphere all around so long as 
they do not abuse it.   The abusers do not get invited to future gigs 
with our organization if it on a rare occasion does happen with a new 
guy.   We party after the party is over if we want to do so, and we are 
off the payroll.   we learned long ago that we just don't need to have 
all that much fun anymore, and the high of a great gig is enough

We now do all things in moderation, well OK we do have a couple of guys 
who do eat Too much :))   I would rather buy thier clothes than feed 
them usually. ha ha :))


Cheers,

Tom


One additional thing about drinks. Tom makes it sound as if all sidemen 
are
drunks out to cadge a free drink. Not so in my experience. Barbone 
Street,
is, in most instances, just like a guest at the event. And we are 
therefore
expect to be treated like guests, not a bunch of bums. Hence the food 
and
drinks are offered, but never abused.

Cheers,
Steve Barbone




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