[Dixielandjazz] free Booze - happy musicians make for great shows

[Gary Kiser]

I always enjoy these discussions concerning 'extras' on contracts.  I 
brag once more, Sac à Pulses (and every pro band I know over here) is 
fed, de-thirsted, compensated for travel and lodged (when travel is more 
than 200km) over and above our gig pay ON EVERY GIG.  This is not a 
demand unique to our quintet.  This is standard fare.

At a concert, we are always offered drinks while we set up and sound 
check.  We are usually fed (aperitif, starter, main course, cheese and 
desert plus wine) before the concert which poses a small problem for 
me.  I don't like to play when I'm stuffed.  I can usually defer my 
cheese and desert until after the concert or, at least, the 
intermission.  After returning to the concert hall, we are usually 
offered drinks before getting on stage, at the intermission and then 
after the concert.  The after concert drinks can be dangerous if the 
organizer him/herself is drinking with us (France's drunk driving laws 
are more strict than in most states in the States).

At socials, marriages and openings, we are always offered drinks while 
setting up.  We usually play the before dinner cocktail before everyone 
goes to sit down and eat.  Here there is finger food and Champagne a 
plenty.  No, we shouldn't abuse, but hey, wolfing down a couple garlic 
shrimps or smoked salmon rolls never hurt anyone.  The organizer or 
guest of honor will usually make a big stink that the band has 
everything we want.  This is a scene where the organizer wants to make 
everyone think that we (the artists) are his close friends.  When 
everyone goes off to eat, we do too.  Sometimes we eat in the same room 
as the guests; sometimes we eat in a different room.  BUT, we always eat 
the same thing.

When was the last time you ate coquille St. Jacques en entrée puis 
magret de canard aux cèpes au plat chaud at a gig?  Its the kinda stuff 
I gotta put up with at every gig.

Ok, I'm done taunting.  I'll go back to my humble lurking self once again.

All the best, Gary