[Dixielandjazz] Economics - corporate gigs

[David Dustin]

Steve wrote:
 Corporate gigs, which used to be a mainstay of many a pro and/or agent
here, are fast disappearing.

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We¹ve played for some professional associations but don¹t have extensive
experience playing corporate gigs. Our closest brush with the experience
came when a local manufacturing president exiting a restaurant happened to
catch one of our bandstand performances one night. The next day I got a call
from an executive assistant: the Big Man was VERY impressed with our sound,
could we please play at their company party? Starting at noon on a weekday
afternoon?  Made a spot decision that I and a couple other non-retired
members would sacrifice some leave in order to play the gig, as the company
was high-tech and prestigious and I harbored fantasies of breaking us into
the corporate market. Everything sounded positive until I mentioned the eff
word...fee. I deftly asked if our standard rate was out of line with their
budget for the event and was assured, no, it was just fine! Plans were made
for a confirmation callback, which never came. It was hard to believe, but I
guess these fat cats expected us to take the afternoon off for the privilege
of driving 35 miles one way to play their corporate picnic gratis.  No
respect...

David Dustin