[Dixielandjazz] Gigging in Australia was It's a small world

[Gluetje1 at aol.com]

And those who do the cruise to hear the bands might pay it.   Those who go to 
be a Jammer or a banjo player (and pay to take spouses/partners)  might or 
might not.  I think, but don't know, that these cruises started  via bands 
recruiting their own fans.  I'm more sure that the growth  percentage has been in 
the Jammers and banjoists.  (Six or so years ago  there were 12 Jammers--this 
year 100.  The Tim Allan banjo aspect is,  I think, about four years old.  I 
don't know the exact number--your number  was 40.  There is a stage full playing 
the main showroom show.  Some  do banjo with both Tim & Jammers--some choose 
only one.  Folks that  want to can just take whatever instrument they want and 
create their own playing  opportunities within parameters of bothering other 
passengers.)  SO, I  suspect that someone even more clever could put together 
a cruise offer that  would have lots of takers without bringing any bands IF 
buyers knew they were  not paying TOO much more than cruise would cost anyway.  
These cruises as  might be expected attract an older crowd who have done many 
cruises.  They  are relatively sophisticated cruise shoppers and comparers.
 
I have not ever polled the passengers to see who got what "perks", such as  
bottle of wine, corkscrews, travel bags, umbrellas, a party invitation,  etc.  
But there are "extras"  Nor have I compared what the bands  get in the way of 
perks, quality of rooms, etc. compared to what the  passengers get.  I just 
know we had a room with balcony on an upper deck  and I saw plenty of band 
members staying on that deck.
 
Anyhow, I know I'm missing plenty of facts in this discussion.  In my  year 
or two of following this list, I don't recall anyone else getting  the last 
word in a discussion with you.  So I'm not planning to  either.  I'm just hoping 
I now can stop myself. :?)
Ginny  
 
In a message dated 2/4/2008 9:55:12 A.M. Central Standard Time,  
barbonestreet at earthlink.net writes:

But we  make sure that we get paid fairly when there is money available. 
Cruises fit  that money available category and it is a shame that bands do not 
negotiate to  get some, even if only to pay for a bottle of wine with dinner, or 
a drink, or  the mandatory crew tip all of which are not included in the room 
and board.  Easily done if only the cruise operator would charge another $12 
to $20  dollars per person to cover the band pay. Or agree to take a little 
less net  and keep pricing the same. 

Where there is a will, there is a  way.








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