[Dixielandjazz] Playing for Beer

[Bill Haesler]

Patrick Skiffington wrote [in part]:
> Think of it this way, would you play with your favorite band for beer? ... Would you play a few dates with Bix or
> Teagarden if they asked you and told you they could just pay you in beer? I
> know I would LOVE to play with certain trad bands, no matter what the money looks like.

Dear Patrick,
In Australia musicians frequently 'sit-in' with bands on jobs for one or two numbers or even a bracket.
It's a common mateship thing here.
I have done it for many years.
And, conversely, have invited musicians to sit in with my bands over the years. Still do, at pub/casual jobs.
However, for a paying job I would never agree to play the whole engagement for beer only.
Nor would I ever ask or expect anyone to do so with my band.
Particularly for a paid concert engagement.
Very kind regards,
Bill.