From Dave DeMichelis on Fb, 4/22/15:
Just received an inquiry for a fundraiser. This is not a joke but it did make me laugh… I have omitted certain parts to let them remain anonymous.
“We are looking for a band to play up to 6 hours with breaks in there for our announcements, raffles, recognition, etc. Music style mostly classic rock. Ideally looking for a mix of 60s to 80s and of course southern rock is encouraged as well. We are looking for band to volunteer for this event, but if you would need a little money to cover expenses, it may be possible. You will have an audience of over a 1000 bikers and would give your band more exposure. Your band will be provided tickets to the event which will include a meal and beverages”
Responses:
From Phil Hawkins – forwarded by Chuck Reeder on Fb, 4/22/15:
I was just asked to provide student musicians for a restaurant gig in the South Bay that pays “a meal and a beverage”. Here is my response to the owner:
Thanks for your inquiry. I understand that you are just trying to make a living and that it must be very challenging to succeed in the restaurant business. Please understand that it is also very difficult for professional musicians to make a living, especially when we are asked to play for little or no money, or when music students start playing venues for no money, thereby removing the need for professional musicians entirely.
The truth is, that even for a music student, this is not an appropriate offer. Unlike many other vocations, music students may have (by the time they reach college level) already invested 10 or more years in private lessons, paid thousands of dollars for top quality instruments and performed dozens of times as part of school ensembles or for music festivals. They don’t really need to gain more experience and to explore themselves. They need to prepare for a life, making money in their chosen profession. Playing for a meal and beverage isn’t going to cover rent, gas, utilities and the rest.
I mean no disrespect, please receive my comments in the most positive manner . . . our profession is dealing with severe challenges and we need as much support from our community as you do. I would like to encourage you to consider picking just 1 or 2 nights a month, paying for trained, professional musicians, marketing the music, making an event of it, and promoting excellence in entertainment along with your excellent food. I truly believe this would benefit everyone involved. There are so many fantastic musicians here in the Bay Area who would love to be a part of something of that nature. If you decide to create this type of environment, please contact me again and I will flood you with great references.
Best of luck with your restaurant,
Phil Hawkins
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Neil Haverstick:
The fact that this is a serious inquiry shows very clearly how the art of music is perceived by many people…
Dave DeMichelis:
Let me just say that I’ve played many gigs for bikers and had nothing but good experiences. This is not an anti-bikers rant. GNO plays plenty of fundraisers at 50% discounts. I’m all about providing services to worthy causes. But nobody rides for free..
Barb Dye:
The worst part (I’m pretty sure) – is that the person who posted this is probably getting paid as an “event organizer” or as a “director”. COMBO, the DMA, and others went through this a couple of years ago when a BIG PAID organization wanted musicians to play for free for an all-day event that they had received a HUGE GRANT for — with money included to pay the musicians that the musicians never saw. I sincerely hope and pray that NO band is desperate enough to fall for this as it will get them nowhere but in the hole.