Is it a good idea for a musician to spend 9 hours in a bar every Saturday night?

Question

One of my old friends recently opened a pub and invited me to perform music there every Saturday night.
So, for maybe one hour of singing and playing guitar, if I want anything to drink, (or eat), the whole night, he says he'll fix that, doesn't want money. Nice guy,
If that means drinking Jack Daniels, (his specialty), so be it. He can't pay me, but he'll do that.
I've already tried that for three weeks now. It is ok, but a little strange. I do feel like a beggar when he never takes my money but looks after me.
And, too, I'm actually finding I don't really like hanging around bars every weekend. But it is really a unique deal, and there he is opening every day and doing that himself, never complaining.
Just tell me if you were offered such a deal would you do it, would you value it? why?
How would you make it better?

Answer 1

What a perfect deal he's got going.. He's making more money giving you "free drinks and food" than he would be paying you weekly for a performance. Plus if you get popular, he's making more business, for pennies.

If you enjoy hanging around a bar performing for a little while, and having a goodtime.. Then I'd say it's a perfect deal.

But if you don't enjoy yourself than you should tell him. Ask him for pay, or stop performing there.

Answer 2

Kind of depends on the company you keep, and how much you drink, and the kind of food you eat, as well as if there is second hand smoke there.

If you get together with friends or find some new ones as a result of this gig, awesome. If you find yourself surrounded by people who aren't into your music, and aren't positive people...no. If it is an uplifting place that stands to expand your fan base, great. If the place makes it tempting to get into a big debate or a fight...no.

You can always make the most of it, if you think this is a good idea for you musically. It may be that you draw in some more listeners. Chances are though, that it is roughly the same crowd on that particular night. If you wanted to catch different people, you might try to work a couple days, every other week or so instead. Get the party crowd, the after work crowd, the commuters, the families, the ruffians...all who may buy your cd's.

You also might gain valuable performing practice. If your stage banter needs some work, or if you need to get better acquainted with your sound system, or if you are working on new material, you will get lots of hands on work doing that gig.

I guess it boils down to what you want. If you find it becoming a drag to go there, and you don't know how to liven it up, or really start to hate it, or resent your buddy...it will be time to unplug the gig. In the mean time, keep your drinking to a minimum so you don't fall into that trap, and hang out in the beer garden if you can so you aren't just inhaling the same stale air all night....OR you can just do the gig, hang out for an extra hour or so and do some promo stuff, and then leave.

Answer 3

It's not a good idea for ANYONE to spend 9 hours in a bar every Saturday night
Why doesn't he pay you? He can write off the food and booze.
Don't work for free. Pay for your food and drinks and collect a cut of the door or a flat fee. He's taking advantage of your friendship. It sounds like work for you so get paid as such.

Answer 4

Ok, sounds like a good deal but EVERY Saturday night and for 9 hours? Seems much for only playing an hour of music. But you are on here seemingly NOT enjoying it. So....how about you do it one Saturday a month or even every other, or how about not staying for 9 hours??
It just seems that since you are on here asking us to try to talk you into why it is good, you don't really enjoy it.

Answer 5

Why are you selling yourself short? I THINK I would do the best for myself, too. Here comes my BIG, clear beer stine with a $5 bill and a couple $1 bills [sorry, no silver or coins]. ((((((Although I might ask my friend, the owner, first.)))))

There's nothing wrong with it. You may even get booked for a few other gigs at other places on other evenings and/or other weekend nights.

Thanks for asking your Q! I enjoyed answering it!

VTY,
Ron Berue
Yes, that is my real last name!

Answer 6

I would reduce the hours there, perhaps four or so, so i don;t get bored with the whole thing

Answer 7

well i would think you would invite a couple of party girls out for drinks and and get'em sloshed for free.