[TPIN] amateurs/playing for free

[jontrimble at suddenlink.net]

There are many issues here, but one of those real issues is that our
guys would have a great time at this place playing. I know the
atmosphere and it would be incredibly fun for us to do it. Do we pass
that up because the owner has found out he cannot afford to pay a real
cost for a band?

this is in no way a rhetorical question. I am a bit at a loss on what to
do. Suggestions would be greatly appreciated

Travis
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I certainly understand the dilemma here.  Here's what I did (it was in 1995 
but should still work).
 I was very much interested in starting a kix big band using my dads old 
book.  Tons of great Rob McConnell and the like in there.  Growing up in 
Vegas, they would call them rehearsal bands and play at the union after 
hours for fun.  In light of this I thought, how am I gonna get these guys to 
do anything for free.  Here's what I did....
 Talked to the club order and got free draft for the band.  For those who 
didn't drink, they got a regular lunch item for free.  I charged 5 bucks at 
the door and ALL the money went to the band.  I stated to the club owner 
we'll play for the door and he can get whatever he can pull from the people 
coming in.  He had nothing to lose.
 I contacted the local radio stations and had them plug the event featuring 
many from Wayne Newtons band and some heavy hitters from (back in the day). 
I called all the dance studios and had fliers put up advertizing balllroom 
dancing.  Sure I had to pony up a few Miller tunes and cha chas but snuck 
something newer in from time to time.  First time out we made about 20 bucks 
a man.  After the third time doing it, we were making well over 100 bucks a 
piece.  We played once a month during lunch hours.
 Being in Branson, I finally pulled the plug after about 8 months of this 
(part-time fun) turning into full time work.  Trying to get 18 cats in one 
place during those hours was just too taxing for the limited available 
players out here.
Not a full time answer but might help something.

Good luck..:)

Jon Trimble
jontrimble at suddenlink.net
http://myspace.com/jontrimble