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#1689147 - 02/07/06 11:22 AM

If I May, What do you charge for a gig..........

typi
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Registered: 12/15/01
Posts: 118
Loc: Coast to Coast

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My band has been offered an opportunity to play some Atlantic City casinos. The thing is, I do not have a CLUE what would be a fair, competitive wage for this type of gig. We have 6 pieces, all terrific players, and I assume it is a 4-hour gig.

Anybody with any AC casino experience out there, or casino experience anywhere? What say you? What do you folks charge in general?

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"You're either WITH me, or you're AGIN' Me!" (Yosemite Sam)

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#1689148 - 02/13/06 04:21 PM

Re: If I May, What do you charge for a gig..........

typi
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Registered: 12/15/01
Posts: 118
Loc: Coast to Coast

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Bumpity Bump. Any takers??

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"You're either WITH me, or you're AGIN' Me!" (Yosemite Sam)

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#1689149 - 02/13/06 06:14 PM

Re: If I May, What do you charge for a gig..........

josh a
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Registered: 09/24/05
Posts: 419
Loc: uk

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Why not say a high number and see what they say?

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#1689150 - 02/14/06 08:43 AM

Re: If I May, What do you charge for a gig..........

typi
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Registered: 12/15/01
Posts: 118
Loc: Coast to Coast

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That's well and good, but I would like to know from forumites who may have experience with the casinos what the actual range of pay is. Would also like to see what bands are getting in different places for different types of gigs (bar/club, casino, banquet/wedding, etc.). Good to know that stuff! I have been in situations where I quoted a price, then later felt that I was too low or too high.

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"You're either WITH me, or you're AGIN' Me!" (Yosemite Sam)

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#1689151 - 02/14/06 06:30 PM

Re: If I May, What do you charge for a gig..........

Jeff Klopmeyer
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Registered: 10/13/00
Posts: 16810
Loc: Redondo Beach,CA,UNITED STATES

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Hmmm. 6-piece band, casino in Atlantic City, hour-hour gig.

I'd ask $1200-1500/night. Then again, I'm not experienced in booking casino gigs... the dollar figure just feels right based on the club gigs I've played and the size of your band, with the consideration that casinos are high-profit ventures.

Anyone with actual knowledge/direct experience that can help Typi?

- Jeff

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#1689152 - 02/15/06 12:03 PM

Re: If I May, What do you charge for a gig..........

Geekgurl
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Registered: 08/17/03
Posts: 1232
Loc: near San Francisco

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Sorry, I can't help with casinos. I would only say, from talking to musician friends elsewhere in the country, that cost of living doesn't seem to be much of a factor. That is, eventhough I live in one of the highest cost of living areas, gig pay is about the same here as it is elsewhere. $\:\($

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#1689153 - 02/19/06 10:08 AM

Re: If I May, What do you charge for a gig..........

Trill
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Registered: 04/09/05
Posts: 1283
Loc: Southwestern Ohio

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I think Jeff hit it, 1200-1500 .I had a friend with a show band who got that much.

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#1689154 - 02/19/06 04:48 PM

Re: If I May, What do you charge for a gig..........

Bill@Welcome Home Studios
MP Hall of Fame Member

Registered: 08/23/03
Posts: 7340

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Find an agent who books such gigs. He'll get you the right money, for his percentage. He'll also know all the ins and outs, and be able to keep you working that circuit if you fit in. But you need someone who is already handling casino acts. I know that you have tohand off a percentage for work that you already have secured, but it is a smart move, if you pick carefully.

It is typical for the house to try to lowball you.

Bill

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"...it's easier than hitting the kids, and almost as much fun..."

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#1689155 - 02/20/06 11:43 AM

Re: If I May, What do you charge for a gig..........

typi
Senior Member

Registered: 12/15/01
Posts: 118
Loc: Coast to Coast

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Everyone,

Responses much appreciated----This really helps.
My initial thinking was that $1200 ($200/per) is on the low end??? It just 'feels' kinda low for a casino. If this were the going rate for clubs outside of the casinos, I'd say 'Wow!'. If we had to lay out any expenses at all above and beyond gas & tolls, I'm not sure this low end would be worthwhile, except either as an attempt to get one's foot in the door or as a price per night for multiple gigs.

It's funny how I always think the value of my band's live musical services is much higher than we are able to actually command. $\:D$

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"You're either WITH me, or you're AGIN' Me!" (Yosemite Sam)

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#1689156 - 02/20/06 07:29 PM

Re: If I May, What do you charge for a gig..........

Gig Man
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Registered: 02/22/04
Posts: 4
Loc: New Jersey

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I am a keyboard player in NJ - for wedding/banquets mostly, but occasionally bar gigs as well, so I think I have a perspective that is local and relevant for you.

I think $1,200 for a 6 piece is low - then again I don't do the casino circuit. But I do play the wedding/banquet circuit and typically I'll pull down $300-$350 for a 4 hr. gig where there's a sound company so we (the band) don't have to bring PA, mics or even mic. stands - and don't have to worry about running sound during the gig. Plus there's often another $50-100 bucks in it for me for a cocktail hour, depending on which band it's for and how cheap they are... :p

So I'm thinking you should ask at least $1,500. What's the PA situation - they supply or you bring your own? That's a another factor of course - if you don't have to bring or run the sound equipment that's a lot less work for you, which case maybe $1200 is NOT so bad.

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#1689157 - 02/26/06 07:02 AM

Re: If I May, What do you charge for a gig..........

EddiePlaysBass
MP Hall of Fame Member

Registered: 06/24/04
Posts: 2604
Loc: Belgium

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You guys actually get paid for gigs? $\:D$ My first gig was a freebee, because it was our singer's party. For the second gig (crowd of 350 or so) I got 30 euro. And I was thrilled $\:D$

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After the various bands you've been in, and the headaches you've seen, you figure having TWO bands at once will be better? - Tom Capasso

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#1689158 - 02/26/06 11:10 AM

Re: If I May, What do you charge for a gig..........

typi
Senior Member

Registered: 12/15/01
Posts: 118
Loc: Coast to Coast

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Yeah Eddie, like to think we provide a 'valuable' service. We LIKES to get paid when we play.

_________________________
"You're either WITH me, or you're AGIN' Me!" (Yosemite Sam)

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