Do you expect to be paid and fed when you go on a gig?

[bigsands]

I have heard some different views on this subject and would really like to hear what most people think that a professional service provider should be entitled to when fulfilling a contract to perform for a client. First I would like to share my experience on this subject. 

When I was invited to do my first season of gigs, I was 17 years old (a few decades ago) and the guys who ran the band had this policy that "the band must be fed!!" As a 17 year old this was a fantastic experience; to go on a gig and play in some posh parties, eat lots of food, get drinks and, get paid. The band leader would arrive on the gig, touch base with the client and then ask if there was any food for the band and ask whether we would eat during the first break or second break, etc. On some gigs, there would be a huge buffet prepared for the guests and the band would march ahead of the guests and get served first. On other gigs where there was no food, the band leader would still be asking if there was food set aside for the band and then sandwiches would appear for the band to eat. As a teenager, I thought it was amazing. There were also situations where in the middle of performing a tune, the older players would be reaching out and taking canapes from the waiters and performing with a mouthful of food. One one gig, I remember the chef had sent 3 large plates of food for the band and they arrived in the middle of our set, so the waiters left the food on the side and everyone tucked in as soon as the set was finished. On other gigs, they gave the band so much food that it was impossible to eat all or, the client would interrupt and request us back on the stage. Sometimes, I just wanted to sleep after eating all that food. 

Despite that type of wiring from an early age, I never request food for my band on any gigs. If the client offers or asks if the band would like something to eat, I make arrangements at that point and they eat. What do you think is the right policy for a professional service provider? Also, if you are the client and hiring a band, how flexible would you be; would you expect the band to play longer because you fed them? 

[Eric Rollnick]

This is why I always have a signed contract for gigs. Fee, and amenities for the band are always discussed and the contract is written accordingly.  Yhis way there are no misunderstandings.

[bigsands]

Presumably, you proof-read your contracts? to avoid typos like "Yhis way there are no misunderstandings."

[Derry Etkins]

.... be nice .... ;)

[Andre-Roger Dellevi]

As someone who has been a hobby-promoter throwing parties from pre/post secondary school days, at university and beyond, here's another perspective from an organizer. Back in our youth, we made sure the DJ's and Bands were paid. Half in advance and half when the gig done. Our fetes were popular and never buss, so we always paid up. Food/Drinks were considered extra and seen as a complimentary courtesy. A few times it led to lathargic-itis and drunkenness so we learnt to be cautios. As a DJ and roadie with bands, I saw first hand when fete buss and left with empty pockets so I always tried hard to pay the performers. Above all the "eat ah food" syndrome should be best served with a true steelband trade union. Feed a man a fish, you feed him for a day, teach him to fish, he will be fed for life. Read the Steelpan Blueprint For Success for a New Vision, jus sayin'...

[Mercer Ramdoo]

Everything should be negotiated at contract signing/agreements. It is as simple as that. If however, they forgot about the food etc, if  the client offers.....fine, if not.............fine.

[Sweet and Sour]

An excellent article about gig etiquette......

http://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/5-keys-to-proper-gig-etiquette/

[bigsands]

Thanks for the excellent link. I read all of it. It is also delightful to see some of the positive comments on this subject. We run a very regimented outfit.

[Steve "Carter" K.]

All these things are to be arranged before the gig starts and it would also depend on the length of time you are hired to perform for if its a few hours the arrangement would surely be different from lets say a fete from 8pm to 4am which would entail 8 hours with some breaks so the musicians would want to refresh themselves and be comfortable. So once the food and beverage issue is in place then I see nothing wrong with that. Remember also the gig is completed according to the agreement so there is nothing like extra playing.

[Derry Etkins]

To be "fed and watered" on a gig isn't a "right", it's a courtesy. Whether or not its to be expected depends on the culture you're in. I play solo piano, and I've never played a gig where drinks were not a "silent" agreement. Food is always part of the deal with private and corporate functions. Hotels will not feed you, but one drink per break is customary.

Some Hotels may stipulate that you have one "CARICOM Drink"(?), per break. :D Others will not be that miserly. At the ones where there is that stipulation, I buy my own drinks!

[911]

If you are a professional there are things you don't do as a professional,Don't ask for food,Don't put up a tip jar,If you are  working for an agent give out his business cards and put your name on the back of the cards,don't give out your cards.Those are things you don't do as a professional.And if the gig is your gig,Send them a Thank you card,A few days later.And always walk with your own water.And always dress good.Now that a professional.