How much to ask for playing an evening?

[Lambik]

I'm not sure if this is the correct subforum to ask this question, move it if it isn't :)


Together with some mates (bassguitar, guitar, drums, keys/piano) I'm in a group of which I am the eldest player (°1986-saxophone, the youngest: °1989-piano). There are some pubs in and around my hometown that don't mind giving us a chance to perform. My question is: how much should we be asking for one evening?

We're playing stuff like Chameleon, Cantaloupe Island, Watermelon Man, St. Thomas, Mercy Mercy Mercy, Work Song, So What, ... Not exactly hard to listen to stuff, but accessible jazz-funk music.

I would like to add that I'm from Belgium, so
1) please mind to talk in euros
2) you shouldn't mind transport costs, as the the farest pub is hardly 6 kms away

Also, I think the level is quite good, and the little things can be worked on. (the gig is scheduled for late-january :))
Thanks, Jan

[TenorReinier]

Hi Lambik,

As one of your neighbours (I'm from the Netherlands), I might be in the same situatian you are. I'm the chairman of the University Bigband in Utrecht. When we play in a pub or something, we charge 100 euros for each set. Unless we can play only one set, then it's 150 euros. Of course, when you're playing with a smaller group, this might be less, but don't go too low.

Keep in mind though, that when you bring your friends with you to the bar, they'll drink beers etc so you're filling the pub owners wallet. Don't be shy to ask a little compensation for that. You may even use this argument, usually pub owners are not that bad.

Gewoon doen, en speel ze! ;)

Groet,
TenorReinier

[Lambik]

Thank you for the advice!

I had been asking around, and my bass and guitar player normally catch around 80-90 euros an evening for playing in their rock band (also 5-headed).
That makes around 16-18 euros a member, I think that's acceptable for a new founded band?

Once again, thanks for the advice! :!:

[Spencer]

If you are working in the states a ham sandwich and some fries would be asking alot.


:cry:

[hotcold]

If you are working in the states a ham sandwich and some fries would be asking alot.


:cry: Very true words spencer. They seem to think you just picked the horn and started playing it not to speak of how much it cost you for the horn.

[kevvieg]

I keep hoping I can win the lottery and just play jazz until the money runs out.