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| TEDDY LEE HOOKER by J.A Rose-Bartlett cc |
O.K., we just had a great time in Tacoma, WA. at
THE GRAY SKY BLUES MUSIC FESTIVAL [we paid only a $10.00 cover at the Swiss after 3 pm,]...So, this post caught my eye today...about the type of BIG? money that's being made in all those Music Festivals. This is what I read in the
HUFFINGTON POST.
Well, I have many personel experiances with these these kinda things..'cause, I know that...well frankly most, musicians just are NOT paid enough. Not even minanum wage,....even way below, not counting, all the time rehearsing, and the practice that goes into putting on a show.
Remember, those musicians are doing a JOB and need to get paid just like you do from your job....it's not 'party-time' for them,..only for you, their job is to make you relax and have a good time. This just goes to show, once again, that musicians are just plain amazing people that must do it for the love of music and their hope of making it big someday [or even a decent living]. Most musicians have a 'day job' too, besides their music.They end up giving up all those evenings, and staying up late many nights for thei music andr dream. And, I don't see many 'rich' musicians around. Seems like more and more Clubss are hurting, and they include meals as part of the wage, some include a drink or two as well.
Now, those 'Music Festivals' that do pay more than Music Clubs, by the way...but, NOT really a hugh amount more, they seem to be sought out by everyone and a prize for sure...first,.they have to be found, and if hired by the Festival, it may take a wait of up to a year for that chance to play. many of them [festivals] are out of town, and a hotel or motor home is needed..
In the '70s, Steve played at least, 6 nights a week, in town and got $50.00 a night...EVERY WEEK. Now days, A good musician has one gig a week...WOW, He may make 550.00 or more ,get some tips and food with 2 drinks. the 'wife' pays for her own meal etc.
The Huffington Post post says that those festivals are a reminder of those 'hippie' days of the '60s ....BUT, where's the money the musicians used to get? They don't see it. Festivals usually last no more than a few days too. Musician's gotta eat and live all year long. One or two Festivals a year ain't gonna do it.
I.ve heard that County Fairs are profitable....BUT, along wait time to get in the 'circult' [years]. Once you get in..no one wants to leave and give a new guy their spot...of course, I understand. Who would?.
Casinos are going more and more to D.Js. but, that seems to still hold the dream for many musicians.
This is my opinion, but, it seems more and more difficult for musicians to find steady jobs, they have to play with several bands at once to get opprtunity to play regularly [spell?]. People don't seem to be going out as much as they use to. Many Clubs are shutting down, going to D.Js and trying to make ends meet in other creative ways...Bingo,...anyone?
O.K., I'm gonna say one more thing that I see. Many great musicians and Club owners too start drinking too much after awhile and get into trouble. Maybe part of this problem is because of this kinda stuff. Jan
To readmore about this topic, from
THE GUARDIAN.
ABOUT PHOTO: I took this photo at THE GRAY SKY BLUES MUSIC FESTIVAL in Tacoma, WA. April 11th, 2015. .
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