Band

by Jim Walczak
(Lorain, Ohio)

I knew that this happens in other cities, but it gives me shivers to think that Cleveland bar owners have become so petty and pathetic as to try this. This is akin to asking a photographer to pay you so they can take your picture or asking the furnace repair guy to pay you for fixing your furnace...it simply doesn't work that way, nor is it supposed to.

As a "working musician" it's my job (in part) to entertain the crowd of a given bar/club. This is what I get paid for...I'm an entertainer...I'm providing a service. This is why I practice and have spent money on lessons, this is why I have purchased thousands of dollars of equipment, not to mention moving that equipment into and out of the bar/club where I perform. As a musician, this is an investment on my part...the return is getting payed to play live and entertain the people who patronize said establishments. The bar/club owner is paying for a SERVICE the same way a couple getting married pays for the service of a wedding band.

I sincerely beg all musicians to please avoid doing any and all business at with greedy, self serving bar owners who would ask you to pay them...that is NOT the way it's supposed to work! Further more, tell your friends and family not to do business with these clubs...don't drink there, don't eat there and don't recommend them to others. Please...avoid these establishments like the plague!