Playing a big show. Need a soundman and PA.
 

We just got booked to play the Beer Bar in Scarborough, Ont. (site of the former infamous Knob Hill Tavern where bands like Rush cut their teeth). We don't have our own PA and we will have to either rent a larger PA or better yet hire a soundman with his own gear. I have contact with one who did a charity event we played but there is not a firm price. He's asking what our budget is. I have no idea as we have never played this big a venue that did not provide PA.

The venue can handle 550 but who knows what the attendance will be. Anybody got any experience who can offer some suggestions? How much should we expect to pay for a decent PA and a guy who can mix us and make the sound good for a one night large bar gig?

They dont have a PA in-house?

Price depends on a lot of things. Location, size of venue, monitor mixes, etc..

I would say though that if this is a high profile/important gig, you would be better off spending your whole night's pay and sounding great than cheaping out and sounding bad.

Most guys around here for example, will charge around $350-$400 for a venue that size.

I don't believe so. Band meeting s tomorrow but I stress over this stuff and I need to know the options so I can have a plan. If I left it up to the band we'd have nothing.

That was the number that I sort of had in mind and I agree with you first post too. If we an make a good show here it could turn into more.

I think the guy I am in touch with is thinking that way too. Every night his gear sits idle it costs him money and when it is in use it makes him money. I think he'd rather work with us at first so that if it turns into something good he's "our guy." I have no problem with that. Met him when he mixed a friends band and again at a charity event we played in.

you don't know how much you're getting paid?

Bar sales are a factor as I understand so, no, a fixed oay is not known yet.

ugh; this gets risky, then.

Probably OK overall if we end up net zero but would be nice to make a few $$$. If it leads to more of this scale it's all good.

I cant see a bar of that size not having a P.A system...i would call them and ask. If they dont....im guessing no lights either. Going to end up costing you to play :(

Come play in Hamilton. I can get you gigs if your bands set list/genre fits. 99.9% of the bars here have their own p.a system. Some have inhouse soundguys!

Does your band have an EPK?

500 people? anything decent will cost you at least $500.00, if you want quality, maybe $800.00-$1000.00.