Bad weather and gigs where you get paid based on draw

[jive1]

So, I have a gig tonight with a band where they get a percentage of the bar. I've been there on previous Thursdays, and they have a good crowd, so it didn't seem like a bad deal to me. But today, it's snowing alot and in NoVA, people don't go out if there is even a dusting of snow. I like the band, and the gig is close and convenient to me, so I'm looking it as a practice with potential for pay. Just concerned about future gigs, since winter is upon us.

I know others have been in this boat, so curious about your thoughts.....

[Phalex]

Maybe you'll get lucky. This past Saturday, the weather was pretty atrocious, and the bar was PACKED! I kind of had a feeling that no one wanted to go back out into that crap.

[J. Montgomery]

I've played plenty of gigs in Central VA where its snowing/freezing rain/etc . . . and NO ONE goes out. I'd be inclined to call it off, especially if you're looking at the door. Charlottesville is pretty much at a stand still right now.

[CapnSev]

That was my last gig, just before Thanksgiving. My band played a gig at a club on a night that was a total blizzard. There were maybe 30 people there and it got to be less and less as the night went on. All of us got really burned out in the last set and took off a little early. Overall, it sucked.

On the other hand, we played a gig outside at a ski resort last year in the middle of a blizzard too, but that one was a blast! Even though we were freezing and the trombone player's slide kept getting frozen, we had a ton of fun, and the pay was great!

[57pbass]

We usually take off in Jan & Feb from bars that require us to bring people down ..... it's too risky with the weather and band members who have to travel long distances. We usually rehearse new tunes for the upcoming season and take any private shows offered to us during Jan & Feb....

[jive1]

Originally Posted by Phalex

Maybe you'll get lucky. This past Saturday, the weather was pretty atrocious, and the bar was PACKED! I kind of had a feeling that no one wanted to go back out into that crap.

I'm hoping, but it's not that way here like it is in the Midwest. One inch of snow, and it's a state of emergency with people lining up at the grovery store buying bread, beer, and toilet paper to prepare for the snow.

When I lived in Chicago, it can be 0 degrees and you'll still see people out at the bars. Once when I came back to Chi-Town after being gone for a few years, it was -3 degrees without the windchill. My friends called me and insisted I go out. I got the usual, "c'mon dude, you grew up here, put on some layers, you're good". So I go out with the expectation that we were gonna be the only people out. We hit the bars on Division street, and all the bars were packed. Gotta love Chicago.

[D.A.R.K.]

well, that's the risk in a non-guarantee situation.
the % deals can work amazingly well, but you got no safety net.
i just did tm and foh for 6 shows in ontario...
4 feet of snow, 26 people showed in london but we still got a
sizeable guarantee.
so, sometimes the promoters do loose...
perhaps the key thing to look at in a regular/ local bar situation
is how much you will be playing, if the seasons/ school year has an effect and to average it out.
a set fee might be just as good/ to yer advantage if you are weekly/ regular.
might be worth a set fee for the possible bad days.
or just play with the show seasons, like at the beaches.
know yer market...

[s_mcsleazy]

well in glasgow the trains/tubes have been off because the snow. the busses have been few and far between so most gigs have been cancelled

[jnuts1]

yeah chicago is a drinking town & they always come out. i have loaded in & out in too many blizzards

[hennessybass]

Don't underestimate the power of the holiday's either... people are in a good mood, and want to cut loose this time of year!

[jive1]

Originally Posted by hennessybass

Don't underestimate the power of the holiday's either... people are in a good mood, and want to cut loose this time of year!

Or people have relatives and in-laws in town and need to drown their sorrows.

[s_mcsleazy]

or the office party

or (in the case of glasgow) some slags going tae the dancing goin en the pawlll

roughly translated trying to pick up a man at a rave club

[Richland123]

Just another reason why we don't do door deals or pecentage deals since nobody can control the weather or what people will do in bad weather.

[bassbully]

Its a crapshoot. My band plays Saturday and Thank God we have had a let up in the snow here. We have a big group of friends/fans coming and its our Chrismas show.You have to roll with the seasons I guess. The club we are playing only has music till spring then she (owner) cuts it out till fall due to everyone sitting outside etc so we have to play there in the Winter.

Go for it its better than sitting inside playing with your winkie

[derrico1]

Originally Posted by J. Montgomery

I've played plenty of gigs in Central VA where its snowing/freezing rain/etc . . . and NO ONE goes out. I'd be inclined to call it off, especially if you're looking at the door. Charlottesville is pretty much at a stand still right now.

It's often a surprise. I thought last week's crowds would be sparse b/c it was cold (on the central VA scale, at least), but the gigs were packed.

I'm gigging in C'ville tonight, and I'm hoping for a decent turnout.

[Lazylion]

Originally Posted by jive1

...today, it's snowing alot and in NoVA, people don't go out if there is even a dusting of snow.

And the next time you try to book there, the boss will remind you that you had a low turnout, and will be unimpressed when you remind him that the weather was bad.

[M0ses]

Just play a lot of songs about beer and drinking. Absolutely must include some kind of word for alcohol in the title. There's your percentage of the bar.

[TBrett]

Around here the snow and/or frigid temperature does not tend to stop most people from going out, especially this time of year. We're used to it. Even so, I'd be concerned if I had that kind of deal, because you never know. If it gets nasty enough outside, it can sometimes be enough to make folks change their plans. Hope it turns out well whatever the weather, Jive!

[groooooove]

once played an NYC gig during a huricane. about 5 people showed up.. fun intimate gig.. no money though..

in other occasions ive had mixed luck with the show. but i guess new york isint all too terrible in this regard..

[jive1]

Well, the gig was fun, but there was no money in it. Turnout was low, so it was a paid practice. First gig I ever done with these guys, so we just jammed and had some fun. Actually played a medley of Whole Lotta Love, Holy Diver and N.I.B.

The downside was the low turnout and money.
Upside is I got to play with one of the best guitarists in this area doing what we wanted. Dude was smokin!