Anybody done a "Sofar Sounds" gig?

A buddy of mine owns a business that is hosting a "Sofar Sounds" gig. Anybody done this as host or musician?

The gist seems to be that:
-Unconventional spaces are used and folks tend to sit on the floor. BYOB,etc.
-Acoustic, mostly unplugged.
-People buy tickets without knowing the 3 musicians or location of the gig.
-Host get's no compensation.
-Musicians get a maximum of $100 per group, or less (sometimes nothing except a video) though they are allowed to sell merchandise and they might get a video of one of their songs.

At first look, I really hate this idea, and it seems like a bad deal for everyone involved and a local music scene. I don't level that at my buddy however as he's not a musician, Sofar isn't known for explaining their business practices to anyone involved and he's just trying to get more people into his shop. Luckily I have a gig and can't attend anyway, but I probably wouldn't go on principle alone. I'm going to ask him about his experience afterwards.

At $100 per show, per group I doubt that allot of bassists do these gigs, but I'm really curious to hear from folks who have hosted, played or even attended such a gig.

For those interested, here's the most recent article I could find on Sofar and their practices.
Sofar Sounds house concerts raises $25M, but bands get just $100 – TechCrunch

 

In answer to the questions above. AFAIK, the artist doesn't have to sell any tickets. Most of these shows seem to sell out.

The mystery aspect seems to be part of the show. In fact folks who want tickets "apply" and if approved they can buy them. Apparently Sofar Sounds will curate the audience if they get more requests than availabilities for a preferred balance of new to existing companies.

As for the compensation, I guess it's what you make it. It's not very clear, but it looks like some artists don't get anything but a video, some get up to $100. They aren't very clear about it. I think for a solo artist, maybe a duo, it might be worthwhile to do a half an hour or so for $100. IMHO, a 4 piece band, not so much. $25 isn't great, even if you're only playing a short set. I've played for $25 before, but I've no desire to do that anymore.

I actually mentioned it to my bandleader tonight. I don't think it's a good deal for the whole band, but maybe he and I or he and the steel player might want to give it a try. I think for him it would be whether they have shows outside the city, and if not, whether he wants to drive an hour and a half to Chicago to do one. I wouldn't, but I figured he should at least have the info.

 

I didn't have much time to talk with my buddy at church this morning but he said it was a good gig and 50 people showed up. I'll find out more info later.

The numbers I've read seem to be $15-22 a ticket. $22 is an example they give on their own website.

I like to see music in an intimate setting but I have hard time imagining paying $22 for 25 minutes each of 3 bands I've never heard before.

On the other hand figuring in the cost of BYOB vs bar liquor maybe it's not that different a cash outlay for the evening.

Thanks for that. Do you have a link to the Sofar video?
I've heard that for some markets the tickets are free, but in America they paid/ticketed.