How do you handle the dreaded/beloved benefit show?

[perfektspace6]

You've got to have money to work for free.

 

[iriegnome]

We don't do them. We have made exceptions, but they usually turn out to be a massive pain. So we avoid them

 

[NathOBX]

As long as it benefits a cause that I'm/we're on board with, its usually a freebie.

 

[RVRSCO]

There is no rate. It’s free. It’s a benefit. I donate my time and music to a good cause.

 

[Durham52]

When I was gigging regularly, late '90s/early 2ks, we fell into this. We were asked by a friend of the BL to play for a benefit, which we did. Then asked to play another, which we did. We then found out that the friend was identifying people in need, and getting them to pay her to organize benefits for them. It all took on a predator/user feel at that point, and we bowed out of anything associated with her. We did continue to play for free at a couple of separate events that we felt were legitimate and worthwhile.

"With friends like that..." as the old saying goes. Dog some people are low. Good on you for ditching her, but still fronting up for other legitimate events.

 

[deff]

Are you being actively pursued to play benefits for causes you're not involved in? I've only played benefits when it was something personal to me or the band. Otherwise I'm not even sure why you would be asked. I just thought those things were either, do it for no money or don't do it. Why would someone want to take money from the charity?

 

[jimmydean]

You don't play benefits/charities with the thought of making money unless money is offered . Have played a number of these gigs and usually the band is doing it for exposure , tax write off or free food and drinks.....oh and the goodness of their hearts .

 

[JRA]

i voted "flexible, depends..."

every situation is different. some events can be a boost, e.g., good for PR/connections. some are good for the soul. some actually pay, though most don't. also: shouldn't interfere with a well-paying gig.

i've played for a lot more fundraisers (paying gigs) than i have charity events (usually gratis), but there have been a few "benefits" that were 'too close too home'...i was glad i participated!

 

[H K]

I know darn well the local catering companies aren't giving it away

Really? Maybe not in your experience, but mine is exactly the opposite. As someone who's worked several charity events over the years, I know several examples where businesses have reached deeeeep into their pockets for an event. Wether it be security, catering, transportation, and other services.

 

[J-Mags]

If it's legit, I play for free. If it's not, I run.

I've asked for and received expense money in some situations, but only if it's an out of town show.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

One freebie per year and we have to know them.

 

[bigdaddybass12]

Here on freebies too. Our gig location was damaged by a hurricane, then COVID. We played for free many times helping with fundraiser and getting crowds back. Playing for free should never an issue on a good cause.

 

[Anne Millington]

We only do benefits for tax-exempt organizations, and take the contribution in kind as a tax write-off. It is phenomenally helpful in minimizing our taxes.

 

[bikeplate]

Take all info into consideration and make a decision as a band. Simple as that

 

[Gruff]

I've done a few for free - we're playing at a local church next week, no fee just helping with fund-raising. Before Christmas we played at a local pub that's struggling since covid - we ended up with armfuls of alcohol as a thank you, which was appreciated. But I would only really do that for someone I know, or someone who can do me a favour in some way.

 

[Zooberwerx]

Last month, we played the "Stripper Scholarship Fund and Wet-T Extravaganza" at JB's Gallery-of-Girls for $38.61.

That was all the cash the 5 of us could scrape-up at the moment.

Riis

 

[arbiterusa]

Pay me. My band mates can’t afford to play reduced/no pay shows.

If you do things for free, you’re stealing from those who do those things for pay.

 

[Hounddog409]

I know some people are deeply involved in the planning of their band's financials, others simply show up for a rate, others somewhere in between.

It seems to me like there is something of an assumption that musicians are heavily willing to provide massive discounts/free labor for benefit shows, but I know darn well the local catering companies aren't giving it away, although certainly raffle gifts and such are donated.

Anyway, tell me how you deal with these types of things!

We play charity events. We do not charge, because.....you know, charity

 

[2thAche]

We've only been gigging for a year. We did a few charity gigs for free, and the exposure led to so many private gigs that we turned many of the opportunities down.

All the charities hooked us up one way or another with gift cards etc. We're not living on the gig money; it's all rolling back into gear, so free was fine and well worth the connections we made. We liked the charities and were happy to be involved.

 

[rodl2005]

Flexible. And only for ones that we 'believe' in.
They CAN be good for the band too.. exposure n all