Kicked out ...

[Russell L]

Oh dear, I don't want say how I would've reacted to having to leave my stuff. It would not have been a good situation, bouncers or not. No way I would've budged without being able to take my gear with me.

 

[SBassman]

Why couldn't you carry your gear outside to your cars immediately after your set?

+1.

 

[hdracer]

Not sure how it works over there but in the state I live in you can get a permit to allow you to "entertain" in a drinking establishment while being under age.

I remember the Governor (Jesse "the body" Ventura) gave Jonny Lang a personal note so he could play in clubs when he was 14

 

[rtslinger]

You handled that very well and calling you parents into the situation was the right thing to do. Sorry to say the bouncers are going to do what is right for the club underage in a place that sales booze after a certain hour puts the club in jeopardy of losing their liqueur license the reason they needed you out of there. However maybe if you suggest an earlier start and finish time next year you can have ample time to break down and get your stuff out of there before then.

 

[fingerbun]

+1 And since you guys are young it's a good time to start getting in the habit of not playing for free. Everyone loses except the bar owner

It no different than let's say your stocking counters at Wall Mart for $9.00 an hour. You report for work and your Supervisor comes up to you and says:

Most of the other guys here are working their shift for free today. You either go home or work for free.

It means all the practicing, rehearsals and your parents helping the band have no monetary value.

Exception might be at least an afternoon slot at a festival where your band would perform in front of a crowd of 1000 people.

I started my 1st band when I was 12 , we never played for free.

how often and where did you play?

I played for free when I started..it was a good way to learn the craft. I would at least ask about free drinks though. Doesn't hurt to ask.

 

[CodyLX450]

It shouldn't be difficult or awkward to ask for a paying gig - especially if you've already been discussing coming back to play with the management or whoever handles the live entertainment there.

If they ask if you are available to play on such and such date at such and such time - just say you'll have to double check with the other guys/girls in the band and get right back to him/her - but what does the gig pay?

Some places just have a flat rate - some give you a cut or all of the door fees collected while you play - lots of options.

 

[denhou1974]

Leave my gear? Yeah right. I don't even leave my gear with people I know let alone some bar. People steal picks, you think they won't steal a guitar amp?