Playing "Benefit gigs" (rant)

[portpc]

I do benefits with my trio however I charge $100.00. That covers gas & misc expenses.

The reality of it is that the band playing gratis actually contributes more than 95% of the attendees when you figure the expense of getting there & you factor in what you normally would make at a standard gig.

Any charity worth it's salt will gladly pay for that, They know their event will be well attended & well received.
The band knows they will be devoting their energy to a well organized event.

Of course there are exceptions, Local family emergency fundraiser etc but for the most part the way I see it the charity is getting a great act for an incredible rate.

 

[Rumbledore]

Tell everyone in band that you don't know about them, but that you're trying to "make it".. and free isn't making it.


I'd walk away for suuuuuuuuure

 

[MrLenny1]

Benefits are like Charities. Pick & choose.
8 gigs and 6 benefit gigs is too much IMHO.
Sounds like Miss benefit needs a reality check.
One benefit gig last year was for a fan that is terminal with ALS. Played for free.
The benefit this year paid $250 ea. It was for a city Fire Dept.

 

[whero]

I have nothing against benefits/charity gigs per se, but I would want to set some limits. I'm a busy guy. I get two days off work a week and I have a family, hobbies/projects and community responsibilities outside of music that also occupy my time.

I'm happy to help out a good cause, but if I'm rehearsing one or two nights a week, then on Saturday I have to load up the car, drive across town (paying for my own gas), unload the car, set up, play, pack down, load up the car again, drive back across town (paying for my own gas), unload the car again... There's a limit to how many times I'd want to do that for no return (other than goodwill). Music isn't my "pay the bills" job but my time is worth something too. So it's an arbitrary line I'm drawing in the sand, but for me I'd say doing that once every couple of months would be my limit.

An old band of mine from the early 1980s does get together once a year for a benefit gig. I have to fly to another city to do it so I'm well out of pocket at the end of the weekend. But I don't do it for the charity - I do it because I really like the guys and it's great to have an excuse to get together and play when we're spread across five different cities now.

 

[mikeyjm2]

We've played about 8 paying gigs compared to about 6 benefit gigs and there's 2 more benefits next month!

Sounds excessive to me. I'm in for 2 or 3 benefits per year... maybe 5% or less of the total number of gigs. For sure though that's something that needs to be hashed out prior to joining a band so everyone can manage their own decisions / expectations.

 

[kev451]

I’ll say this, I’ve been to places around the world where I’ve seen people who have NOTHING.

Where the musicians are playing instruments that you wouldn’t even give someone you don’t like lol. And what I’ve learned is this playing music and having the ability to play music and the gear to do so is a blessing in itself.

For every gig whether it’s a benefit or paying gig there is a musician who is sitting playing a guitar or bass with just one or two strings...(yes I’ve seen this in Iraq and Kuwait) so I’ve learned to just be happy playing music whether it’s a benefit or paying gig. Just be happy.

 

[Nephilymbass]

I auditioned for/joined an existing band that lost their bass player. The reason they lost their bass player was that he was never available to play for a benefit, but was always open for paying gigs. They caught him in a lie when they found out where he really was on a night that was a benefit gig, so they fired him. They were pi$$ed.

Let me say, I know good players when I hear them. Every position is real solid, except for keys (always says "Oh, I didn't get the chance to go over that tune" at practice). These guys are among the very best players around here. They are just now starting to get some bookings. They've been together for probably 6 months total. I've been there 3 months, I guess. I like the songs they play very much, so I was content to stick with it. The songs were challenging and are fun to play.

I am getting weary of "benefit gigs". One of the players wives is a benefit freak so that's one problem.
I've played benefits for cancer, diabetes, disease A, B, C, D, F & G. I've played for people who lost everything in a house fire. I've played to raise funds for the animal shelter.
None of these type gigs brings more than 15-25 people. It's ridiculous. The only benefit that draws a crowd is the "Christmas Toy Drive" show in early November.

We've played about 8 paying gigs compared to about 6 benefit gigs and there's 2 more benefits next month!

I've thought about quitting for about a month, but I always stop myself, hoping it's the end of "benefit city", but it never is.

For a benefit we did last month, I attended a Friday night practice to prepare a fill-in drummer. That evening, I had to leave work early to pick up my wife because her car was being repaired. By the time I took her home and went to practice, I drove about 80 miles. The show was Saturday.

I really want to say something to these guys, but I don't want to be branded as one of those who have no sympathy or empathy for other people's problems. I care. I really do, but at the same time, I think to myself that I can't save the entire world. I just don't get it.

Do any of you guys/girls get caught up in the "benefit rut"?
Am I wrong to resent having to play this many gigs of this type?

Thanks! I feel better already!

Definitely been there. We’ve played our share of benefits. Not saying I won’t ever play another one but it would have to be well organized and would have to be for someone local, not to raise money for charities that give ten Cents on the dollar to the cause while the ceo is making bank. We have two in the works at the moment. One is for a DJ/lighting guy at the venue we cut our teeth at for many years who is battling cancer. His treatment is covered but he’s having to travel across the state to get it so we’re mainly trying to help with travel expenses, another is for the wife of a bouncer from that same venue who recently lost one leg and nearly lost the other in a motorcycle accident. Taking on every benefit imaginable just becomes an issue. It becomes tough to get paid when the band is playing so many free shows. Venues and self proclaimed “promoters” see bands playing all those free shows and get a sparkle in their eye. Because they begin to see the money they pay the bands can end up in their own pockets.

 

[Pilgrim]

I think it's time for the OP to have what Kissinger might have called "a frank and meaningful discussion" with the band in regard to benefits. That's way too much.

 

[Daniel Piper]

Nah.

I just wouldn't do it.

Their previous bass player was a bit of a sissy for not being upfront - but I can understand why he would just stay home and play Tomb Raider instead of putting the hours in, for no $.

 

[bassbully]

Well all I can say is the last bass player had this story written on the walls. You sniffed and took the bait and if I were you would bale.

 

[Kevan Campbell]

May it depends on who’s actually running this band. If one or two (or even all of the other members) are deciding what paging gigs and non-paying benefits to take, then I suggest you go the hired gun route with a polite:

“I’m happy to play these poorly-attended benefit shows for $(whatever your rate would be), but it’s up to you guys if The Band does it for free or not. Either way I’m getting paid or you’ll need another bassist.”

Show them that it’s not playing benefits that’s the problem, it’s the lack of attendance and/or the lack of pay for your time. You may lose this gig, but do you really want to be attached to what is effectively a hobby band of amateurs?

 

[Michael Milner]

It seems like there are quite a few of these types of posts these days....as an old fart who still (occasionally) plays out for $, here is my 2 cents.

When you audition for or join a group, you need to explain your expectations clearly and precisely. If you want to only play paying gigs, then tell the other band members that up front. If you join an established group that doesn't share your expectations, then don't expect them to change for you. If you said you would only play paying gigs when you were accepted into the group, and they were good with that, then you have a legitimate beef. If not, then suck it up. If you want complete artistic control and the final say on when and where the band plays, and how much you are going to get paid, then you need to start your own group and be the band leader. Paying gigs can be few and far between, depending on where you are located and the type of music you play, so you may have to temper your expectations.

Good luck and I hope everything works out.

 

[fhm555]

I’ve played rent parties and parties to raise money for community funds and such, even higher tone stuff like literacy council fund raisers, but most were put together things or a band member with ties to the organization. I’m not worried about making money but if it’s a benefit and less than thirty people show up that sounds more like a private party. Even that’s no biggie now and again but if half your playing out is that, i could see the frustration, especially if coin is the primary motivation for playing.

 

[Ross W. Lovell]

I auditioned for/joined an existing band that lost their bass player. The reason they lost their bass player was that he was never available to play for a benefit, but was always open for paying gigs. They caught him in a lie when they found out where he really was on a night that was a benefit gig, so they fired him. They were pi$$ed.

Let me say, I know good players when I hear them. Every position is real solid, except for keys (always says "Oh, I didn't get the chance to go over that tune" at practice). These guys are among the very best players around here. They are just now starting to get some bookings. They've been together for probably 6 months total. I've been there 3 months, I guess. I like the songs they play very much, so I was content to stick with it. The songs were challenging and are fun to play.

I am getting weary of "benefit gigs". One of the players wives is a benefit freak so that's one problem.
I've played benefits for cancer, diabetes, disease A, B, C, D, F & G. I've played for people who lost everything in a house fire. I've played to raise funds for the animal shelter.
None of these type gigs brings more than 15-25 people. It's ridiculous. The only benefit that draws a crowd is the "Christmas Toy Drive" show in early November.

We've played about 8 paying gigs compared to about 6 benefit gigs and there's 2 more benefits next month!

I've thought about quitting for about a month, but I always stop myself, hoping it's the end of "benefit city", but it never is.

For a benefit we did last month, I attended a Friday night practice to prepare a fill-in drummer. That evening, I had to leave work early to pick up my wife because her car was being repaired. By the time I took her home and went to practice, I drove about 80 miles. The show was Saturday.

I really want to say something to these guys, but I don't want to be branded as one of those who have no sympathy or empathy for other people's problems. I care. I really do, but at the same time, I think to myself that I can't save the entire world. I just don't get it.

Do any of you guys/girls get caught up in the "benefit rut"?
Am I wrong to resent having to play this many gigs of this type?

Thanks! I feel better already!

A few a year, tops.......unless I lose a bunch of friends to illnesses.

Usually two a year with a third reserved of my choosing.

I don't make it mandatory for any of the band, we all have alternates.

Most are of like mind.

Sometimes other things come up it's life.

 

[JimB52]

I've played a number of benefits over the years and have been very well treated at all of them. Sometimes with established bands sometimes with pick up bands sometimes with a mix. That being said almost all of them fundraisers were very well organized and well-funded and they realize how much the artists were contributing to the fundraiser. If you add Good Karma into that mix it's kind of a no-brainer. I've also played a few that were really disorganized and didn't raise any money that I could see that was deeply frustrating

 

[Kmonk]

I have played a few benefits fr major causes and have always been happy to help. One was on the Aircraft Carrier Intrepid in New York on the second anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Another was for victims of The Station Nightclub fire in Rhode Island. I've also done some for Best Buddies and the Carol Baldwin Cancer Research Fund. I am very careful about which benefits I do. I have a good friend who is an internationally know guitarist. He has played all over the world and makes a good living as a solo artist. He once told me "When it comes to benefits, artists have two things to offer. Their talent and their time and they deserve to be compensated for both". He went on to say that even if all they can afford to pay is $100, he will do the gig but he deserves to get paid.

 

[Ross W. Lovell]

Thanks! I've edited my post. See the bold part.
Yeah, I think we are getting the reputation as being an easy target.
The responses to my thread will help me determine if I should walk away. I'm torn.

Honestly, a couple a year.

Maybe, like another poster mentioned....some type of ratio utilizing paid gigs versus benefits. Also ones with the official designation of charity.

No one should have to worry about having more charity event expenses playing freebies, than paid gigs.

Bottom line, if it's mandated.....its NOT charity!

 

[cerrem]

I would check out these Benefit shows in more depth ....
Are these shows for real legitimate benefits ??? Dont take anyone's word...check it out for yourself...
Who is behind these benefits and organizing it ???
Who is benefiting ???
Doesn't sound like it is properly organized...
Playing to a dozen people is a LOSS... Nobody is truly benefiting unless it is properly organized, advertised and promoted and draws in a descent crowd......
What did the food catering cost...??? or was that freely provided ??
The venue fees ??? unless that was a freely provided as well ??
Follow the money trail to find your answer....
Have a "friend" show up to one of these benefit shows.... Have them cut a check for $50 and then have them ask WHO, what organization should they write the check to ...Or should they write it to CASH ......
Then when the check clears..... go look at the check and see the name of the person or organization that cashed the check....
If your drummer's wife appears on the back of that check, then she better be able to be audited and explain or may be facing charges...
I bet you this is all a scam....

 

[Pilgrim]

I've played benefits, and I have no heartburn over doing so, but I think it's reasonable for a band to ask that the organizer have an expectation of more than a handful of people showing up for the event. If you have 12 people there you ought to connect a CD boombox to an old stereo for music. asking musicians to drag their stuff all over for that size of an audience is an insult. I think this is something that most organizations haven't thought about, but it ought to be among the first questions the band agent asks.

 

[TheReceder]

Thanks! I've edited my post. See the bold part.
Yeah, I think we are getting the reputation as being an easy target.
The responses to my thread will help me determine if I should walk away. I'm torn.

Is it a good cause if it's only drawing 25 people? I don't mind playing the benefits if it's well advertised, if the band name is at least getting on the radio. If the charity doesn't have the money and/or connections to adequately advertise and get a crowd, then it's not worth playing. This weekend I'll be playing at a Rock for Alzheimer's benefit. It's a great cause and the organizers typically will get around 500-1000 people that will be able to raise a lot of dough. Good sponsors, and to be honest, its led by great guys.

In the end, we have a good time. If you can't say that you're making a difference... well... you're not. What's the point?