Note to live music fans and our wonderful live music venues: The pay that we “working class” musicians earn is NOT for the three or four hours we spend performing for you. We love doing that, especially if guests are engaged and dancing, singing along, sharing the show with us. We would do that for free because we enjoy performing and connecting with audiences that much.

The pay is really for the hours of lugging gear to the stage and setting up, plus tearing down equipment after the gig. And the hours and expense of driving, rehearsing, and buying and perfecting equipment to get “just the right sound” for you all.

Some gigs and venues pay really well, and we are so grateful that our work and talent is appreciated and respected. Like other independent businesses, most musicians have a “mix” of engagements that range from “lucrative” to “exposure”. We really appreciate venues that understand and appreciate our investment, talent and desire to partner with them to enhance their profits and reputation.

Another factor in compensation for musicians is tips. In some performance situations musicians offer a tip jar. I can’t express fully how important the tip jar is to working class musicians. It’s not the money. It’s the respect! If the tip jar is ringing, the performers know that their work and talent is appreciated by the guests. It’s like applause on steroids.

Please understand that musicians and bands are sticking their necks out every time they perform. The relationship between performers and audience is visceral – the risk of being embarrassed is offset by the bliss of applause and — yes, tips and compensation.

So the upshot of this message is: If you are a patron of live music, first of all God bless you! And second, please show your appreciation in whatever way works for you. If you really love what the musicians are expressing for you, let them know by applause and participation, and if you wish, please tip a few bucks.

If you are a venue booking live music, God bless you! And don’t forget that working musicians bring much more to the workplace, your business, than just a few hours of labor. We want you to succeed and are working toward that end.

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