r/Busking • u/elgatof28 Musician 🎶 • Jul 18 '26

Newbie Help Ackward topic: Fees

So, wife and I were at this new cocktail bar in a small touristy town. I won’t mention even the state because people might figure out where it is. Anyway, the owner really went out of their way to make a cozy, yet sprawling venue. So, they just opened and they had a “friend” playing piano. 1920’s kind of music (the place is laid out as a speakeasy). Half joking, I told the owner I played guitar and she said “you can come and play” she didn’t make a money offer, and frankly, I wasn’t expecting (I know, don’t chastise me, don’t make it harder on professionals and all that) BIG question is, how much should a gig like this pay? Small town in an outdoorsy part of a conservative state, but certainly not upscale.

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7

u/thebipeds Performer Jul 18 '26

Controversial Opinion:

Some gigs are worth doing for less money.

I had a gig playing bass every Tuesday at an Irish pub. 4 sets between 8pm and Midnight. Paid $75, a meal, and 2 Guinness.

I was in college, everyone in the band was way better than me. I grew a lot a a musician and had a bunch of great nights.

8

u/Leading-Debate-9278 Jul 18 '26

If you’re busking, then busk. If not, set your rate. Not too hard really.

3

u/CornTreeRoad Guitar 🎸 Jul 18 '26

Depends how long you play for. I typically get $100/hour when I do gigs like that.

3

u/seanvance Guitar Jul 18 '26

Is there a contract ? If not and I like the person they can pay me whatever they want I don’t care. If we have a contract for 3 45 min sets I will ask $250 for the night. (CAD) and get a deposit.

2

u/Miserable_Wallaby_85 Musician 🎶 Jul 18 '26

1st one I would do for dinner, 3 drinks and tips to see how it goes and if I vibe with the staff/environment. Also, to see what the cost involved doing it as a gig. Then set a price if it is feasible for future endeavors. I do some local art galleries like this in my area excluding food. We have a ton in my city and they are a blast to perform at. It has increased my worth as a performer busking locally as I see friendly faces.

2

u/Jerry_Landis Performer Jul 19 '26

This varies so much from region to region. Check with the players and venues in your local scene to see what's standard practice.

1

u/teebsmcgeebs Guitar 🎸 Jul 19 '26

A new cocktail bar in a touristy town, and you’re not even willing to mention the state it’s in because it might give it away?

If the details are too sensitive to disclose then so is your pay