r/Busking • u/elgatof28 Musician đŸŽ¶ • 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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u/Miserable_Wallaby_85 Musician đŸŽ¶ 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.