First of all, thanks to everybody for their responses...

I spoke with the client this afternoon and basically offered option #3 but also shared with him the #2 option as well. He indicated to me that he loves what I do, but he just isn't getting the financial return he wanted to continue this. He has no idea what to make of the lower sales figures on some nights that I'm playing. He says he's spent roughly 3 grand promoting the restaurant and my music. He's open to trying the idea again down the road, maybe over the summer months when I'd perform outside on his patio.

To the comments on my posting the email in the first place.

I told the client directly that I had shared his email with a group of fellow musicians scattered across the country in the hopes of finding a solution that would benefit both parties. He apparently had no issues with it and like I said, hopes to have me back again.

I hear what you're saying...and I think its a judgement call. My reputation is sterling and I think, at least in my market, speaks for itself. The sheer volume of shows and repeat business I have every year tells me that more often than not, people enjoy doing business with me when possible.

If I had taken his email and run across the street to his competition, then yes, that wouldn't be cool. In my mind, sharing that email with a group of knowledgable and experienced people who may have been in the same situation I am in the past, might have produced some ideas that could've kept it going. No harm done...

Donny and perhaps others around SZ are known for being tight lipped about financial matters regarding their business. That's their right and I have no quarrel with it whatsoever. I, on the other hand, do not have a problem sharing info with people. I HATED the guessing games and shots in the dark I took when I started out. Some of the more established guys back then would give me zero feedback on pricing, for example. I didn't want to know their tax return info, just give me a ballpark what an average charge would be. I've spoke with several new acts, at the request of a few cients, and been forthright with them. My business hasn't suffered a bit. I am pleased that most of them are doing pretty well and we are friendly with each other. I often get calls to cover them when they can't take a gig, for example.

2 different approaches, both effective, I think.