It's just another fun job, and I've had lots of them. Performing in front of an audience is as much fun as it gets. I will only do a freebee if it an audition that last 20 minutes or so. Beyond that, it's out of the question--even if it's for a good, charitable cause. Keep in mind that most charities, even the small ones, have someone at the top who is making big bucks, often more in a single year than any of us will make in an intire lifetime. I'll play for free if the CEO works for free!

This reminds me of an story told to me be a retired police officer.

There were three ladies of the evening arrested on night while working a local pub. They were hauled into night court before the magistrate and he said "Ladies, you are all charged with prostitution--what is your plea?" The first spoke right up and said "Not guilty your honor."

"Not Guilty" said the judge. "You were caught red handed by an undercover policeman, money exchanged hands, what do you mean you're not guilty? If you're not a prostitute, what do you do for a living?"

"I'm a cocktail waitress, that's why I was in the bar." she replied.

The judge smiled, looked at the second lady and said "I suppose you're a cocktail waitress as well."

"Absolutely!" she said with a smile.

"And how about you young lady? I suppose you are also a cocktail waitress."

"Oh no your honor--not at all. I'm a prostitute and that's my only source of income." said the third woman.

"Well" said the judge, "It not often that we have someone in my court that admits to being in this profession. Tell me young lady, with AIDS and STDs scaring people away, how can you make a living as a prostitute?"

Smiling she replied "It would be one hell of a lot easier if it were not for all those damned cocktail waitresses!"

Same holds true in the music biz. Too many cocktail waitresses playing for free. Sure makes it difficult for full time performers to make a decent living.

Cheers,

Gary