I had a situation last night at the supper club. One of the patrons was hosting a group of 8 and they were celebrating one of the group's election to judge. They were lawyers and regular, big spenders. One of the group wanted to sing a song, so I said o.k. He sounded pretty good and everybody encouraged him to do more.
Well this led to another and another, and all my old tricks to get him off the stage didn't work. It was a situation where I couldn't be rude, because this group's tab was probably $750.
Finally, after about five songs, another table sent up a request card and the guy took it out my hand, saying "WE'VE got a request, let's see what it is". I was just about to say, "No I'VE got a request", when he read the card. It said "Don, please get that guy down, we want to hear you!"
With that, he took the hint, and saved my having to handle it differently.
Later, after most of the other diners had left, he came back and I let him sing some more. He really wasn't too bad, or I wouldn't have allowed any of it. As they were leaving, I asked him, "Is it o.k. if I get drunk tomorrow and come help you with a case or two?" Fortunately for me, he thought I was joking!"
DonM
P.S. The good news is I made over $100. in tips.