First of all, let me just say HEEEEEELLLLP!!!

We received a whopping 18" of snow yesterday and last night and I'm snowed in -- All Saturday night gigs cancelled.

Friday night we played a Christmas party at a Local Country club and during our dinner break I raised this topic to the band. I was about as empathetic as Dr. Kissinger. I told them how much I love the band and playing with them, but that I'm starting to feel run down and the extra expenses are getting to me. I said; doing the lights is getting harder and harder and it takes me an extra 30 minutes before and after each gig to setup and breakdown. And when we do a wedding or a party, most people comment the music on the breaks really keeps the excitement level up. And because we don't play the Macerana and songs like the Electric Slide, my DJing during the breaks really adds to experience. Some wedding bands charge extra for that music and so should we. I suggested a modest amount of money be put aside for each gig for the gigs where we use the lights and music and pass along the increase to the customer.

6 of the 7 guys in the band were shocked that I wasn't getting additional funds, the leader was sort of sullen and had mixed emotions about it and said we'd talk later. The meeting was honest, light hearted, and productive. As other members raised a few other things that were on their mind at the time. Good thing we had some Prime Rib and Beer to soften the Blow!!!

Now there are not many keyboard players who sing lead and acapella harmony with my repetoire in this area and I am always getting approached to join other projects. Guys like me are in pretty big demand so my band knows they've got a pretty good thing going.

Let's see where this leads, I'll keep you posted.

I took a lot of advise learned from you guys and tried to incorporate it into this issue and I thank you all for your candid responses. You guys are great!!!

[This message has been edited by kbrkr (edited 12-07-2003).]