They don't go on hunger strikes or pickets, but the AD might be looking for another way to make a living if I don't show up once, or sometimes, twice a month.

I had a similar experience to DonM with the Havre de Grace, MD American Legion. I played there every Friday night for 6 years. Never missed a night in all that time, even when the weather was really nasty. Most Friday nights were packed to capacity, and so was the dance floor. They elected a new board the last year I was there, brought in some younger blood. Next thing you know I'm out, and so is the club manager. The new guys in town decided to bring in DJs, Karaoke and some 3-piece jazz trios. Attendance dropped from 80 to 100 on Friday nights to a dozen drunks and no dancers. The pay back then, for me at least, was $175 for 4 hours.

A few months ago I decided to stop in and see the Friday night entertainment. There wasn't any. The club was loosing money, no one, other than a few bar flies, was in the place and the bar maid looked like she was falling asleep. When she came over to take my drink order, she said "Hey, aren't you the guy that played music here about 5 years ago on Friday nights?" I said I was and she immediately asked if I would be available on Friday nights anytime soon. I told her that they couldn't afford me. She said "We pay a lot more now. When we do have entertainers the pay is $200." I smiled and responded "Like I said, you can't afford me." I gave her a card, the manager called and I quoted him a price of $300 for 4 hours. I haven't heard from them since.

Bill, I sincerely believe that you will make a lot more money as a single, and have a lot less grief.

Good Luck,

Gary