Good points Bill. I actually did tell each of the ADs in person that the rates would be going up this year, and I informed them in person last October when I booked the 2011 season. Additionally, I told them I would try to hold the rates at last year's level for at least the first six months, a promise which I kept. They all agreed.

Also, in last year's contract, a new clause was added that said "Rates subject to change." The clause was highlighted and printed in bold print so it would not be missed by anyone reading it.

My pay rate has not increased since my days of picking an acoustic guitar and singing in smoke-filled bar rooms. That was more years ago than a lot of Synthzone members have been alive. Back then we didn't need equipment insurance, didn't require liability insurance, most of the places provided free meals and drinks, and the tips often provided as much or more income than the restaurants and bars payed in salary. The only thing that is the same today as it was back then is the pay scale.

When I talked with the ADs again about the price increase, they all agreed that it was about time. Additionally, they said there were only a handful of entertainers they could rely upon to provide the residents with quality entertainment every time they performed. There is only about 5 guys in my immediate area that are on their go-to list--I'm fortunate enough to be among them.

Now, there are some facilities that have taken tremendous hits with their budgets. Only one has called and cut the schedule. However, they called before the letter went out. And when I performed there this past week, they offered to increase the pay by 50-percent because they felt bad about having to cut the number of performance days.

Like I said, some good points to consider, Bill,

Gary