The other day a long time retirement home client came up to me after my gig and asked if she could get my honest opinion on something. I said of course.

She told me how another high profile, good quality act who's been around a long time had informed her that they were raising their rates if they were expected to interact with the residents. That would now be an extra $30.00. She wasn't kidding.

I told her in the plainest language I could muster that I thought it was ridiculous. I asked her what's next? An upcharge for playing anything not in the key of C? Maybe a special fee for black keys? My god...

She said she thought they were trying to squeeze her and I couldn't disagree.

Thoughts?