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#346268 - 07/01/12 11:26 AM what is your BEST Strategies to get gigs NHs or ?
Dnj Offline
Senior Member

Registered: 09/21/00
Posts: 43703
what is your BEST Strategies to get gigs NHs or anywhere else for that matter.......?
Certain tactics work better then others and gigs are always changing regarding AD's or managers etc...sharing how we do it and what works and what doesn't would be good discussion and would help each other to achieve success out there.

So who wants to start off?

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#346269 - 07/01/12 11:43 AM Re: what is your BEST Strategies to get gigs NHs or ? [Re: Dnj]
Tony Hughes Offline
Senior Member

Registered: 01/30/06
Posts: 3944
Donny,

Gary's your man on this one, I think he plays more giggs in NHS than anyone on SZ 400 a year last count. I think one tatic would be to reduce your cost of the gigg so low they can't refuse, at bit like the GODFATHER make them an offer they can'ta refuse??? Capish! Anyway charity begins at home...old folks home rotf2 I couldn't bear to take a penny off them, I will be there one day.


Tony

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#346270 - 07/01/12 12:09 PM Re: what is your BEST Strategies to get gigs NHs or ? [Re: Tony Hughes]
Tony Hughes Offline
Senior Member

Registered: 01/30/06
Posts: 3944
Donny,

If you had any business accolade you would find out what old folks home do for music that don't have arranger players dropping in and concentrate on that, then you don't need to get out of bed, perhaps they use a MP3 player, fraction of the cost of an arranger player and less likely to get grumpy. In the old days it would be a Dansette record player with 78 or 45 stacked 10 deep. My old Aunty is in a private nursing home £30,000 a year and she would certainly not know the difference between an arranger player and a record player and 90% of them in there are the same.

Your old ship mate, no charge for the business advice this time
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#346271 - 07/01/12 12:14 PM Re: what is your BEST Strategies to get gigs NHs or ? [Re: Dnj]
Dnj Offline
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Registered: 09/21/00
Posts: 43703
Tony let's just say years ago I helped Gary on his way to being the King of the MD seniors .....as far as your reply that doesn't help anyone I hope to hear from musicians who actually gig for a living as if I'm not mistaken you do not in a previous post.

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#346272 - 07/01/12 12:18 PM Re: what is your BEST Strategies to get gigs NHs or ? [Re: Dnj]
Tony Hughes Offline
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Registered: 01/30/06
Posts: 3944
No Donny you are right, I would do it for free, it's a UK thing, but if you are looking for giggs and a way in maybe Gary can help you back now. Just a thought!!!
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#346274 - 07/01/12 12:34 PM Re: what is your BEST Strategies to get gigs NHs or ? [Re: Dnj]
Dnj Offline
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Registered: 09/21/00
Posts: 43703
Tony I am not looking for gigs I wanted to discuss the topic so that other people might get ideas.....with your replies I'm beginning to think I should not even started this thread...

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#346275 - 07/01/12 12:38 PM Re: what is your BEST Strategies to get gigs NHs or ? [Re: Dnj]
Tony Hughes Offline
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Registered: 01/30/06
Posts: 3944
Originally Posted By: Dnj
Tony I am not looking for gigs I wanted to discuss the topic so that other people might get ideas.....with your replies I'm beginning to think I should not even started this thread...



Donny it just sounded like you were looking for tips to get giggs, don't think anyone one else sounds like they are out of work over there... too far for me to come to work for nothing.. Anyway Donny Italy are playing Spain in the World Cup tonight who do you think will win, both countries are broke...hand outs from Germany, the World has turned a bit.,

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#346278 - 07/01/12 01:12 PM Re: what is your BEST Strategies to get gigs NHs or ? [Re: Tony Hughes]
ianmcnll Offline
Senior Member

Registered: 07/27/05
Posts: 10606
Loc: Cape Breton Island, Canada
Originally Posted By: Tony Hughes
No Donny you are right, I would do it for free, it's a UK thing, but if you are looking for giggs and a way in maybe Gary can help you back now. Just a thought!!!


Not exclusively a UK thing, Tony...many well known performers in my area perform at NH...they usually take turns donating/volunteering their time to those who aren't able to get out and enjoy live music.

In fact, although I'm hardly what I would call a "well known" performer, I have done a few gigs myself, and although my music is purely instrumental, I was well received and I certainly got a good feeling from being able to share my music with an appreciative audience.

And, you are correct...Gary is the guy to talk to about these type of gigs...he's a veteran.

Ian
_________________________
Yamaha Tyros4, Yamaha MS-60S Powered Monitors(2), Yamaha CS-01, Yamaha TQ-5, Yamaha PSR-S775.

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#346279 - 07/01/12 02:12 PM Re: what is your BEST Strategies to get gigs NHs or ? [Re: Dnj]
DonM Offline
Senior Member

Registered: 06/25/99
Posts: 16735
Loc: Benton, LA, USA
In most states in the U.S., nursing homes are required by law to provide entertainment. They have a budget for this, and the residents are charged enough that there is money available.
When you provide your services for free in these instances, you are only helping the owners of the nursing home, not the residents, as intended.
Also, this hurts those who work the NH circuits. You know, the ones that have the talent, equipment, experience and commitment to do a really good job. The fee charged in many cases barely pays enough to make it profitable anyway.
Let's say you do an hour show at a nursing home for $100. That sounds pretty good, right? Only you have to drive there, unload, set up, perform, load back up, drive back home (don't forget to buy gasoline). That can take from one to several hours. Then you deduct a portion for other expenses, such as insurance, replacing worn or damaged gear, tires for the car, cleaning or laundry, etc. Then you pay income tax on that hundred bucks. Not sure what is left, but you'd BETTER do a bunch of them if you want to make a living!
In fact, it might well be better economically to do 'em for free and deduct your usual rate (not the cut rate) from taxes as a charitable donation, providing you have other income from which to take the deductions. EXCEPT, nursing homes are not charities, they are for-profit businesses. CHARGE 'EM MORE, and don't do them free.
If you want to do free stuff, got to hospitals, veteran's homes, charity fund-raisers and similar venues. There are lots of those around that do not have budgets or even plans for entertaining the patients.
Please excuse the rant, and remember that the circumstances I described may not apply in your location. But they do in mine.
DonM
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DonM

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#346281 - 07/01/12 02:38 PM Re: what is your BEST Strategies to get gigs NHs or ? [Re: DonM]
ianmcnll Offline
Senior Member

Registered: 07/27/05
Posts: 10606
Loc: Cape Breton Island, Canada
Originally Posted By: DonM

In fact, it might well be better economically to do 'em for free and deduct your usual rate (not the cut rate) from taxes as a charitable donation, providing you have other income from which to take the deductions.


That's how it is done here. I've never charged for any NH gigs (and neither have any other local players), but as you say, it will depend on where you live and if there is an entertainment budget provided.

Ian
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Yamaha Tyros4, Yamaha MS-60S Powered Monitors(2), Yamaha CS-01, Yamaha TQ-5, Yamaha PSR-S775.

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#346283 - 07/01/12 04:58 PM Re: what is your BEST Strategies to get gigs NHs or ? [Re: Dnj]
ianmcnll Offline
Senior Member

Registered: 07/27/05
Posts: 10606
Loc: Cape Breton Island, Canada
Not that it matters all that much in the big scheme of things, Donny, but wasn't a very similar topic started by you not all that long ago?

http://www.synthzone.com/forum/ubbthread...ppro#Post343569

Also, there is a link to a similar topic in that thread above.

http://www.synthzone.com/forum/ubbthread..._pro#Post331314


Ian
_________________________
Yamaha Tyros4, Yamaha MS-60S Powered Monitors(2), Yamaha CS-01, Yamaha TQ-5, Yamaha PSR-S775.

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#346289 - 07/01/12 06:33 PM Re: what is your BEST Strategies to get gigs NHs or ? [Re: Dnj]
Dnj Offline
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Registered: 09/21/00
Posts: 43703
So what Ian? I said above things are always changing this post wasnt just for nh gigs as that is only 40% oh my work.........I perform at many other venues also ....... Don makes good sense...around here free means bad music from wannabes sorry to say and once they play they usually never do again anyway in high end NHs.....doing wedding showcases...sending out flyers....making personal meetings with club owners, phone calls, auditions,referal follow ups, calling engagement and anniversary announcement couples from your local paper, restaurant owners, event planners, printi.g calendars to send out, casino managers ,eave cards at party stores, put ads in the papers, or on diner menu placematts..........constantly hustling for gigs......and most of all you gotta have a great product to show people........now can anyone add to this?


Edited by Dnj (07/01/12 06:36 PM)

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#346290 - 07/01/12 07:06 PM Re: what is your BEST Strategies to get gigs NHs or ? [Re: Dnj]
ianmcnll Offline
Senior Member

Registered: 07/27/05
Posts: 10606
Loc: Cape Breton Island, Canada
Originally Posted By: Dnj
So what Ian? I said above things are always changing this post wasnt just for nh gigs as that is only 40% oh my work.........I perform at many other venues also .......


No big deal, Donny...don't get overexcited...calm down...was it that difficult for you to tell my post was not meant to aggravate but merely to inquire?

I sure hope someone can give you some useful advice on how to get more gigs, of any kind. DonM and Gary are experts, and no doubt they can help you.

I'm happy to play for free for those in the local nursing homes, and it is so nice, to not only be appreciated, but also it gives me a wonderful feeling to see the smiles of recognition on their faces when a particular song brings back nice memories.

I wish I had more time lately, to devote to personal gigging, but I'm very busy with getting my old house ready for sale, so it's Yamaha work only for now.

Ian

PS...great entertainers and/or players generally don't need to "hustle"...they are usually in demand. wink
_________________________
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#346293 - 07/01/12 08:43 PM Re: what is your BEST Strategies to get gigs NHs or ? [Re: Dnj]
travlin'easy Offline
Senior Member

Registered: 12/08/02
Posts: 15556
Loc: Forest Hill, MD USA
Just got home from a 5-1/2-hour, outdoor, poolside job. The air temperature was 99 degrees, humidity was about the same figure, and I'm headed for a nice, hot shower before hitting the sack.

Several years ago I traveled to New Jersey to meet up with Uncle Dave, Donny Pesce and Fran Carango. I learned a lot from them all. I learned a lot about keeping the dancefloor packed, learned a lot about transitioning rapidly from one song to the next, learned a lot about reading an audience, and really got some great tips on equipment setups.

As for the marketing aspects, I was already familiar with how to sell myself and how to market the product, which in this case is entertainment. It took about 6 months to become established, and I treated the entertainment business like any other business. It was full-time, 16-hours a day, 7-days a week work. Holidays are just another day of the year, but they do command premium prices. NYE, however, is an exception. It commands 4-times the regular rate and I've never had a problem getting jobs for NYE.

In 2009 I posted an article on working the nursing home circuit. For anyone interested, here's a copy of he article:

The best technique I've found for booking jobs at nursing homes, assisted living centers, retirement communities, senior centers, and similar venues has been direct mail. However, you need to do more than just send a flier to a perspective client and hope for the best--it doesn't work that way. Here's what worked for me.

Create Advertising Package

First, I sat down at the computer and using Print Shop, put together a very attractive series of advertising packages. They ranged from simple cards, to fliers, to full blown packages that cost about $4 to compile. The full-blown package used a dark-blue presentation folder (available at Staples) with a photo inserted in the cover. Inside, there was a letter of introduction with exerts from various satisfied clients, 4-page song list, a 6 to 8-song CD and a business card inserted in the card slot. This cost nearly $2 to mail, which puts the package cost at approximately $6.

Make Simple Card or Flier

A simple card, or one-page flier, again compiled and printed using Print Shop, is a lot less expensive, can be mailed in a 6 X 9 Calendar envelope and requires only a single first class postage stamp. They too are quite effective.

Contact the Right Person

The secret to success, though, is to get the information to the right person, otherwise it will end up in the trash-can along with the tons of junk mail they receive every day. This was done by calling each facility on my mailing list and obtaining the name of the activities director (AD). This was easy. I merely called the facility and said

"Hi, this is Gary Diamond from Travlin' Easy Productions. We're updating our computer files on the various centers in the Baltimore metropolitan area and just need to verify the information we have on file."

At this point I would provide them with the mailing address I have in my computer, then ask about the number of beds or residents, and the name, and the correct spelling of the name of the Activities Director. Now, you have the information to get your advertising package to the right person. I usually updated the list every 6 to 12 months, just to keep it current.

Follow-up Your Mailing

The next part of the process is the follow-up to the mailing. After allowing about 5 to 7 days for the package to arrive, pick up the telephone and call the person you mailed the package to. Once you have him or her on the telephone, ask them if they received your package. If the answer was yes, tell them you are putting together your schedule for next month or next year, whatever the case may be, and you would like to meet with them to set up an entertainment schedule for their facility. Some, ironically, will actually offer to do it over the phone, while others will set up a meeting at the facility.

Become a 'Salesperson'

I prefer meeting the AD in person, which then allows me to take a close look at the facility as well. (For a variety of reasons, there are some locations where I just will not perform.) At this point, you must become a salesperson. And, as any successful salesperson will tell you, you must dress for the occasion. In most instances you should wear the same apparel you would normally wear if you were going for a job interview.

Put Together A 'Formal' Schedule

Sit down with the AD, and with your scheduling calendar, put together a schedule that fits both your and their needs. Once the jobs have been scheduled, go back to your home office, sit down at the computer and compile a "Confirmation of Appearance" letter that lists all dates, locations and times of the upcoming performances. Again, Print Shop makes this an easy job that looks very professional and businesslike. Send two copies of the confirmation to the AD, along with a SASE, have them sign one of the letters and mail that copy back to you. In some instances, I actually use one of my contracts and list all the performance dates on one contract. It's a bit more formal, and it provides the client(s) with clear descriptions of the various exclusions within the contract.

Stay in Touch With Customers

Once the client has been booked, they are placed on another mailing list I have compiled. This is one that I use for sending wall calendars, pens, Christmas cards, and other forms of advertisement that keeps my name high on their list. They're purchased from National Pen Company and over the years have proven very effective. Because my name is on their wall calendar, and the pen they use daily, I'm one of the first entertainers they call when it comes time for special events, parties that command a much higher fee. The calendars only cost me a little over $1 and about .25 cents for the fancy envelope. Most of the time I deliver the calendars in person, usually in late August or early September, and at the same time, book the upcoming year's entire schedule. The pens cost about .39 to .49 cents apiece and can be mailed out with the cards and packages. If you want a great calendar that can be mailed at a reasonable price, pocket planners sell for about .60 cents and can be mailed in a standard #10 envelope.

For those of you who may be wondering where all these senior places are located in your area of the United States, do a Google search and you'll be amazed at how many centers are located within an hour or less drive time from your home.

While everyone believes competition is high in their particular area, keep in mind that most of the individuals providing entertainment are not full time entertainers. Some can only work nights and weekends, which means there are huge numbers of locations where you can work weekdays. Provide them with a great show, act professional, schmooze with the residents, and your calendar will be so full you will have to book your own vacation two years in advance.

One more thing. Rates vary throughout the United States and the rest of the world. Until two years ago, I charged $100 per hour for my performances with a $400 minimum for private parties. After doing my income tax return in 2010 I came to the stark reality that I was slowly going in reverse. Everything had increased in my expenses, but the hourly rate had remained the same for more than a decade. I decided to raise the fee to $125 per hour, a move that many people on this forum felt was excessive. Well, in the end I lost two regular customers, and gained five new ones. That's not a bad way to do business. And, the two regulars I lost said when they can get it approved, they'll be hiring me back and hope I can fit them into my schedule.

As many of you know, I'm going to take a 7-month sabbatical beginning in October. I'm sailing south to the Florida Keys, Dry Tortugas, and maybe the Bahama Islands. I'm taking my music gear with me and hope to be performing in the sunny south for at least 5 of the 7 months. I have already ordered my 2013 calendars and they are due to arrive August 1st this year. When they do, I will be spending several days visiting with my current ADs and filling out dates beginning April 1 2013. All of them said "no problem" and wished me well on my voyage of a lifetime.

Now, if for some reason I happen to get my aging a$$ killed on this 7-monthy voyage, someone in my neck of the woods is gonna' end up with a lot more work than they want. I gave the ADs some names - just in case: Joe Ayala, Gary Alesandro, Ken King, and a few others. They'll probably be pissed because they'll have to work their a$$ off, but if I'm dead I won't know how pissed they are. wink

Hope this helps,

Gary cool
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#346294 - 07/01/12 08:48 PM Re: what is your BEST Strategies to get gigs NHs or ? [Re: Dnj]
ianmcnll Offline
Senior Member

Registered: 07/27/05
Posts: 10606
Loc: Cape Breton Island, Canada
Excellent information, Gary...you are a true professional.

Something there for everybody.


Ian
_________________________
Yamaha Tyros4, Yamaha MS-60S Powered Monitors(2), Yamaha CS-01, Yamaha TQ-5, Yamaha PSR-S775.

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#346295 - 07/01/12 09:47 PM Re: what is your BEST Strategies to get gigs NHs or ? [Re: Dnj]
Tony Hughes Offline
Senior Member

Registered: 01/30/06
Posts: 3944
Thats why I don't gig, too much prep required... like planning a sail around the world...USA didn't do that much planning when they put a man on the moon Gary rotf2

Talking of a man on the Moon Beaky is going flying shortly!!! party lets all party, like Ian says Beaky is made of the right stuff and the right calibre, fired from his job down the HHS home...lost in the long grass.

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#346298 - 07/01/12 10:34 PM Re: what is your BEST Strategies to get gigs NHs or ? [Re: Dnj]
Tony Hughes Offline
Senior Member

Registered: 01/30/06
Posts: 3944
Originally Posted By: Dnj
So what Ian? I said above things are always changing this post wasnt just for nh gigs as that is only 40% oh my work.........I perform at many other venues also ....... Don makes good sense...around here free means bad music from wannabes sorry to say and once they play they usually never do again anyway in high end NHs.....doing wedding showcases...sending out flyers....making personal meetings with club owners, phone calls, auditions,referal follow ups, calling engagement and anniversary announcement couples from your local paper, restaurant owners, event planners, printi.g calendars to send out, casino managers ,eave cards at party stores, put ads in the papers, or on diner menu placematts..........constantly hustling for gigs......and most of all you gotta have a great product to show people........now can anyone add to this?



Donny ends with "now can anyone add to this?"

No Donny,

I don't know why you ask, you have covered ever angle possible and more, I can't think of one thing you have not thought of. Donny, if it's not working for you and your are not getting the gigs, its not for want of trying your hand at advertsing....

Tony

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#346300 - 07/02/12 04:11 AM Re: what is your BEST Strategies to get gigs NHs or ? [Re: Dnj]
Bernie9 Offline
Senior Member

Registered: 09/21/02
Posts: 5507
Loc: Port Charlotte,FL,USA
For the past several years I have taken my Zoom Q3 to my gigs. As a result, I have amassed a sizeable library of videos taken from many past performances. I edit the segments I want to keep on my main pc.

When I am after a particular venue, I put the appropriate vids on my YouTube channel, and give the URL to the AD.

She can instantly see if my performances fit with the clientel. I have never been turned down except for the fee($100 per hour).

In my area, there is a wide diversity ranging from Medicaid nh to high level assisted living compexes. I volunteer for places like the veterans home and medicaid places, but not the rest.

Gary is right about having to provide entertainment and enriching the owners, but some get by with bingo and cards, thereby cheating the clients.

Bernie
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#346303 - 07/02/12 06:06 AM Re: what is your BEST Strategies to get gigs NHs or ? [Re: Dnj]
Dnj Offline
Senior Member

Registered: 09/21/00
Posts: 43703
All that Gary has said is correct....but you must have a great sounding product as well some are under the assumption that because people are sick and elderly that they won't notice bad music or singing...NOT!
Having a top notch website to provide potential clients is also mandatory in this day and age......showing what you offer, pics, viideos, demo songs, etc. The big money is not in NHS but in private gigs ithat pay 4 to 5 times what a nursing home does if your good enough to play them.......versatilily in this game goes a long way..........singing, playing,Djing, is all part of todays entertainment package to help you aquire any type gig don't be a one trick pony!


Edited by Dnj (07/02/12 06:08 AM)

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#346304 - 07/02/12 06:33 AM Re: what is your BEST Strategies to get gigs NHs or ? [Re: Bernie9]
ianmcnll Offline
Senior Member

Registered: 07/27/05
Posts: 10606
Loc: Cape Breton Island, Canada
Originally Posted By: Bernie9
For the past several years I have taken my Zoom Q3 to my gigs. As a result, I have amassed a sizeable library of videos taken from many past performances. I edit the segments I want to keep on my main pc.

When I am after a particular venue, I put the appropriate vids on my YouTube channel, and give the URL to the AD.

She can instantly see if my performances fit with the clientel. I have never been turned down except for the fee($100 per hour).



That is an excellent idea, Bernie...a picture is worth a thousand words.

I think it's also important to be versatile and have a varied repertoire of music, not just Big Band, old Rock&Roll, and Country, but some hip Dance rhythms as well...it is also easy to adapt some of the older tunes to the newer Dance music styles, so you get a nice combination of the familiar and the new.

But yes, having a video is a splendid plan.

Between you and Gary, you have this well covered, indeed.

Ian
_________________________
Yamaha Tyros4, Yamaha MS-60S Powered Monitors(2), Yamaha CS-01, Yamaha TQ-5, Yamaha PSR-S775.

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#346309 - 07/02/12 08:13 AM Re: what is your BEST Strategies to get gigs NHs or ? [Re: Dnj]
montunoman Offline
Senior Member

Registered: 10/20/09
Posts: 3208
Loc: Dallas, Texas
Great topic, and great ideas. I try to go in person nursing home to talk to the AD. I then make an offer they can't refuse: a show free of charge and if they like it, they can book for shows in a future at my normal rate. Every place that has taken my offer has always hiring me later and many of AD's insist on paying me.
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#346310 - 07/02/12 08:19 AM Re: what is your BEST Strategies to get gigs NHs or ? [Re: Dnj]
montunoman Offline
Senior Member

Registered: 10/20/09
Posts: 3208
Loc: Dallas, Texas
Also when I go in person sometimes the AD will ask if I'll play something on their acoustic piano. Rather than trying to explain the whole piano vs. arranger keyboard thing, I just play and sing a few songs for them. What I'm trying to say is, it's good idea to have a few things that you can play on a piano.
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https://www.facebook.com/elgrupocache

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#346311 - 07/02/12 08:41 AM Re: what is your BEST Strategies to get gigs NHs or ? [Re: Dnj]
hammer Offline
Senior Member

Registered: 01/27/08
Posts: 2397
Loc: Texas
I agree with Don Mason here completely. The corporations are required to provide an entertainment budget for the places and expect to pay for events of all kinds. Those folks who think they are doing a good deed by playing free are not really doing what they think. And often they are rank amateurs who couldn't get a real paying job.

Don is also right about the time involved. Lets see, one hour of playing - oh yea, you got to drive to and from the site - for me that is at least an hour each way pending on traffic and often runs 90 minutes on the return drive at traffic time. So, that one hour gig is really a 4-5 hour adventure for the day. Don't forget setup and breakdown time.

We had an Ad here that wanted performers to "audition" for her before she would book them. A real scam - that is all she ever did - free entertainers for as long as there was someone stupid enough to fall into the trap. Most of these AD types don't last long around here though.

Anyway, now most of my gigs are folks who call me and I don't really have to make many calls until an AD leaves - then it is like starting all over at that place. I have never made personal visits because the ADs are seldom available - nor have I sent CDs or other materials. Once I sent a CD and could never get booked and later found out they were playing CDs sent by entertainers rather than book them.

Deane


Edited by hammer (07/02/12 08:42 AM)

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#346312 - 07/02/12 09:08 AM Re: what is your BEST Strategies to get gigs NHs or ? [Re: hammer]
ianmcnll Offline
Senior Member

Registered: 07/27/05
Posts: 10606
Loc: Cape Breton Island, Canada
Originally Posted By: hammer
I agree with Don Mason here completely. The corporations are required to provide an entertainment budget for the places and expect to pay for events of all kinds. Those folks who think they are doing a good deed by playing free are not really doing what they think. And often they are rank amateurs who couldn't get a real paying job.



It certainly depends on where you live...laws are different from province to province in Canada, as well as varying from state to state in USA...also a big difference in privately run and government controlled homes.

The people in my area that perform for charity are all well known professionals...it's basically a "gentleman's agreement" that no one charges, and it is only for certain homes and under certain conditions. On some occasions there will be several acts performing, much like a mini-concert.

One thing for certain, I got lots of non NH work because of the exposure, as have many others...an hour freebie once in a while is simply considered good business and healthy community public relations.

In any case, no one is taking from anyone else.

Ian
_________________________
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#346313 - 07/02/12 09:27 AM Re: what is your BEST Strategies to get gigs NHs or ? [Re: hammer]
montunoman Offline
Senior Member

Registered: 10/20/09
Posts: 3208
Loc: Dallas, Texas
Originally Posted By: hammer
We had an Ad here that wanted performers to "audition" for her before she would book them. A real scam - that is all she ever did - free entertainers for as long as there was someone stupid enough to fall into the trap. Most of these AD types don't last long around here though.

Anyway, now most of my gigs are folks who call me and I don't really have to make many calls until an AD leaves - then it is like starting all over at that place. I have never made personal visits because the ADs are seldom available - nor have I sent CDs or other materials. Once I sent a CD and could never get booked and later found out they were playing CDs sent by entertainers rather than book them.

Deane


I should have said that's it's best to call first to make an appointment with the AD so you don't interupt any activity or meetings they may have.

I'm sure there are some unscrupulous AD that would take advantage of a free audition. It doesn't concern me much because I have have a good full time (non music) job... Playing local entertainers CD's rather than booking live music or at least buying CD is pretty low. There lots of really good and inexpensive used CD's available. Anyways Hammer is right about when an AD lives it's just like starting over.
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#346314 - 07/02/12 10:44 AM Re: what is your BEST Strategies to get gigs NHs or ? [Re: ianmcnll]
Scottyee Offline
Senior Member

Registered: 12/01/99
Posts: 10427
Loc: San Francisco Bay Area, CA, US...
Originally Posted By: ianmcnll

The people in my area that perform for charity are all well known professionals...it's basically a "gentleman's agreement" that no one charges, and it is only for certain homes and under certain conditions. On some occasions there will be several acts performing, much like a mini-concert.
Ian, I agree. smile
We've got a wonderful charitable music organization here in San Francisco (founded by the late Mimi Farina):Bread & Roses - Hope and Healing Through Live Music
Volunteer Performers uplift the spirits of children undergoing chemotherapy, teens battling substance abuse, families in homeless shelters, seniors nearing the end of life transition,
prisons, mental health institutions, and others living apart from friends and family while facing challenging times.

Volunteers have included Neil Young, Boz Skags, Carlos Santana, Joan Baez, Pete Seeger, Tom Waits, and many other musicians (both working pros and pro level amateurs).
Several years ago I performed at one of their charitable events found it an especially rewarding way to give back to the community. cool


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#346315 - 07/02/12 10:54 AM Re: what is your BEST Strategies to get gigs NHs or ? [Re: Scottyee]
Tony Hughes Offline
Senior Member

Registered: 01/30/06
Posts: 3944
Scott,

I love the work they do but when I little children it cuts me up I can't stand it, I did the Rotary Farther Christmas Sleigh at a school for children with learning difficulties, I started to take the gifts in saw the kids and ran out crying, hell why do we complain about anything..

Tony

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#346316 - 07/02/12 11:14 AM Re: what is your BEST Strategies to get gigs NHs or ? [Re: Scottyee]
ianmcnll Offline
Senior Member

Registered: 07/27/05
Posts: 10606
Loc: Cape Breton Island, Canada
Originally Posted By: Scottyee


Volunteer Performers uplift the spirits of children undergoing chemotherapy, teens battling substance abuse, families in homeless shelters, seniors nearing the end of life transition,
prisons, mental health institutions, and others living apart from friends and family while facing challenging times.

Volunteers have included Neil Young, Boz Skags, Carlos Santana, Joan Baez, Pete Seeger, Tom Waits, and many other musicians (both working pros and pro level amateurs).
Several years ago I performed at one of their charitable events found it an especially rewarding way to give back to the community. cool




Wow! Some big names in that bunch, Scott.

I played at a children's hospital in St. John's Newfoundland called the Janeway, quite a few years ago, and was surrounded by kids from 5 to about 12, all dealing with cancer. I was using a Roland E-70 at the time and we had a ball...even played the "sound effects" which were a real novelty at the time. The kids were totally fascinated, and I was totally humbled.

Here I was, a healthy man, in my 40's, with the ability to play, and there were kids there with less than a few months to live...their attitudes were certainly inspiring and after the gig, I took the gear out, put it in the Jeep, and then sat behind the wheel for over 15 minutes, crying like a baby.

It was the most rewarding thing I ever did in my career as a musician.

An unexpected by-product of the gig was several very lucrative dinner gigs as the owner of one of the premier restaurants in St.John's was the Dad of one of the children, and those gigs led to more well paying jobs...all because of a little bit of my free time spent with kids in dire situations.

The old saying "sometimes you have to give it away to keep it" is one I have always believed in very strongly.

That's not to say that those who do charge are in the wrong, or are exploiting the ill and elderly...on the contrary...it takes a special kind of person to be able to handle NH gigs, and the places with budgets for entertainment should pay the performers well for their time.

And, most importantly, those who do charity work should be very careful not to take work away from those who make their living with music.

It has been my experience there is room for both.

Ian



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#346318 - 07/02/12 12:34 PM Re: what is your BEST Strategies to get gigs NHs or ? [Re: ianmcnll]
captain Russ Online   content
Senior Member

Registered: 01/02/04
Posts: 7285
Loc: Lexington, Ky, USA
Tony, you old SOFTEE! I know and appreciate where you're coming from.

I don't play nursing homes for reasons I have discussed before, but I do donate the proceeds from one job a week to a group I'm in which lobbies for much needed improvements in the "for profit" nursing home industry.

This way, I donate three or more times the amount I could get paid for the nursing home gig, and I get a platform upon which to tell the story of the good our group does.

As far as other jobs, I do four things:

1. My specialty is upscale restaurants and country clubs.
I frequent these places as a customer or member and make sure management knows I'm there. I never approach them, but, generally, I get a brief visit; often followed by an offer for work.

2. I NEVER ask for pay at the end of the Saturday job. The place is busy, and if I can't trust them enough to bill them, I don't want to be there anyway.

3. I always consider myself another employee. I've helped haul trash during busy times; seated people, been the unofficial bouncer (that's a permanent job, actually, in several of my gigs), bussed tables, helped people to their vehicles; even driven several regulars who had too much to drink home in my vehicle.For regular gigs, I even attend employee meetings. And, i play for holiday staff parties, participate in gift exchanges, etc.

4. I ALWAYS tip the bartender or floor supervisor $5.00 at the beginning of the evening. I ask for their assistance in checking volume or in helping keep me informed of anything special. That way, I'm telling them that I want to work the room properly and welcome their input.

Works for me...56 years and counting!


Russ


Edited by captain Russ (07/02/12 12:36 PM)

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#346319 - 07/02/12 12:43 PM Re: what is your BEST Strategies to get gigs NHs or ? [Re: ianmcnll]
Fran Carango Offline
Senior Member

Registered: 05/26/99
Posts: 9673
Loc: Levittown, Pa, USA
Ian....I agree with you...100 percent..
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#346320 - 07/02/12 12:43 PM Re: what is your BEST Strategies to get gigs NHs or ? [Re: captain Russ]
captain Russ Online   content
Senior Member

Registered: 01/02/04
Posts: 7285
Loc: Lexington, Ky, USA
Bread and Roses sounds like a GREAT organization. The promotional film was simple but well presented.

Around here, you get what you pay for. Most of the people who play nursing homes aren't good enough to do anything else. Lots are older folks who have been at it for a long time and gravitated to Nursing home work because of the short hours and appreciation of nearly ANY live performance. Few ever worked mainstream venues.

Seems like their hearts are in the right place, though.


Russ

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#346330 - 07/02/12 07:40 PM Re: what is your BEST Strategies to get gigs NHs or ? [Re: Dnj]
DonM Offline
Senior Member

Registered: 06/25/99
Posts: 16735
Loc: Benton, LA, USA
Russ, I do all those things too. Thought I was the only one that did. I'm the only one around HERE that does!
I actually cleaned a booger off the rest room wall a while back!
DonM
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DonM

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#346333 - 07/03/12 06:39 AM Re: what is your BEST Strategies to get gigs NHs or ? [Re: captain Russ]
Dnj Offline
Senior Member

Registered: 09/21/00
Posts: 43703
RUSS good points I always tip the bartender also ....

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#346355 - 07/03/12 12:01 PM Re: what is your BEST Strategies to get gigs NHs or ? [Re: DonM]
Tony Hughes Offline
Senior Member

Registered: 01/30/06
Posts: 3944
Originally Posted By: DonM
Russ, I do all those things too. Thought I was the only one that did. I'm the only one around HERE that does!
I actually cleaned a booger off the rest room wall a while back!
DonM


Don,

Did you really clean a booger of the wall, what did you get it off with, if you don't want to tell us well will all understand, yuck, anyway Don big day for you all tomorrow, I wish you all the best whatever you are doing.

Tony

BTW hows that Pa3x doing, have you got the hang of it yet.
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#346371 - 07/03/12 03:26 PM Re: what is your BEST Strategies to get gigs NHs or ? [Re: Dnj]
Beakybird Offline
Senior Member

Registered: 01/27/01
Posts: 2227
I do about 440 shows per year, almost exclusively at nursing homes and retirement communities. I used to do over 500 before the economy went bad.

My shows are typically 55 minutes long. It wouldn't be tactful for me to say how much I get. I'm told that it's more than most of the other entertainers, but I'm not the most successful entertainer in the Chicago area elderly circuit.

I agree, $100 does not cut it here in the Chicago area when you factor in all the driving, setup, take down, time making appointments.

I think that the most important thing is to do a great job. I've been doing this for years. I know hundreds of old songs. I've learned and created hundreds of one-liners and puns. If you say something like, "My dad was a great dancer. Mostly because he grew up in a house that only had one bathroom," you're going to see a lot of laughter, and you're not going to annoy people who just want to hear music. Or, "I learned this song in second grade. I had a cross-eyed teacher. She couldn't control her pupils."

I don't know. I get consistent great feedback from my audience because I'm taking time to learn some good chops on the keyboard, I play the songs they love to hear but I don't play too many ancient songs, and I make people laugh.

I've found it helps after the show to thank everyone in the audience if I have time. I show that I am grateful that they came - even if they didn't have a choice and can't move! I feel blessed that I can get paid to play the keyboard and share some smiles, and I want to show my audience that I care about them individually. It takes 5-7 minutes.

Other factors that help are dressing nice. I'm not the best dressed, but I always come with a tie. I have a collection of music-themed ties that I always get compliments on.

A website with videos and endorsements probably contributes 10% to my business. If I create a new video (and I'm due) or get a great endorsement from the head of marketing - I make sure to email it to all of the folks who aren't using me or haven't used me in a while. So it's important to have the emails of as many of your clients and potential clients as possible. I personally don't have time to be doing mass mailings even though some might get a lot of bang for the buck out of them.

Have great equipment. I play the PSR-S910. It's not the best, but it's a great keyboard. I have a great mic and great speakers. One sign that I have great speakers is that almost no one tells me that I'm too loud.

Don't race to the bottom on price. Be better than your competition and justifiably charge more.

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#346372 - 07/03/12 04:06 PM Re: what is your BEST Strategies to get gigs NHs or ? [Re: Dnj]
travlin'easy Offline
Senior Member

Registered: 12/08/02
Posts: 15556
Loc: Forest Hill, MD USA
I agree, Larry. I performed at a location last Friday where there were two performances taking place a the same time. I was in a relatively large hall, probably about 100 people in the hall when I arrived, and more came in later. This time of year I typically wear black slacks, shiny black shoes and a sharply pressed Hawaiian shirt.

The guy performing on the next floor above me was wearing ragged a$$ed shorts, a wrinkled shirt and sandals. He looked like he just crawled out of a wine bottle and hadn't shaved in a couple days. This was the first time I saw this individual, and hopefully, it was the last.

Cheers,

Gary cool
_________________________
PSR-S950, TC Helicon Harmony-M, Digitech VR, Samson Q7, Sennheiser E855, Custom Console, and lots of other silly stuff!

K+E=W (Knowledge Plus Experience = Wisdom.)

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#346373 - 07/03/12 04:22 PM Re: what is your BEST Strategies to get gigs NHs or ? [Re: travlin'easy]
Dnj Offline
Senior Member

Registered: 09/21/00
Posts: 43703
Originally Posted By: travlin'easy
I agree, Larry. I performed at a location last Friday where there were two performances taking place a the same time. I was in a relatively large hall, probably about 100 people in the hall when I arrived, and more came in later. This time of year I typically wear black slacks, shiny black shoes and a sharply pressed Hawaiian shirt.

The guy performing on the next floor above me was wearing ragged a$$ed shorts, a wrinkled shirt and sandals. He looked like he just crawled out of a wine bottle and hadn't shaved in a couple days. This was the first time I saw this individual, and hopefully, it was the last.

Cheers,

Gary cool


Gary scary part is he was hired and working .....

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#346381 - 07/03/12 06:03 PM Re: what is your BEST Strategies to get gigs NHs or ? [Re: Dnj]
124 Offline
Senior Member

Registered: 01/01/09
Posts: 2195
Yes, hired and working on that ONE occasion, Donny. I'd bet he's nowhere close to the number of gigs many of us fellas on here enjoy.

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#346382 - 07/03/12 06:31 PM Re: what is your BEST Strategies to get gigs NHs or ? [Re: Dnj]
Jerry T Offline
Senior Member

Registered: 09/23/05
Posts: 1002
Loc: Phila. 'burbs, Pa. USA
Thanks and Keep all that good info comin'. I would like to try to break into Nursing Home entertainment and these discussions are valuable ...
Ciao,
Jerry

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