I'm interested in knowing what the average rate for a 4 hour gig is, birthay party, small restaurant etc. If it's a wedding or banquet "dinner dance", what's the going rate, obviously more????

Do a search in this forum.

I charge $300 for such an occasion in Orange County, CA. It would be $350 if I had to travel into Los Angeles. That's for solo acoustic accordion work on a very part-time basis on weekends.

Tommy

Weekend wedding receptions and private parties are minimum $350. More depending on travel, equipment, etc.
Weeknights are negotiable, but never under $150.
Of course this is for one person--me.
DonM

The going rate on this forum isn't nearly as important as the going rate in your area.

The rate is going to vary consideraly, depending on geographic location, type of venue, size of venue, and of course your reputation as an entertainer/performer. As the commercial says "Rates may vary!"

Cheers,

Gary

Actually I asked a few friends in the area, these rates in my area on average:

small-med. sized restaurants on a weeknight $200-$250, more on Holidays or special event.

birthday party, baptism, etc. $250-$350

weddings $500-$750

dinner dance or formal event $350-$500

Not Bad!

OMBs in the RI area will generally get about $150 for a Fri or Sat in a decent restaurant... maybe less during the week ... For Weddings, dinner dances. etc. $75 - 100+ per hour, usuually with a minimum charge ...
t.

SYNTH_GUY are you in a resort area?

No, I'm in CT an area infested with moviestar/actor/singers/musicians and very wealthy young snobs, why?

That's really good for a weekday. I live in a high profile area ( Phily ) and $200 is usually more like weekend pay in the clubs around here. Most of my weekend work is for private clients and the rates are significantly higher, but anything between $150 and $200 is typical for weekdays.

I think that's pretty good money resort areas usually pay better and provide more oppotunities. But, it sounds like upscale areas, like yours also pay well.
I live in a blue collar area not much money or opportunities for live music.

Around here top restaurant jobs pay $150.00 tops, with many paying less.

As I'm sure is is everywhere else, private parties are all over the map. A foreign owner of a major thoroughbred farm reserves a private room at the restaurant I work most often about six times a year. He entertains 12 associates, spends around $3000.00 for wine and dinner.I'm paid by the restaurant...go in two hours early. This guy tips me $1000.00. He also gives the only waiter he'll accept $1000.00.

This is the same guy that gets the Nevelle Brothers to play parties with 50 or so people attending. He also donated millions to 9/11 relief. Man, I wish he was in the US year-round.

Most corporate jobs pay $300-500.


russ

In Dayton and surroundings weekends range from $125-$175 per night for a solo. This is in your animal clubs. Restaruants I find pay much lower and aren't nearly as enjoyable for me. I enjoy catering to dancers my regulars who follow me around like to be able to dance.

Weeknights, you're real lucky if you can get $100. Usually closer to $50-$75 + tips and maybe a meal. Which is why for the most part, I don't even really bother with them. There is so little happening in the Dayton area during the week that it makes more sense to me to play the nursing homes for $85-$120 a pop and be home for dinner, lol...

Private parties depending on length can range from $150 for a short one up to $400 or so for longer events.

Weddings also deviate depending on how large they are. Smaller receptions can go as low as $250 for an afternoon gig all the way up to $500 for an evening.

There are shows that fall outside these ranges, but that's what I find to be most typical in this area.

Bill in Dayton

What's an animal club?

Moose, Elks, Eagles, Bikers
DonM

Eagles, Moose, Elks, VFW's, American Legions, etc...



Bill

Man, glad I asked. I thought it meant a young people's club, like frat guys go there... Animal House.

To Ga !
To Ga !!!!!

On average the pay based on the replies here are a lot less if you compare it to CT/NY, but don't forget that the cost of living here is also higher. An average small home here in Fairfield County costs $450-650, majority go for over a million, right on the NY line, Greenwich area $4 to $30 million and more, crazy but true.