Attention restaraunt players!!!

Posted by: Bill in Dayton

Attention restaraunt players!!! - 07/18/05 05:09 PM

Some background...

I've had a local upscale Italian Restaraunt indicate some interest in my services. They want to meet with me to discuss logistics. (Where I'd set up, speakers, scope of sound, etc.)They're mainly interested in Thursday evenings and want "upscale, jazz inspired instrumental music."

I've been looking for a Thursday and Sunday steady type gig. Although I sing 99% of the time when I play, I'm confident I could make this work. Honestly, a non-vocal gig at that point of the week makes a lot of sense for me to obtain.

I asked for and have gotten $100 plus tips plus dinner for 3 hours of work. 6:00pm-9:00pm is the likely time frame.

Any advice you guys (or girls) that do the restaraunt thing heavy care to offer? I can play standards all night long plus some tasty versions of misc. other pop tunes done with a jazz or Latin feel. No dancing to worry about...so, (and it takes a LOT for me to say this)...I might even consider using some high quality MIDI files to play over a few times throughout the evening. (I usually only play over styles...full kb mode on my Tyros.)

Do you suggest setting up a mic for introducing myself, announcements, saying good-night-seems to only make sense. My reputation is far more that of a vocalist than that of a pure KB player. Wonder how I might handle it if some people who follow me stop in one night and start requesting vocals. I may need to see if there's any wiggle room on the clients part with this. I wonder if playing the first two sets as instrumentals and then sing the third and final set makes any sense?

I have the Tyros satellite speakers that are available from Yamaha. I usually only use them for rehearsal and some VERY small gigs. Is anyone finding these to be adequate for a small to medium size room? If not, I'll be using my EV 15" and my Behringer PMH2000 500watt 10 channel box mixer. More than adequate...but the sound output is so clean and strong its usually worth it. I do have a pair of Yamaha Club Series 10" that might do the trick...but I'll sacrifice some bottom by using them. (Bottom that the club probably has no interest in hearing anyway, lol...)

Any advice or suggestions will be appreciated!

Thanks!

Bill in Dayton
Posted by: captain Russ

Re: Attention restaraunt players!!! - 07/18/05 07:14 PM

Bill, I've been playing upscale restaurants four nights a week for years. I just gave up my long-time job outside, but have replaced it with two nights at a country club and two nights at a restaurant.

The mix of vocals and instrumentals is tricky. Unstrumentals often work better early, when music adds class, but management is interested in turning tables. Playing all instrumentals often does not help retaining a late croud. What I do is play instrumentals with a rare vocal between 6:00 P.M. and a little after 8:00 P.M. Early crouds generally have something else to do, and management wants a turn every hour or so. People who are there after 8:00 P.M. are much more receptive to being entertained, and will generate revenue for the place on drink sales.

I would play instrumentals the first two sets and entertain the last one or two. You will build the late croud as well as satisfy the management and early diners.

Try a vocal or two the beginning of the third set and see how the croud and management reacts.

As far as sound systems, I use two small 12" with horn pads. I place them on the floor, not on stands. That way, the volume never hits diners in the heads. I turn up the horns a little on the third set.

This is what works for me.

Turning a room from a dining to a drinking room by transitioning from dining/instrumental music to entertainment is tricky, but results in long-standing repeat customers and recognition. Soon, other restaurants will hear of you, and there is a possibility that the Italian establishment will up the pay and add more nights.The rate here in Lexington is $150.00
for upscale places.

Good luck!

Russ
Posted by: Dnj

Re: Attention restaraunt players!!! - 07/18/05 07:36 PM

Bill talk to Uncle Dave he's the
Restaurant "MASTER"

Good Luck
Posted by: flatfoot

Re: Attention restaraunt players!!! - 07/18/05 07:50 PM

>>>> The rate here in Lexington is $150.00
for upscale places...>>>

Is that 150 for the whole night or per hour?
Posted by: cassp

Re: Attention restaraunt players!!! - 07/18/05 08:20 PM

If it's $150 per hr. we'll all be there next week.
Posted by: chony

Re: Attention restaraunt players!!! - 07/18/05 08:50 PM

Bill, my only suggestion is to put up your price.

If you have a reputation, you can charge a little more. If you have no reputation then I can understand charging $100.

You're worth more than $100 for three hours!

Chony
Posted by: Bill in Dayton

Re: Attention restaraunt players!!! - 07/18/05 08:59 PM

Chony-

Well, when I've been asked to do other weeknight (M-TH) piano jobs, they usually paid anywhere from $50 - $75 for 3 hours.

Dayton, OH is a low paying market for restaurants, which was one of the reasons I stayed away from them in the first place. So, I think the owner would already say I am charging top dollar, lol...

Bill in Dayton
Posted by: Scottyee

Re: Attention restaraunt players!!! - 07/18/05 09:45 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bill in Dayton:
They're mainly interested in Thursday evenings and want "upscale, jazz inspired instrumental music."


Unless your playing in a dedicated bar section of a restaurant, I suspect what they're looking for is 'background' music w/o singing, unless they're soft airy vocal numbers. I've found restaurant 'dining only' gig venues reserved for background wallpaper music .

Does the restaurant have a house acoustic piano or will you be utilizing the Tyros? I've found including solo piano (requiring a kb with at least 76 keys) an important element for this type of gig, especially on jazz ballads (Misty, My Funny Valentine, etc). To satisfy the 'upscale jazz' mood requirement, when playing in auto accomp mode, be sure to keep the auto accomp parts to a minimum: acoustic bass & drums only.

Songs with loud dynamics & heavy orchestration (Latin Samba, Big Band, etc) should be reserved for later in the evening (last hour), but the key to your success is being able to gage the restaurant staff & customers musical mood requirement of the moment.

Quote:
Originally posted by Bill in Dayton:

I asked for and have gotten $100 plus tips plus dinner for 3 hours of work. 6:00pm-9:00pm is the likely time frame.

Not much money (and FAR below minimum for my area), especially if you're required to supply & haul your own equipment in/out as well, but I suppose it could be worth it to you for the experience & free meals, and are able to reap at least the same amount in tips.

Quote:
Originally posted by Bill in Dayton:

I might even consider using some high quality MIDI files to play over a few times throughout the evening. (I usually only play over styles...full kb mode on my Tyros.

Sure, whatever works, but if this restuarant is attempting to tout themselves as some kind of upscale acoustic jazz restaurant, stay away from commercial generic cover tune midi files that scream karoake backing tracks. That's the kiss of death especially if upscale jazz is the code word. If you must use midi backing tracks . . . . record your own instead. Frankly, though I've used midi files in the past, I find auto accomp music sounds a lot more geniunely LIVE when performed in auto accomp mode.

Quote:
Originally posted by Bill in Dayton:
Do you suggest setting up a mic for introducing myself, announcements, saying good-night-seems to only make sense.

How large is the restaurant? If your primary function is instrumental background mood music then a microphone is not needed or recommended. Exactly where are you going to be setting up? I think you need to discuss with the management exactly what they want. What are the other music acts booked for other nights? I suggest popping in then to see what type of set up they utilize. In my own experience playing restuarant venues of a similar nature, I reserve vocals for later in the evening, but of course, you need to determine each situation & night differently.

Quote:
Originally posted by Bill in Dayton:

I have the Tyros satellite speakers that are available from Yamaha. I usually only use them for rehearsal and some VERY small gigs. Is anyone finding these to be adequate for a small to medium size room?.

For background mood music in a small restaurant, this should surfice, but for mid-range presence (which includes vocals) I take a more tradition small PA system. I have the Tyros Satellite + subwoofer as well, but for small-med venues I utilize my Motion Sound KB100.

Quote:
Originally posted by Bill in Dayton:

If not, I'll be using my EV 15" and my Behringer PMH2000 500watt 10 channel box mixer.

Hmmm. Definitely nice sounding, but not worth the trouble to haul imho, especially for what they're paying you. Just my opinion.

Bill, whatever you decide, this sounds like a good opportunity to pick up restaurant gigging skills, as well as the opportunity for more exposure and possible other private gig booking opportunities.

Good luck. Keep us posted.

Scott
Posted by: Bill in Dayton

Re: Attention restaraunt players!!! - 07/19/05 06:09 AM

Scott-

*I'll be using my Tyros...

*Yes, I'll be using traditional jazz styles that aren't too imposing...

*The subject of a fair wage is really better called a "competitive wage." Like I said to Chony, I've usually not bothered with restaraunt jobs for several reasons, with the pay being one of them. In 10 years of performing in the Dayton area...I've never heard of anyone getting more than $75 on a weeknight. I know Dayton doesn't compare to the East/West Coast or Resorts for money. It is what it is...if I can add an account like this...as long as it suits MY needs...I think it can be a good thing to try.

*Using MIDI files were just a thought. Like yourself, I usually do NOT use them. Playing live with styles (IMO) sounds better and is more in line with how I want to play...

*They do not offer music currently...I'll be in a corner facing the main dining room. It's something they want to slowly get back into. This place is not considered a place to go to for music, so they really don't have a big history to work off. That can work for me as much as it works against me.

*I should be meeting with the client later this week and learn a great deal more about logistics and the their expectations.

...Its funny...you work on building a client base and you kind get locked in on certain type accounts. Some fit better than others based on our own individual situations. MY business is mostly Retirement Communites during the week and Ballroom Dances/Animal Clubs on the weekends. I'd really like to add a week-night gig to my regular schedule. With our daughters getting older (17, 13, 10) and my wife in a Masters program, I'm hoping to streamline my schedule a bit for 2006. I'm running all over hell's half acre, (not complaining, mind you) but, If I could shape things so that I usually work W-SU, that would be sweet.

...yes, kind of different circle for me to move about in. Hopefully, I'll have the same results in this environment as I have had in the others...

Thanks-

Bill in Dayton
Posted by: captain Russ

Re: Attention restaraunt players!!! - 07/19/05 07:08 AM

It's $150.00 per night-tops here.That's the rate at about 1/2 dozen restaurants. Musicians establishing themselves get $100.00-125.00. Private jobs pay much more. There are a few folks out there offering to play for as low as $75.00. Luckily for me, a few of the owners don't let lowball prices only influence their decision.

Russ
Posted by: tony mads usa

Re: Attention restaraunt players!!! - 07/19/05 08:14 AM

Bill ... MOST IMPORTANTLY, as this is their first venture into having music, BE CAREFUL OF YOUR VOLUME !!! ... They are not used to having live music, so anything could seem loud at first ... Better to have them come to you and tell you to raise the volume, then asking you to turn it down ...
I played for a while in an Italian restaurant that had 2 VERY small rooms... I even suggested that it might be too small for music, but the owner had heard me at another place, and wanted me to work there... The complaints about volume came from the wait staff who said it was difficult to hear the customers orders... Now I was keeping the volume really low, but they were not used to having ANY music, so it bothered them ...
Having played very similar venues, I can concur with the suggestion for instrumentals early and starting with some 'light' vocals later...
For instrumentals, bossa rhythms (using bass, drums, and guitar background)always seem to work well with all kinds of songs, such as the Beatles "Michelle", "Yesterday", etc.
As it is an upscale Italian restaurant, I would also suggest you do a search for 'Italian' midi files, and songs by Jerry Vale, Vic Damone, Jimmy Rosselli, etc., especially with LIGHT Latin rhythms, even if only to help you expand your Italian song list.... and while I play a 'technics', I would expect the Tyros has a good accordion sound you can utilize also ...
I am sure you will do well, and keep us posted...
t.
Posted by: TresorTX

Re: Attention restaraunt players!!! - 07/19/05 08:33 AM

Bill,
This question has nothing to do with $$ but I am interested in your experience, in knowing how to play using FULL KEYBOARD mode with the styles. What is the trick in making the automatic chord recognition work well in full keyboard mode?

In my very limited experience (in-experience)I have a hard time playing full keyboard mode simply because too often, the kybd generates chords that I don't want. It seems to want to pick-up on the intervals between the chords that I do want, and generates chords that I don't want. Could you give this junior some tips on playing in full keyboard mode?

Thx, Russ
Posted by: Bill in Dayton

Re: Attention restaraunt players!!! - 07/19/05 09:00 AM

UPDATE!!!

I had another chat with owner of this restaurant this morning and can provide additional details:

1) He's changed his mind about which location he wants live music. He's decided he wants music in his Troy, OH restaurant NOT his Dayton location. (I actually live in Troy...10 minutes away, this just makes things easier for me!)Beats the 45 minutes drive I thought I was going to have there and back...They've had music here off and on for years...but usually a solo or duo guitar act. They pipe Italian music non-stop through the house system 24/7...he actually wants me to be an alternative.

2) Either wants me in his dining room or in the lounge, but wants my music quietly distributed to all areas of this medium size place. I've explained to him that I can "probably" achieve this by running some cables but that we need to keep his guests safety in mind at all times.

3) Confirmed pay at $100 per night from 6:00pm - 9:00pm. Troy is a growing, rural community with an expanding business base. I'd say $100 in Troy is closer to $125 or so in Dayton proper...

4) Have 4 Thursdays penciled in (7/28, off, 8/11, 8/18 and 8/25) to give it a trial run and see what it does, if anything for his business. He plans on advertising this on a Dayton mainstream jazz station as well as a in house newsletter. He does want to find a night that he can have on a steady basis...THAT will be difficult at least until next year, but I get the sense he understands my schedule and will try and work with it.

I'll post an update after my meeting with the client Friday at 10:30am. Potentially, this could be very nice because he's also considering adding music to his other location as well.

Bill in Dayton

[This message has been edited by Bill in Dayton (edited 07-19-2005).]
Posted by: Stephenm52

Re: Attention restaraunt players!!! - 07/19/05 09:05 AM

Tony Mads USA, you've got e-mail from a Rhode Islander.
Posted by: tony mads usa

Re: Attention restaraunt players!!! - 07/19/05 10:27 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Stephenm52:
Tony Mads USA, you've got e-mail from a Rhode Islander.


Steve ... you've got a response ...
t.
Posted by: Scott Langholff

Re: Attention restaraunt players!!! - 07/19/05 11:05 AM

Hey Russ

Are those prices for 3 or 4 hour gigs?

Scott
Posted by: Scottyee

Re: Attention restaraunt players!!! - 07/19/05 11:54 AM

The rate in the SF Bay Area is around $125-200 night, + tips & free dinner with pay scale commenserate with musicianship experience & your drawing power. Bigger (in demand) entertainer-musicians obviously can command even more $. The advantage of playing in a restaurant with a dedicated bar-lounge is that this type of venue encourages more song requests + singing, & audience interaction, reaping more tips, often equal or more than the house pay itself.

Bill, your new restaurant gig venture sounds like a promising opportunity for both you and the restaurant. I agree with Tony in starting out 'low key' to test the waters & management & diners mood-response. I believe your job in this venue is primarily providing restaurant BACKGROUND music abience. The dinners should still be able to easily hear & carry on a conversation with each other. After establishing yourself, perhaps adding vocals later in the evening would be a welcome addition and attract a later crowd to come for after dinner cocktails & dessert & enjoy your music & singing.

Scott
Posted by: captain Russ

Re: Attention restaraunt players!!! - 07/19/05 01:03 PM

Scott...officially they're usually three hour jobs, but as you all have probably experienced, if enough people are hanging around, you occasionally stay an extra 1/2 hour or so. It all balances out...sometimes you get off a little early during the week.

Russ
Posted by: Bill in Dayton

Re: Attention restaraunt players!!! - 07/26/05 06:33 PM

Update:

Client asked me to come in this morning and set up my rig so he/we could assess the volume. I set up my Tyros with the small yamaha speaker system...

It filled the main room...plus carried out to the bar. I was on about 70% full volume...I'd need to drop to about 40-45% as the place fills up...

Got three dates set up in August to try this out. After that, we both talk about how its going and then proceed accordingly. I really hope this works out because it fills such a nice hole in my client roster.

First night is Thursday, August 11th...I'll post afterwards my observations...

Bill in Dayton
Posted by: Dnj

Re: Attention restaraunt players!!! - 07/26/05 07:31 PM

Good luck at your opening....
take some dig pics for us too
Posted by: girljam

Re: Attention restaraunt players!!! - 07/27/05 06:14 AM

Bill,
looking forward to hearing how it goes!! I'm sure you'll be a winner!
yes, take pics please!!!

best of luck!
Jill
Posted by: Tony Rome

Re: Attention restaraunt players!!! - 07/27/05 09:46 AM

Bill....Good luck on your venture....may I suggest that your close your evening with a signiture vocal for folks to remember you and know that the night is over....I used to
close with Sinatra's "Put Your Dreams Away"
or "Goodnight Sweetheart" or "Dream".... what it does is give you a platform to be remembered...a signiture of your very own...
Tony Rome
Posted by: tony mads usa

Re: Attention restaraunt players!!! - 07/27/05 12:14 PM

Bill .. Best of Luck ... When you are setting up, try to strike up a conversation with one of the wait staff, to get on a friendly basis ...then during the evening remember to check with him/her as to how the volume sounds ...

Tony Rome - "Where Or When" was the theme our band used to sign on and off with for 26 yrs ... We usually played it with a nice swing to it ... more often than not at the end of the evening, our 'lead' vocalist would go from "W or W" right into "Ol' Man River" ...

t.
Posted by: Stephenm52

Re: Attention restaraunt players!!! - 07/27/05 12:24 PM

Bill, Best of luck, I'm sure you'll do very well!