An article has been circulating the web that describes how many venues treat musicians they expect to play: http://www.grassrootsy.com/2012/02/22/an-open-letter-to-venues-that-exploit-their-musicians/
The truth is that every bar in town exploits musicians this way, and have been paying out of town bands upwards of ten times as much for performances. Sure, they come from out of town, but local bands NEVER see similar wages. Pocatello bars have a mentality that the band will get 'exposure' in turn for their time. However, most bands getting paid a maximum of $300 for gigs - a verified amount, split between five or six members - have been playing in town for more than five years and 'exposure' must have a limit.
This community needs to understand that our musicians are taking time off work to entertain us and they deserve to be compensated - just as any of us would want to be if we were the entertainment for a venue. 'Exposure' and playing 'just because it makes me happy' aren't realistic assumptions.
I fully believe that local bands should demand higher wages and if EVERY local band takes this stance, eventually the venues will have to make compensations. But they need help. It would be amazing if your staff took this issue seriously.
Thank you for your time.
Pam Mosbrucker
The truth is that every bar in town exploits musicians this way, and have been paying out of town bands upwards of ten times as much for performances. Sure, they come from out of town, but local bands NEVER see similar wages. Pocatello bars have a mentality that the band will get 'exposure' in turn for their time. However, most bands getting paid a maximum of $300 for gigs - a verified amount, split between five or six members - have been playing in town for more than five years and 'exposure' must have a limit.
This community needs to understand that our musicians are taking time off work to entertain us and they deserve to be compensated - just as any of us would want to be if we were the entertainment for a venue. 'Exposure' and playing 'just because it makes me happy' aren't realistic assumptions.
I fully believe that local bands should demand higher wages and if EVERY local band takes this stance, eventually the venues will have to make compensations. But they need help. It would be amazing if your staff took this issue seriously.
Thank you for your time.
Pam Mosbrucker