[HAM] Is there a going rate?

[Gary Allsebrook]

The only people that join the union these days are people in TV, movies and
the symphony.  In fact I believe you are prohibited from working in
non-union houses and can be fined if you are in the union and get caught.

My experience in 40 yr. of performance, mainly in smaller venues has been
they will pay you the absolute minimum they can get away with.  Like was
mentioned earlier, there are those that will play for free and that lowers
the bar for the rest of us.  If you have a draw, you may have a bargaining
chip to barter for more money.  I have found also that most small clubs
allow xdollars for their entertainment, regardless of the band headcount.

It's very sad that the union doesn't do ANYTHING for the small club
musician.

As for insurance - there are companies that specialize in writing policies
for professional musicians and health insurance - if you are self employed,
set up your own group plan -that's what my wife and I did (and they can't
reject you for pre-existing conditions) really helpful since I have cancer.
I'll track down that broker who handles professional musicians and post it
later -it is pretty specialized.

Gary

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