Make'n Music for Money

Sure, I stole that byline from an old Jimmy Buffett song that Alex Harvey wrote but I thought it was apropos for this little stint I’m about to lay on you.

You can go on Craigslist Fort Lauderdale and look under “musicians” and somewhere within the week you’ll read posts from people that basically say stop worrying about how much you’re going to make and get out there and play for the love of it and, that there are plenty of open mic nights so go support your fellow musicians as well as the clubs that host the jams.

I ask, for what?!?! To travel across the county, buy some food, a few drinks and hang out for a few hours only to be called up at 10:30 or later (on a work night) to play 3 measly songs with musicians that walk all over each other? With guys like that, you’re lucky if you even get a lick in edge wise? Hello…do you think I’m stooopid? Oh no, that would be the guys that don’t have paying gigs (or are part of the host band who get paid) that show up. Or, it’s for the ones that gig full time and do nothing but play for cash and show up to local jams to hang out with their buds.

Come on, for the commoner like myself, I don’t have the gas, the time, nor the patience and I’m sure as hell not going to another open mic just to hang out for several hours to play 3 songs!

Don’t get me wrong, I wish all those guys and girls that go to those things the best. Their great places to meet other people, practice your stage presence and perhaps meet other musicians that are interested in doing a project. But for me, I’m now make’n music for money. I don’t play that often, maybe 3 times a month. Sure I’d like it to be more, but it’s Broward County (see blog “Looking for a Music Scene and Finding One”). I don’t expect to get rich off of the gigs I play, but I do expect to get paid.

So if you ever want me to come out and “sit in” with you for an evening or join you at your open mic, return the courtesy and have me up early and for more than just 3 songs. In other words, make it worth my while and I'll come and support you and the club.

And yes, I play for the love of it, but money talks and suckers…well, they go to open mics and spend $30+ on food and alcohol just get their 3 songs of fame!