This past weekend was a great example of how I have been able to find paying gigs. When I first moved to Florida, I had no equipment and I didn't know anyone here. I soon found out that there are numerous "Corporate Bands" that perform all over South Florida and they sometimes hire additional singers and musicians when they have a client who is willing to pay for a "big band." The music they perform is usually Top 40 and R&B music from the 70's, 80's 90's and current music. Earth, Wind and Fire, Barry White, The Commodores, KC and The Sunshine Band are frequently on their playlists. So, periodically, I place ads on Craigslist like this: "Versatile Vocalist Available for Corporate Bands." I have been able to book dozens of shows for decent pay ($300 - $750), and over time, I have worked regularly with a couple of bands. I already know most of their material, so once they go to my site and hear my demos, they ask me to come to one or two rehearsals and it's on! So this past Friday, I did a gig with one of those bands and it was great. I get a chance to wear a tux and I sing lead vocals on maybe 10 or 15 songs (as opposed to the 40 - 50 songs I might do on a solo gig). I have worked with this band about 30 times over the last two years!
In addition, I did a solo show on Saturday. This one was generated at a restaurant where I normally do my solo gigs every Saturday. I always have plenty of business cards on display and many people stop and grab one on the way out. Every once in a while, I get a call from someone who heard me at the restaurant and wants me to do a private party. These are usually pretty easy too, because I can set parameters that make the gig easy. For example; if they have special songs they want me to perform or play during a break, they need to tell me two weeks in advance, so I have time to acquire the music if I don't have it already. The people I played for this weekend were great! They loved the music and sang along with me all night and they really appreciated the way the live vocals impressed their guests. Of course, I also played music during my breaks and schmoozed the crowd while passing out business cards. This coming Saturday, I'll be back at the restaurant. Now, keep in mind that neither of these gigs had a cost associated, other than the business cards, which I got from Vista Print at a super-low price. What a great weekend!
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