Judy Ames KARAOKEMANIA Article July, 1998 KARAOKE STAR
"MUSICIAN or MAGICIAN"
IT used to be that Musicians generally studied and practiced music for years; scales,
private lessons, even music theory. After a while, they learned alot of tunes, invested in
the best instruments and sound equipment they could afford, and went out looking for a
“GIG”. Even though they were grossly underpaid , given no benefits or
security,and treated worse than dishwashers, at least they were doing something they
loved! Suffering for “art” has always been the price tag, but I believe no
service with such
extensive training is so poorly compensated.
Nowadays, things have deteriorated. Many locales can no longer afford entertainment, even
at the low pay scale. Licenses limit where and when musicians can perform and copyright
charges demand a piece of the action, straining the budget of the venue even further. With
the stricter drinking limits when driving, the average financial situation, and
people’s increased health conciousness, alcohol is just not being consumed in the
quantities it was in the past. On top of everything, supplies and services cost more, so
the profit margin has been decreasing.As entertainers, we are low man on the totem pole-
first to be replaced or eliminated. Scapegoats when business is slow, we are expected
single-handed to “save” the business and make it boom. Getting a club to invest
advertising dollar in their entertainment seems like a BIG Commitment , but we are
supposed to snap our fingers, wave our MAGIC wands and within a couple of weeks, bring in
clamoring liquor-drinking hordes to transform their business. If this doesn’t happen
consistently with no effort on their part, it must be our fault- so they let us go
to continue the quest for the perfect musical savior.
Our new job description includes booking agent, promoting , sales and often graphic
artist. That’s not so bad- I like designing flyers and signs even if it costs. Making
sure that everyone knows where to come and sing with me is good... and I thank you from
the bottom of my heart for showing up and supporting my show ! Actually its the last
part of the job description that really gets me. The part about how most clubs justify
affording entertainment. Did you know that liquor sales are how they decide if
entertainment is worth it. You could have spent $50 on your dinner, but this is not
registered as “bar sales” . Maybe you don’t drink, just coffee, soda or
(God forbid) water. The waiters hate you because you won’t tip them and you create
extra work by
always asking for free refills. The managers don’t know what to do and they blame me
for inviting you and letting you use their facilities. I see a room full of people having
fun. They see bottom line figures- Their income tab doesn’t pay for my fee.
I have been told to only let drinkers sing, to push drinks, while I see customers ignored
and never asked if they want a drink. I guess the new job description is to be a
“pusher” or else get fired. Would they fire a hostess or waitress for low drink
consumption? I’m confused and thought I was a Musician, not a Magician! So -You with
the club- how much did you spend on advertising your food? How long did it take to pay
off? Give us the same successful committed treatment and we will both be winners! Be fair-
watch the satisfation of the customers, the good will created, and food being consumed as
well.Singers! When you go to a movie, you can expect to spend $10. Please support your
favorite pasttime and be generous to the service, if you
really want to help us continue. When they make money, we do, too!! See you soon- I hope!
More articles by Judy Ames
"Luck" | Smoking Ban | Musician or Magician | Song Categories | Stage Fright | Servers or Singers