The band gets leftovers...

[Bill Terry]

Certainly interesting to see the various views. I know that weddings are not the kind of thing that most musicians like to do, but the fact is they generally pay pretty well, which always smooths the water a bit.

As for this particular event, yes we were guaranteed a meal in the contract, but as Richard noted, it didn't specify that it was the same food as the guests. Like I said, the food wasn't great, but they did honor the commitment.. sorta.

The other thing is that here in Texas many of the weddings I play, in fact I would say more than not, the band is treated with the same hospitality that the guests receive. Sure, we sometimes eat when they're done, but almost always somebody makes sure we've had a meal. This is particularly true when you play out away from Austin in many of the rural communities. I like to think it's just an example of Texas hospitality, but these folks are very down to earth and generally treat the band with respect. They seem to appreciate musicians, not treat them like staff. The worst comment you'll usually hear from the band is normally "not BBQ again???". It seems to be the standard fare.

I'm a native Texan, so I guess my view of Texan hospitality is a bit biased, but by and large we're treated pretty well. I would expect that some of the other guys that play around here would say the same thing. This particular event was the exception, but what the heck, like I said earlier, I'm over it..

[Mike Neer]

BAD ADVICE. Bill didn't state whether the contract said they would be served the same food as the wedding guests, although I would have assumed that and probably been pissed off too. If that was not stated in the contract, they did not breach the contract. After all, they did feed you , as the contract stated. You leaving would have been a breach on the band's part and opened up a possible lawsuit against the band, and/or you. It's best to just chalk it up to experience and let it go. In my opinion, weddings are the worst gigs there are. I haven't played one for several years, and won't play them any more.

Richard, in my experience of playing these kinds of gigs, which I've done easily over 1,000 times, only a few times have I been treated that poorly by the house, and I am talking about contracted meals. When I say "poorly", I mean it. I've never had to walk out on a gig, but I have told the person in charge in no uncertain terms that I wouldn't put up with his bullshit and if I walked he could explain to the clients what happened. It's never gone further than that (although I have some great stories). It's really not about the food--I couldn't really care less about that. But the point is, these rooms are charging clients top dollar even for the band to eat, and then some of them turn around and pull this stunt, figuring it will go unnoticed and that the client will never know. WRONG! Again, it's not about the client. If they decide not to feed you, no big deal, eat before the gig.

My favorite is when the house tells the band "No alcohol!" My favorite story is one involving Eddie Condon and his band (with Bix) arriving late to a gig in NJ after traveling through a snowstorm and being told the band can't drink. Eddie took the owner aside and said, "Listen, I'm an alcoholic and if I don't have a drink, I can't play."

[Bill Terry]

Mike just said:

But the point is, these rooms are charging clients top dollar even for the band to eat, and then some of them turn around and pull this stunt...

EXACTLY my point!!! I just found out that the band leader informed the client about this deal, haven't heard what the client had to say, but we figure what the heck, they should know.

Just found out a meal and a $50 band bar tab is included in a gig this Friday in Waco at a place called Austin's on the Avenue. I think it's a restaurant, so maybe it will be good? I'm wondering if b0b might want to set me up with my own Forum Section and let me do food reviews?

[Tim Whitlock]

Weddings are a pain. No one is there to see you or cares about your music. Your function is akin to that of wallpaper. They do pay well, if money is the objective. My band's solution is to simply quote the gig at what it is worth it for us to do it, which is almost always more than what the market will bear. If someone bites we accept that we rank about the same as the busboy, take the money and donate a generous portion to our band fund for more meaningful projects. That being said I think I would have said something to the caterer about getting some decent food.

[Richard Sinkler]

Mike, Your points are well taken. I think it was pretty pathetic that Bill and his band had to put up with the food they were served. I too, have played more weddings than I care to remember, and don't ever remember not being fed what the guests had, although several did not include food in the contract, but some would have you eat anyway. I also remember being the house band in clubs that didn't allow the bands to drink (or smoke) on stage (one club we actually imposed the rule ourselves to show more professionalism on stage).

My biggest gripe about playing weddings is like Tim stated. The band usaually gets hired or selected by the couple getting married. Most of the time, the guests want to hear something else, and they let you know it.

[Tommy Shown]

If you want to eat fine at a gig,Play some private redneck parties in Georgia or Alabama. Played many of them. Steaks that will cover a huge plate by it's self,Salads,Baked Potatos,Homemade pies and cakes,Before you are halfway through They are trying to slide another hugh T-bone on your plate. When you are through with the gig and are packing up They will bring you a hugh plate to take home. Love those southern rednecks. YOU BETCHA,DYK?BC.

You are making me HUNGRY! Charlie. I have had gigs here in Louisiana with alligator, bar-b-q chicken, tater salad, baked beans, boudin balls, fried catfish,and don't forget the boiled crabs and crawfish. We also had bar-b-qued iguana. Cajuns will eat anything that don't eat them first.
Tommy Shown
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