Thread: last minute gigs

I recently rec'd a call 7 or 8 pm one Saturday evening from a prospective customer asking me for a 20 minute show. Okay, I ask, when? Right now, she says. Shocked, I politely reply I'd love to do it, but I need at least 48 hours notice to give you a professional show, so I'm sorry, but I cannot do it that quickly. This woman, obviously of Middle Eastern descent, practically begged me to do it, saying it was for her husband, it's his birthday, and he's in a bad mood and she wanted to cheer him up. (I had the feeling they had been in a fight.) At that point I felt additionally uncomfortable by the prospective gig. I apologized profusely, saying ordinarily I'd love to, but I need that time to prepare a proper show that you deserve for your money. (Moreover, no professional dancer I know will do a gig on less than 48 hours notice.)

I feel very comfortable with my answer, esp. since I felt kind of "oogy" about the situation of trying to cheer up someone else's husband, but I hate turning down ANY gig!! However, I'm interested to hear if anyone else has had a similar situation and how they handled it. Maybe I can learn something.

Thanks for the feedback/input in advance.
Eve

I would tell her double my regular price ;-) IF I AM AVAILABLE....

I usually just say I am busy when I get day-of calls (although I've never had someone say they needed me at that moment! It's usally at least a few hours away). I can do my standard show at the drop of a hat (I don't need to prepare or anything, I do the same basic set for all GP gigs), but I figure if they are that unorganized that they didn't think of calling a bellydancer until the DAY OF, then I don't really feel like dealing with them.

I have a day job, so I have the luxury of turning down gigs that would annoy me. If this was my only source of income, however, I'd probably do them all!

The only way I'd consider doing a same-day job is if they acknowledged the fact that it was last minute, and had some legit reason for waiting (like they had a bd'er and she called and cancelled).

Hmmm, I had a similarly odd experience a couple of weeks ago. A contact at the TV show I recently appeared on called me at 11:30 p.m., very apologetic, and said, "My friend owns a bar in Middletown. She's throwing a birthday party for her son. Can you do a show tomorrow night?"

The next day, I called the woman and left a voicemail. An entire work day went by where I didn't hear from her. All day at work, I found myself doing last-minute prep things, like making set lists, asking my boyfriend to be a darling and burn the CD for me, and picking up last-minute makeup items at the drug store. Then, around 5:00, I got the call.

Happily, she didn't balk at my prices. We were ON. Shoddy, poorly planned show aside (that's what you get when you give me less than 18 hours notice - 6 hours of which I'm sleeping and 9 hours of which I'm working!), I had a great time. Turns out that the party was for a local radio personality, which was VERY cool.

Funny thing is, they were going to hang out with Lil' Wayne in Hartford after my show. I almost asked them if Weezy needed a BDer. Then, of course, I chickened out. Probably all for the better .w.:

In hindsight, though, I should have charged an "aggravation fee." Planning an entire show while *technically* working is no easy task...

The only way I would do same day it is if they agreed to PayPal me my entire fee right away. I just think there's too great of a chance of being stiffed when you get there, since there's no time for a contract or deposit. The one time I did a gig without a deposit (because they hired me the day before), it was a nightmare getting my money at the end of the night. I'm not a pizza - you can't have me delivered in 30 minutes or less! ..l;,

I got a same day request a few weeks ago, the night of the Faten Salama workshop show. The person had been calling around all day and was so pissed that they could not find anyone to dance that night. Everyone they called, including me, either was performing in or attending the show.

Originally Posted by laura 2

I got a same day request a few weeks ago, the night of the Faten Salama workshop show. The person had been calling around all day and was so pissed that they could not find anyone to dance that night. Everyone they called, including me, either was performing in or attending the show.

Clearly, they know nothing about our priorities. Hmmm. Faten Salama (who I LOVE) or micromanaging, unorganized client? I'd say you made a wise choice.

Daniela - I too have a "day job" so I am in no urgent need for gigs.

Laura 2 - I liked your comment about "I'm not a pizza...." I'll have to remember that one!

Satinworship19 - I also like to tailor each gig to the customer, burn new songs, etc. I'd rather not just do the same ole set over and over. That's boring for me.

Thanks to EVERYONE, though, for some great comments! I'm learning a lot!

While I have not had any day of requests for parties, I have had restaurants call me a couple of hours ahead of time asking me to sub. I have learned to take my laptop with me along with extra CD's.

If I have to repeat sets - ie do the same set from a different night - because someone hasn't taken the time to think out their plans, not my problem. Had they taken the time, I would have customized the set for them. And yes, I probably would have charged extra.

{{{HUGS}}}

Slightly off topic (and I should probably start my own thread), but do you guys really create new sets for every gig? How on earth do you have the time for that?! I barely have time to burn my cds, let alone hand-pick music for each event!!

Originally Posted by danielabellydance

Slightly off topic (and I should probably start my own thread), but do you guys really create new sets for every gig? How on earth do you have the time for that?! I barely have time to burn my cds, let alone hand-pick music for each event!!

I do. My tastes are always evolving and every event is different - and I'm a stickler for detail, overall. A big part of my "hook" is that I personalize my shows to fit the client's needs.

That being said, I'm also the queen of recycling favorite songs when I find something that I like. I can do an entrance to "Drama Queen" or sword to "Om Om" in my sleep by now.

I might start burning a couple of default sets, though, in case of last-minute emergencies, or even for events where they want a classic, straightforward, good old-fashioned G.P.-tastic cabaret type show. You're right that I could save a LOT of time this way!

Originally Posted by danielabellydance

Slightly off topic (and I should probably start my own thread), but do you guys really create new sets for every gig? How on earth do you have the time for that?! I barely have time to burn my cds, let alone hand-pick music for each event!!

When I was performing all the time (as in several private gigs in one week for much of the year), I had 3-4 pre-made music sets that I used all the time. As this was back when most private gigs were either 'grams of about 10 minutes, or full shows of right around 15 minutes, there didn't have to be sets of all different lengths.

Nowadays, I have more set lengths that I offer. I also can offer good old-fashioned GP stuff (usually Turkish/Armenia/Greek) and pure Egyptian, or a nice mix of the two. I also try to incorporate into each set a pop number or two for general bopping.

Don't worry about having a limited number of sets to choose from, daniela, as long as you enjoy them, or know your audiences enjoy them, you can keep using what you want until the cows come home. No one will know and no one will care.

As to Satin's "hook" of offering personalized shows to meet the needs or desires of her clients, I think I do the same thing by having several choices available and asking/giving the client what he/she prefers.

Deborah

Originally Posted by danielabellydance

Slightly off topic (and I should probably start my own thread), but do you guys really create new sets for every gig? How on earth do you have the time for that?! I barely have time to burn my cds, let alone hand-pick music for each event!!

Yes and no. If some one gives me plenty of time to put things together, I'll customize a set for them. If the hostess has a favorite song, etc. Otherwise, I have a couple of sets which I tweak depending on my mood.

I do know one dancer who used to ring her iBook to the restaurant with her and burn her CD's right there.

{{{HUGS}}}}

I few months ago - received a "can you dance tonight" call. I thought about upping my rate but decided to tell them that I "had plans". Just too much stress to get everything ready in less that 6 hours and the gig was 2 hours away!

She was totally stressed because she really wanted a dancer but could not find one. I felt bad - because it sounded like it would have been an easy gig - but just too much work.

I am a planner!

Originally Posted by danielabellydance

Slightly off topic (and I should probably start my own thread), but do you guys really create new sets for every gig? How on earth do you have the time for that?! I barely have time to burn my cds, let alone hand-pick music for each event!!

I do, but I don't gig nearly as much as many dancers do. I only average about 2 gigs a month, and I don't dance at any restaurants.

I actually change my restaurant sets every week - too many repeat people to do the same music every time. But my private gigs get the same show all the time, unless they have a special request song, or are Middle Eastern, in which case I ask if they'd prefer I swap out sword for cane. I do have different length shows - but even those are the same, I just add or subtract a song or two!! There just isn't enough time in my day to personalize sets for every Joe GP who books me - besides, what would you personalize? Half the people who book me have never even seen a bellydancer before!

Ok, sorry....

Originally Posted by danielabellydance

I actually change my restaurant sets every week - too many repeat people to do the same music every time. But my private gigs get the same show all the time, unless they have a special request song, or are Middle Eastern, in which case I ask if they'd prefer I swap out sword for cane. I do have different length shows - but even those are the same, I just add or subtract a song or two!! There just isn't enough time in my day to personalize sets for every Joe GP who books me - besides, what would you personalize? Half the people who book me have never even seen a bellydancer before!

Ok, sorry....

My problem is that I worked too long selling advertising space at a radio station, where my boss would give me a slap on the wrist if I said "schedule" or "package" instead of "customized program." Unfortunately, the brainwashing has entered my BD realm long after I lost my job there ,r:;

That being said, I've gotta admit - you're right. Most Joe G.P. people are not exactly fine art conoisseurs when it comes to bellydance. And all the power to you for saving time and aggravation!

Customizability (that can't be a real word!) beyond being a great piece of sales lingo, is a good tool for me to put people at ease, especially when dealing with event planners, brides and other folks who might have themes, colors and special venues to work around. There are people who are as meticulous about detail as I am. At the end of the day, however, I'll be damned if Uncle Joe from the 60th birthday barbecue throws his hands up and says "That's the same set you used at the Lebanese wedding, only minus the baladi progression. GIVE ME MY DIGNITY, YOU SPARKLY WENCH!"

I have, on a few occasions done a show the same day the client called, though generally there was *some* notice (e.g. call came in the morning for a later evening gig.) When I get these kinds of last minute calls, it has to be a little more on my terms: I'll negotiate timing if necessary (to make it fit well with other gigs I have that night), and I'll often charge extra. I don't necessarily *mind* doing these if I have other performances (so I'm out and made up anyway) AND if they seem respectful and recognize that they're awfully late in scheduling. I screen extra carefully for day-of gigs, though. The situation in the OP sounds very uncomfortable.

I *did* do one "can you come right now?" gig: I was out of town performing at an event in a hotel ballroom and a groomsman from a wedding down the hall saw us and hired three of us to come down the hall and perform a short set for the wedding party as part of his gift to the bride and groom. I had a restaurant set in my suitcase, and the other two girls were fine with improvising too, so we took the gig. We were in and out in 15 minutes cash in hand, they had a great time and were very appreciative, and it made for a really amusing story. :-)

As far as custom music...yes, I do tend to tailor my sets for parties, and I frequently add new sets to my restaurant repertoire. That doesn't necessarily mean that every set is completely brand new--sometimes I'll take a set from a previous party or restaurant set and just make a tweak or two to suit the particular event or my mood.

That said, someone calls the same day, they probably get whatever already mixed set I have handy.

Originally Posted by SatinWorship19

At the end of the day, however, I'll be damned if Uncle Joe from the 60th birthday barbecue throws his hands up and says "That's the same set you used at the Lebanese wedding, only minus the baladi progression. GIVE ME MY DIGNITY, YOU SPARKLY WENCH!"

..l;,..l;,

I like to switch up my sets because I get tired of dancing to the same songs over and over. I went through a period where I was using either Gala Oriental or Escape from Cairo at nearly every gig, and now the thought of putting them into a set gives me the shivers. I'm going to retire both of them for a good long time.

I just got both Leila of Cairo CDs, and my gigs for this month will feature the oriental pieces from them instead. I was also inspired to dig up "Aswan Dances" after Faten Salama used it in her Oriental workshop.

That said, not only do I not gig extensively, I also don't have a day job. I think that makes a big difference in how much time one can spend dithering about the "perfect" custom set.

I always charge extra for last minute shows. Even if I'm just sitting around in my jammies with nothing else to do. They are an inconvenience and a hassle. How much extra depends entirely on my mood at the moment.But my website price list states that last minute shows will have an extra fee attached.

if i'm available i'd do it, costs me 45 sec to burn a cd, and an hour to pack costume, shower and do make up

would charge at my higher end, but nothing to extrordinary

i'm an entertainer, i dont mind last minute bookings, a gig's a gig, right

wouldnt cancel any oher plans for it though, so all depends on availability

I had a spate of last minute gigs last year, and ended up keeping an emergency bag packed ! <excuse me ! I have a belly dance emergency! - pink flashing light on top of car...> I've also turned them down when I've already got another gig, plans, or if that 10 mile hike earlier in the day means that I wouldn't be on top form.

Originally Posted by danielabellydance

Slightly off topic (and I should probably start my own thread), but do you guys really create new sets for every gig? How on earth do you have the time for that?! I barely have time to burn my cds, let alone hand-pick music for each event!!

I do because I leave my Cds everywhere!....l;,

That said, I totally hate the instant belly dancer thing. Next time just be like, "Sorry I am already booked, I'm too far away I can't make it." Remember, you are always working!

Originally Posted by artemisia_danst

if i'm available i'd do it, costs me 45 sec to burn a cd, and an hour to pack costume, shower and do make up

would charge at my higher end, but nothing to extrordinary

i'm an entertainer, i dont mind last minute bookings, a gig's a gig, right

wouldnt cancel any oher plans for it though, so all depends on availability

Yes I completely agree....if I have other plans I dont break any of them, but last minute gig that they will be willing to pay me what I want, I always have my costume, make up bag, towel, shower necessities in my trunk.
I work full time where we have a little gym which is very convenient for me during the week, if it is weekend, I am usually not available for last minute gigs so I refer my friends. So it is good to have phone numbers handy in your phone for that purpose also.
If I am available I dont refuse them as long as they are willing to pay my rate.

If I am at work during the week, I have stack of CDRs and my music in my work PC...otherwise I have 3-4 different sets of CDs mix of my favorite music(Egyptian/Lebanese and Turkish music)

Originally Posted by artemisia_danst

if i'm available i'd do it, costs me 45 sec to burn a cd, and an hour to pack costume, shower and do make up

would charge at my higher end, but nothing to extrordinary

i'm an entertainer, i dont mind last minute bookings, a gig's a gig, right

wouldnt cancel any oher plans for it though, so all depends on availability

Couldnt have said it better my self ..g.:

I work at 2 restaurants/clubs every week and a few monthly so the bag is always packed. I have a cd case with minimum 10 different "show cds" that i normally rotate at my regular restaurant gig.

I ask in the phone where they guests are from if the have special requests and so on but normally the always say no you choose or if they are turkish they say turkish and arabic they say arabic music. Sometimes i mix.

I mostly do impro dance and change the dance as I go the more I "get to know the audience". It has even happened ive taken last minute gigs and it turns out when im there they have a band and want me to dance to live music with out me knowing what they will play. Its a challange wich can be annoying but also really fun...g.:

If it is convenient for me I will do last minute gigs, but I have usually had at least a few hours to get ready. It seems like in this case your gut instinct was to not do it more than anything else, and really that is the best way to go about accepting any job. Good for you for listening to your gut!!
As far as music, sometimes I do a new set, but also have a variety of pre-made CDs, so it depends on the need of the customer and my available time.

Originally Posted by artemisia_danst

if i'm available i'd do it, costs me 45 sec to burn a cd, and an hour to pack costume, shower and do make up

would charge at my higher end, but nothing to extrordinary

i'm an entertainer, i dont mind last minute bookings, a gig's a gig, right

wouldnt cancel any oher plans for it though, so all depends on availability

Ditto. I would add that, even if I don't have anything else booked on the date in question, I will say that "Yes I can make it, but I'm going to have to squeeze you between two other events in the area." And I will not negotiate price at all if it's last minute.

Basically, unless it's an inconvenience to me, I take any legit gig that comes my way. As far as having a contract prepared, I will usually email them the text of the contract in last minute instances and request a reply email confirming the conditions. If I have a verbal agreement/understanding backed up by email transmission that they understand they are committed to nothing less than an official contract, is sufficient for me to book last minute.

Having everything in template form helps me do pretty much anything last minute. Sets, contracts, etc...I have a rotation of reliable sets for a variety of audiences and can easily alter one of them if some tweeking is required.

Originally Posted by Khalilah

Ditto. I would add that, even if I don't have anything else booked on the date in question, I will say that "Yes I can make it, but I'm going to have to squeeze you between two other events in the area." And I will not negotiate price at all if it's last minute.

Basically, unless it's an inconvenience to me, I take any legit gig that comes my way. As far as having a contract prepared, I will usually email them the text of the contract in last minute instances and request a reply email confirming the conditions. If I have a verbal agreement/understanding backed up by email transmission that they understand they are committed to nothing less than an official contract, is sufficient for me to book last minute.

Having everything in template form helps me do pretty much anything last minute. Sets, contracts, etc...I have a rotation of reliable sets for a variety of audiences and can easily alter one of them if some tweeking is required.

What Artemisia and Khalila said.

Deborah