Thread: Pricing Questions Working with a Band

Hi everyone,
I am curious as to how to charge for events when working with a band. Here is the situation- I am a member of a 9 piece Middle Eastern band and I work both as a dancer and a percussionist. The band is interested in playing regularly at a local restaurant and we are unsure how much to charge. I dance at private parties and not in restaurants, but if I was ever to perform in a restaurant I think I would charge approx. $100 per 15 minute set with a 20% discount for additional sets that evening. Although for musicians their shows run approx. 2 hours instead of 15-20 minutes so when the pricing discussion started coming up none of us were able to relate to how the others were used to charging. So I am wondering how pricing works and what normal rates are (in various geographic areas) when working with a band. The closest bands to us are about 2 hours away so there aren't other locals we can turn to for pricing help. I know that this is a unique situation since it seems that bands and dancers are usually booked separately and thus each negotiates their own fees. Any advice on how to charge as a dancer who is a member of a band would be greatly appreciated. Information related to performing as a dancer working alongside but not as a member of a band would be helpful too. I'm hoping Dunyah will be able to chime in!

every region is going to be different, and how well known/in demand your band is will play a factor as well.

There are even more amateur musicians muddying the waters than amateur belly dancers, so be prepared for a very wide range of answers!

a well known, independent touring band (I'm not talking big label pop stars here- not even close!) can command up to $5000+ for single a concert- it's what they need in order to make an actual living as a touring band. The local bands HERE that I know feel lucky if they manage $300-$500 for a 4 piece band. a 9 piece band is virtually unheard of. If folks are used to paying that for a smaller band, would they be willing to double their budget for a larger band? You need to find out what the market in your area will support, and what your rock bottom, it ain't worth it for less than this price is for each of your musicians. Never quote your rock bottom price, of course. You need the better paying stuff to help keep you afloat during the rock bottom times.

Getting paid as a dancer as well as a band member- they really are 2 different jobs and I think you should be paid for both if you are doing them both. You need to negotiate with your band members, of course, and it might be appropriate to take a lesser cut of band funds if you are not playing the full set, but not taking your full pay as a dancer is undercutting dancers in your area, and potentially yourself if you ever do go gigging without the band.

I've thought about this too, since I am trying to get a band going, but am not ready to give up dancing either. I have to figure out how to strike a balance.

The bands that play in the Arab clubs around here every week have a wide range. It's anywhere from $50 - $600 per person per night. They're usually playing from around 10:30 - 2am and have a short break. Each individual in these bands gets paid differently according to their "draw" and experience or perceived "importance."