Now I must preface this post by saying that the catalyst for this post was a table full of rowdy drunk business people throwing cash on my bandstand. What better to write about right?! This past wednesday at my weekly gig at the Hilton I nearly doubled my pay for the night with tips. One would think "that seems regular"...hotel, high priced drinks, pretty lounge singer singing popular songs, tips would be a regular occurance. WRONG! In my entire time singing there I have only been tipped twice...TWICE! This got me thinking...why is it that people will automatically tip their waitress or bartender but will neglect to tip their live performers?! Now maybe it's just because I am a working singer but if I see a band or singer with a tip jar I will always contribute. I know that often times these gigs don't pay so well so I feel the need help out my fellow artists. Now I know this may seem like a petty gripe and I know that waitstaff do work hard (I've done the bartending thing) but when I am working my butt off singing requests all night I expect to be compensated. Moral of the story if you request some obscure tune from god knows what decade/artist and we attempt to try and play it...TIP! IF you enjoy the performance and just spent almost $100 on booze, throw the performers a fiver on the way out! If you're in town on business and stop into the hotel lobby to relax and find yourself really relazing to the soothing sounds of life music...give a little!
Thank you wealthy business men and women everywhere :)
