bilboinsa

OK, here's my next evolutionary post for our band:

We're set toplay a short outdoor (but covered) gig this Sunday. For the last 40 days and nights, it has been wet/raining here, and there is a fair chance it will hit Sunday during our gig (30% chance).

My question is this, if a gig is cancelled by the weather (contractor's decision, not the band's), but the band is assembled, ready to play, etc..., is there a standard accepted practice regarding money? i.e., do we get the whole paycheck? Do we get a portion? Do we get stiffed because not a note was played? Is there a standard timetable involved? i.e. night before cancelation is a waiver of the fee, but same day means you still pay the fee?

We are new, and I am currently "building" all sorts of stuff into our engagement letters, but this question really hit me only yesterday.

Thanks, gang. I appreciate all of the professional input.

wiseone2

......40 days and 40 nights? Is Noah the leader of this group?
Wilmer

Siegtrmpt

I've booked hundreds of outdoor gigs. My version on any gig, indoors or outdoors) is to ask for a 50% deposit that is unrefundable under any circumstance. It is a fee for scheduling the bands time (and not accepting other engagements) and doing all the background work that comes with any gig. If it's outdoors a weather cancellation determination must be made 2 hours prior to the start time (or more if neccesary) by mutual agreement. That way no one has to leave home or set up. Pay the musicians 50% of what they were supposed to make. If you have to agree to something less than this be sure the musicians know it could be cancelled due to weather and let them know where they stand so they can accept the terms or not as they see fit. Cancellation by the client for any other reason within 48 hours requires payment in full. None of this counts if it's not spelled out in writing so get it down and signed so you're not left holding the bag if the client flakes out. Good luck.

trumpetdiva1

I’ve had an outdoors gig where we had to show up whether it got cancelled or not. If it got rained out, we were told that we would receive 50% of the money. Well, I showed up, it was raining cats and dogs and we got paid half and that was that.

Janell

bilboinsa

Thanks for all of the good info! I'll put it to good use.