There are various elements to what constitutes the perfect gig in my opinion, and it's not only about the money one makes. It's also about WHO you're playing with, and WHO you're playing for . . . i.e. the environment, ambiance, and level of professionalism you're a part of:
1) musically with your partner(s), AND 2) business-wise with whomever you're working for.
I've pretty much perfected the former over the years, as I've weeded out of my daily life anybody with excess attitude or baggage that I want no part of. I'm told I'm very patient with my students, patience being a desirable quality in any teacher, but my patience has its limits on the bandstand. At my relatively advanced age, it's fair to say that I no longer tolerate too much BS, no matter how good a player you are.
Being able to sensor or control the professional quality and/or “enlightenment” of your employer is a totally different, albeit a much tougher nut to crack! In fact, if you truly wish to perform often, and wanna get paid to do it, you pretty much need to take whatever opportunity you can get, irrespective of what you may think about your employer. But having said that, it's important to recognize when both points #1 and #2 above are in perfect alignment. That happens when you find yourself working with great guys (your musical partners), at a place in which you feel really appreciated, and at the same time, you understand that your management (employer) is extremely savvy and knowledgeable in their approach to the business at hand.
Last night, on my weekly duo gig at Sorrento's Italian Joint, a Cincinnati landmark (family) neighborhood restaurant first established in 1956, I left the venue after playing, feeling so grateful for how well we were received by the patrons, and for how we're treated by the management and staff. So much so, that I was inspired to write a blog about it this morning, not only as a public acknowledgement for my good fortune, but also, as a public testament as to how (in my opinion), the perfect balance can be struck when it comes to the elusive, if not actually rare occurrence of a great live music experience in a bar-restaurant which strikes a successful balance (in terms of value) shared equally between:
1) the venue management, 2) the musical artists, and 3) the public patrons
Back in July of 2024, I wrote a blog called “Marketer or Musician?” You can read it here: https://gregchako.com/blogs/gregs-blog/posts/7433293/marketer-or-musician
In the article, I highlighted the importance of CONSISTENCY(!) in terms of quality, service, and schedule. My gig at Sorrento's is a model of consistency. I play every week on the same day at the same time. People don't have to wonder when I'm coming back. I continually endeavor to improve my performance and repertoire. In my opinion, the management has the same attitude. The staff is stable, the menu doesn't change every week, and the quality of the food, service AND the music is always high, even though we're all always looking for ways to improve. Superior customer service is utmost in our minds all the time. If it ain't broke, don't fix it! And don't be rotating the musicians weekly with quality standards ranging willy-nilly on a scale of say, rank amateur hobbyists at the bottom, and experienced professionals like me at the top.
Something else I highlight in the article mentioned above, is that while I DO advertise the gig, and while friends and fans of mine DO come for dinner and to listen to my music, Sorrento's didn't hire me to be their marketer. They hired me to play my music. They're happy that my friends come and eat dinner, but guess what? They have a loyal customer base already! They'd be busy with diners and drinkers whether live music were there or not. I'm just a huge added benefit and DRAW for their customers. We're allowed to focus on what we do best: playing great music and chatting up the guests. I feel that management and I are working together on the same page with a win-win customer service frame of mind, as opposed to enabling each other as if we were in a toxic co-dependent relationship. That may sound like I'm exaggerating, but I've seen some really weird shit over the course of my nearly ½ a century of professional experience playing guitar, and I know, we're doing it right at Sorrento's.
1) musically with your partner(s), AND 2) business-wise with whomever you're working for.
I've pretty much perfected the former over the years, as I've weeded out of my daily life anybody with excess attitude or baggage that I want no part of. I'm told I'm very patient with my students, patience being a desirable quality in any teacher, but my patience has its limits on the bandstand. At my relatively advanced age, it's fair to say that I no longer tolerate too much BS, no matter how good a player you are.
Being able to sensor or control the professional quality and/or “enlightenment” of your employer is a totally different, albeit a much tougher nut to crack! In fact, if you truly wish to perform often, and wanna get paid to do it, you pretty much need to take whatever opportunity you can get, irrespective of what you may think about your employer. But having said that, it's important to recognize when both points #1 and #2 above are in perfect alignment. That happens when you find yourself working with great guys (your musical partners), at a place in which you feel really appreciated, and at the same time, you understand that your management (employer) is extremely savvy and knowledgeable in their approach to the business at hand.
Last night, on my weekly duo gig at Sorrento's Italian Joint, a Cincinnati landmark (family) neighborhood restaurant first established in 1956, I left the venue after playing, feeling so grateful for how well we were received by the patrons, and for how we're treated by the management and staff. So much so, that I was inspired to write a blog about it this morning, not only as a public acknowledgement for my good fortune, but also, as a public testament as to how (in my opinion), the perfect balance can be struck when it comes to the elusive, if not actually rare occurrence of a great live music experience in a bar-restaurant which strikes a successful balance (in terms of value) shared equally between:
1) the venue management, 2) the musical artists, and 3) the public patrons
Back in July of 2024, I wrote a blog called “Marketer or Musician?” You can read it here: https://gregchako.com/blogs/gregs-blog/posts/7433293/marketer-or-musician
In the article, I highlighted the importance of CONSISTENCY(!) in terms of quality, service, and schedule. My gig at Sorrento's is a model of consistency. I play every week on the same day at the same time. People don't have to wonder when I'm coming back. I continually endeavor to improve my performance and repertoire. In my opinion, the management has the same attitude. The staff is stable, the menu doesn't change every week, and the quality of the food, service AND the music is always high, even though we're all always looking for ways to improve. Superior customer service is utmost in our minds all the time. If it ain't broke, don't fix it! And don't be rotating the musicians weekly with quality standards ranging willy-nilly on a scale of say, rank amateur hobbyists at the bottom, and experienced professionals like me at the top.
Something else I highlight in the article mentioned above, is that while I DO advertise the gig, and while friends and fans of mine DO come for dinner and to listen to my music, Sorrento's didn't hire me to be their marketer. They hired me to play my music. They're happy that my friends come and eat dinner, but guess what? They have a loyal customer base already! They'd be busy with diners and drinkers whether live music were there or not. I'm just a huge added benefit and DRAW for their customers. We're allowed to focus on what we do best: playing great music and chatting up the guests. I feel that management and I are working together on the same page with a win-win customer service frame of mind, as opposed to enabling each other as if we were in a toxic co-dependent relationship. That may sound like I'm exaggerating, but I've seen some really weird shit over the course of my nearly ½ a century of professional experience playing guitar, and I know, we're doing it right at Sorrento's.
