Karaoke Forums

Something is happening now that I can't explain.

I have a Sunday gig at a nice bar. There are never more than 15-25 people there, some of which are some of my regulars from other bars. It's been this way since I started Sundays there 4 months ago. I've tried everything to bring in business, but it seems this area is just quiet on Sundays.

Here's the weird part-- I keep waiting for the owner to tell me it's just not working out, but she never does. Honestly, I am really kind of hoping she does, because I could really use the day off. I just can't bring myself to quit a gig just because it's boring.

I also have a Wed. night gig there that is always packed. That's the reason she wanted a second night.

She's never once complained about the slow night, nor has she even suggested that I take a pay cut. In fact, she practically begged me to take the Sun. night, and gave me a $25 per night raise.

In 9 years of doing this, I've never encountered a situation like this. I know some of you will think I'm an idiot for wishing a paying gig would go away.

By the way, this woman opened the bar about a year and a half ago, and it's been very successful.

Every Sunday, I keep thinking, "Maybe tonight will be my last Sunday here". But it never is.

Maybe she just thinks things will change somehow, but I don't see it happening any time soon.

Hello, I say, never look a gift horse in the mouth... with this economy we're goin' through, every dollar counts. The bar owner must really like you & your work ethics to keep you On & give you a raise, plus she's making good money & can afford to have you continue to work there. If you want or need a day off, just tell her that you would like to take 1 of the boring Sundays off as a sick day or something.

Cheers,
Andy

If the bar is very successful, I would trust her judgement. Sometimes you do things that don't make sense in isolation, but as part of a plan do make sense.

It could be that she doesn't want the bar to get a reputation for being dead on certain nights, and is willing to pay $50 or more per week to maintain that. It makes sense to me -- the heavy drinker will think "there's always something going on at Bar X -- I'll try there first".

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[color=#ffff55]Mickey J.[/color]
Alas for those who never sing, but die with all their music in them.
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You say that the bar has 15-25 people there on Sunday nights (some of which are Regulars from other shows you do). Is that the total number of people in the bar throughout the night, or are these just the approximate number of people there for the Karaoke on Sunday night? Since you stated that the place is packed on Wednesday nights, I guess the location of the place is not an issue. Is it just that area that's quiet on Sunday nights (as you stated), or do you know of other areas where the Bars are packed on Sunday nights (regardless of whether there is any live entertainment going on)?

I agree with what the others said. You've been there 4 months already (on Sunday nights), and the Manager is still keeping you on. Keep trying to draw a newer crowd (if you can), and keep doing the gig for as long as she wants you to. If you feel that you need a night off, see if you can get someone to fill in for you some night, or, another suggestion would be to ask the Manager to turn the Sunday night gig into either a bi-weekly gig (every other Sunday) or even a monthly gig on (Sunday nights). It will mean less money for you, but then you would also get some time off on that night of the week without feeling guilty.

I might be in the same situation; the bar I keep packed on Wednesday just hired me to do Mondays. Our first week was this week...we had some from our Wednesday show come, but over all it was a fraction of my other night's crowd. And much different crowd. Since I replaced a country band that played there for many months, the crowd was older and wanted to sing (and dance to) country.

The other aspect also sounds familiar! As hosts we not only enjoy getting paid, but also performing to a large and lively crowd. Staring at the same 15 people who sing over and over is a job for which you get money, but not the thrill. So how much cash does it take for you to "service" a small crowd? Ifr the equation makes sense for you, hang around and paste on a smile.

Things might just take off! The first week after I put another host in my place at my Sunday show, there was a much bigger crowd! You never know what might be the turning point for the show.

Look, the owner's willing to make the investment for whatever reason. If they're not paying you the cash, they'll find some other KJ and pay them. If you can grin and bear it, you might as well take the cash. Good luck!

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[font=Lucida Console]DangerousKaraoke.com[/font]
[font=Lucida Console]"Sing for the day, sing for the moment, sing for the time of your life!"[/font]

She's probably still ahead at the till even with the low crowd. But she also may be afraid of losing you on Wednesday if she pulls your Sunday. If you really don't want to do Sundays, you might approach her and tell her that you will still be there on Wednesdays if she decides that Sundays aren't working.

I had this same conversation with my owner 6 months ago. In my case I'm still doing the slow night. And she was right... it's been gradually picking up.

You may be working for the ONLY intelligent owner who
#1 realizes it takes some time to build a crowd
#2) knows that consistency is the KEY for building a karaoke or any other crowd.
#3) using Sunday as a write off or accepting it's just 1 day of 7 where business is slow?

Either way You're getting paid so why complain ?
Open your mouth and you might just do yourself out of your other day too !!!

I would sit her down and discuss how you could get more people in. Turn this negative into a positive.

I'm a firm believer in keeping an open line of communication with my boss. We definitely have different philosophies regarding our work relationship Jam. But since we're both successfully working I guess it's a matter of personal choice.

On a Sunday you have options Maybe do the afternoon and have kids in.

Here in Wellington we did have sun aft jam sessions Guys would bring their instruments and play and we would sing with them..

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Bill - I agree with open communication but in this case owner seems to be HAPPY and OK with the business ... I don't agree in "opening up a can of worms" by suggesting businees is BAD on Sunday nights. I would ask her anyway if she is Happy with my performance

The money being made on the busy night is probably making up for any losses on the slow night and she is willing to be patient in hopes that the slower night will eventually build up a nice crowd. 25 people on a slow night might not be as much fun but the owner is probably at least breaking even.

I agree - It is better to be breaking even with people in the bar. There is nothing worse than an empty place which is what she'd have other wise.

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