Professionals and charity work

Recently I was approached to see if I was interested in having my group perform as part of a charitable event.  Ever the professional performer my first question was “How much?”.  The answer came back “It’s for charity, the artists are donating their performances.”  I declined the invitation and here is why.

Firstly, past history speaks for a lot and I have done numerous performances where the goal of the event was to raise money for a good cause.  I was appropriately paid for my work and the events were a big success.  Fallacy: Everyone needs to donate everything for a charitable event to be a success.

Secondly is the issue of double standards.  At a charitable event at the Botanical Gardens in Birmingham, the rental of the hall, catering, staff, sound and lighting were all paid.  Why expect the band to do it for free?  Professional musicians are service providers as much as chefs, waiters and security guards are.  You wouldn’t expect the waiter to donate their wages for the evening at a charitable dinner would you?  What would the service be like? Inconvenient Truth: charities are quite prepared to overlook gross iniquity on their own doorstep.

Thirdly, opportunity and profile.  Often, especially Birmingham Arts Fest which does for music festivals what HRH Prince Charles does for innovative modern architecture, waves the ‘profile’ statement at bands who question why their is no money: “It is good for your profile”.  Really? Profile with whom? Other freebie festivals trying to get something for nothing?  In the end, there is evidence to suggest that the promised exposure and profile used to entice bands to participate is reneged on.  Simple things like well organised back stage supervision, safety and simple access to water are lacking in these environments.  Arts Fest also does the best example of double standards by paying some musicians and not others. Profile gigs: rarely worth the bother.

Finally, and for me the most important is choice.  I wish to choose who I am charitable to.  If I feel so moved that I would donate my fees to the cause I was performing at, then I will.  I will not impose that choice on other members of my band and neither should a charity event promoter expect that because my band are booked for a charity event, that we should do it for free.

If you are invited to participate in a charitable event try the following:

• Ask what fee is available and if you really want the gig, quote them a special charitable rate (this could be anything you like – be guided by your conscience and your wallet).
• Ask what the charity is and how the money is to be spent.

• Ask what the chief executive of the charity is paid.

• Ask who is attending.

• Ask to be able to sell CD’s and distribute advertising material unrestricted.

What are your thoughts on charity gigs?  Do you think differently?  Have you recently had an overwhelming positive experience with a charity gig?  Comment below.

UPDATE

Keyboardist Aidan Goldstraw crossposted an extract from this article here and the ensuing debate proves to be interesting. Click here: MUSIC PLAYER NETWORK