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Hire info


It's easier to treat this subject as a FAQ. It sounds formal, and it kind of is because I have definite strata in what I will do for free and what I expect compensation for.

Question: Where will you play?
Answer: Just about anywhere. I love playing outside, I can play standing up, and my main amplifier is rechargeable. Thus, I am very portable. I am good with inside, outside, sitting, standing, walking, with amplification, without amplification. I memorized all my music and do not need to refer to sheet music.
I cannot play: In direct sunlight (unless discussed ahead of time), in the rain, in direct cold wind, and when the temperature is consistently below 55F.


Question: Do you play for free or do you charge?

Answer: The answer is dependant on the situation. In some detail, here goes:
For Free: I will play charities for free. Basically, if you are not making a profit or if the profit goes to a charity, I?ll play for free. If you are a rest-home and would like some music, it's free! Have a cancer awareness fundraiser, need background music for a charity event, no charge! In most cases, no compensation is expected, but I have to take travel time/distance into consideration if I am not making any cash. It would be cool to have a little promotion or an event shirt or something like that, but it's not expected.
For a Fee or Barter: In a nutshell, if you're making a profit on the event, I will charge. Company Xmas party, yeppers, I'll charge. A restaurant/bar/similar want some music? There?ll be some kind of charge associated, although it may not be monetary. In any of the situations above, I will work for cash dollars or I will work for barter, and because I am not driven by the almighty dollar, I almost prefer a leftover gift basket, the extra event jacket that no one claims, samplings of your product, things like that.
For restaurants/bars/similar: I do not expect monetary compensation from the restaurant directly. I expect 2 take home dinners, a spot where I can post my business card, the ability to sell CDs when I have them in stock, and to be able to post a tip jar. But, everything is negotiable. Please note that I do not drink alcohol, so the lure of free drinks is of no meaning to me. I am very cool being around booze, but I choose to no longer drink.


Question: How much do you charge?

Answer: If we decide that you would prefer to pay in cash, I kind of work on a sliding scale. Please note that I have 2 hours of material (2.5 hours at Xmas-time). If I am playing for longer than that amount of time, I will be repeating songs.
Travel charge: This will vary depending on how far away from Monterey I am traveling. Figure somewhere between $0 and $20 if within Monterey/Salinas, more if traveling out of the Salinas Valley. This charge is negotiable, but it is in addition to the charges below.
Hourly charge/per event charge: We can work it out as an hourly or per event charge.
Per Event: As the name implies, we can negotiate a rate depending on equipment, length of playing time, and transit distance.
Hourly: The hourly rate goes up the longer the event. There is a good amount of mental and physical exhaustion after a certain amount of time.



Question: What do your charges include, and what equipment will you supply?

Answer:

Appropriate Attire: Suit and tie? Jeans and t-shirt? Let me know what you expect and I?ll dress appropriately.
Promptness: My credo is that "If I am on time, I am late". Punctuality is a very high priority of mine, and I budget time to set up prior to the event beginning.
Guitars: 2 Classical-style, nylon stringed guitars (one is a backup that is kept out of site unless needed).
Amplification: 1-2 small amplifiers and cordage to split 20' in two directions from where I will be playing. For A/V people, Qty 2 of 30 Watt, solid state amps. One is battery operated, the other is A/C powered.
Chair: Stool, footrest (although I can also play everything standing up)
Cabling: 1/4" Instrument cables that can be used to hook into a house sound system/PA system.
Tarp/Canopy: I can supply my own 10' x 10' canopy for outdoor events. Must be discussed ahead of time.
This is not an all inclusive list.


Anything I didn't address? Email me: rob@montereyguitarist.com