Free concerts in the park -- how does the band get paid?

[Dana_Scully]

@F.U.Shakespeare

It’s been decades since I belonged to the musicians’ union (the American Federation of Musicians), so I don’t know if they still do this. But a small percentage of every contract, something like 2%, was put into a trust fund that paid for free concerts. These were held in public places like parks, and in institutions like nursing homes.** We played one at a mental hospital, on Halloween. Memorable gig**.

Sounds fascinating; tell us about it!

[Spiderman]

Around here it’s usually paid by Parks & Rec dept, offset by a sponsor, if they get one.

They also do about ½ dozen movies in the park that way. Our town makes money on the concession table that they setup. A little portable generator to power the popcorn machine & candy & coolered soda &/or water for sale. Most are kids movies/cartoons, but one is always an adult (as in non-kid / PG-13 or R, not ‘adult’) movie, held in a different place.