[Organizers] pay parity for callers & musicians

[Heitzso via Organizers]

We, Gainesville, Georgia's contra dance, organized and sponsored a 
weekend retreat mid-July for weekend contra dance organizers from the SE.
Saturday evening was dedicated to discussing local dance issues.
We had representatives from 7 weekend dances and 9 local dances attending
with organizers arriving from as far away as Memphis and Baltimore.
We covered an incredible range of topics, not least pertaining to 
booking and paying talent.
I encourage other areas of the country to do likewise. It was informative.

My understanding is that national quality weekend talent is paid from 
$600 to $1000 each for a weekend.
Usually all musicians receive the same pay with some variation with the 
caller.
If the contract is with the band then you don't control how the money is 
split within the band.
BUT ... every weekend dance is different.
What are your needs, etc.?

Transportation costs and food and housing costs and "plus one" costs can 
add up.
Being clear up front is critical.
Lining up tours or being a stop on a tour is helpful.
Top national bands may play a fun close gig at a lower cost for if it's 
not cutting into another weekend gig.
Etc.

Heitzso
http://atgaga.com






> Thanks for all of the answers so far. My question relates specifically 
> to what we pay top-notch bands and callers from out of town for a 
> large annual event. What we've paid bands over the years is generally 
> more, per person, than what we've paid callers.
>
> Yes, Sarah, you're right about what I mean by pay parity, i.e., if a 
> three-person band gets paid $300, the caller would get $100.
>
> --Katy
>
>