In Louisville, where I used to live, the weekly (Monday night) pick-up band is paid from a tip jar, which sits on the table where admission is paid. The organizer and main player of that group gets a guaranteed amount (separate from the jar) while all others are willing volunteers. I'm not suggesting this is ideal, but it does seem to work on some level. The musicians are definitely there for the love of the activity. The level of musicianship among the individual players is variable, ranging from "very fine" to "needs practice." The monthly Saturday night dance ("name" bands) pays a guaranteed amount to the band out of the admission proceeds and no tip jar is used. In Brasstown NC, I've seen a jar on the stage and dancers paid their admission fee on an honor system. I don't know if that was for that night only or standard routine. -- Jerome Grisanti 660-528-0858 660-528-0714 http://www.jeromegrisanti.com