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I find myself in a period of introspection. I just played for a fundraiser for a political party I generally do not agree with. On Saturday I play for one I generally do. Sometimes (most times) I do not even know who hired the jazz combo, just what time to show up, where, and what to wear. I have been surprised to see the state governor, our state representative, and even some previous aquaintances (love interests) at rallys, gigs, and weddings. We have played at parties for churches of almost every stripe, Harley biker soiree, factory and office functions, etc. A great number of these groups I would never belong to and many of them I have written letters to oppose. Would I play for a fundraiser of the group that wants to put a limited access highway through my back yard? Would I then play for the opposition group? What about a Dixieland gig for a hate group? Should I start asking WHO we are playing for? I do not book the group, so should I just show up and do my job?

One perspective: A criminal defense lawyer will vigorously defend the worst of criminals, and a surgeon will attempt to save the life of the despicable because that is their profession. I think providing good music can be viewed in a similar way. I played church organ for about 30 years. I was there to provide good music. The particular theology and brand of religion wasn't a big deal to me even when I didn't agree with the theology. I was there to represent a profession and did what I could to bring a little more sunshine into the listener's life.

I suppose there are reasonable limits to this. For example, I don't think I would sign up to play for a bunch of Branch Davidians.

One of the many advantages of being an amateur is that I have the luxury of not playing for groups that advocate things I disagree with. I'm extremely sympathetic to the situation of pros who can't afford to draw such strict lines, but I'm glad that I'm able to do so. Of course we all have to draw the line somewhere. I'd hope that any of us who showed up for a gig and found that it was for a KKK picnic would refuse to play, but there's a lot of grey area.

EDIT: Another comment I'd make is that there are "things I disagree with" and "things I find abhorent". If it's the latter, I wouldn't play; if it's the former, I'd ask myself whether my contribution is likely to actually contribute to persuading people to the point of view I disagree with. In a church service, where there are people listening to the music, where there may be many people seeking truth in the congregation and the music is meant to persuade, I'd have to pretty much agree with at least the most important tenets of the church. In a political rally, where the people present are all already adherents and the music is meant only as entertainment, I wouldn't be so concerned about my "helping the enemy".
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Joe Baker, who notes that another advantage to being an amateur is that he's readily forgiven for not being all that great.

I bet Bloke and I have played the same casins and seen the same people go in and cash their paycheck just to gamble it away. I personally have moral judgements in those areas as well (and just as quickly parking them at the door).

The bottom line for the professional is the line between making a living and making a moral stand along with the group in question. In my circumstance, when I took the interim music minister job that I currently have, I stopped the casino gigs. The good that I tried to do, (talking to those who were outside and in worse shape) was overshadowed by the appearance of being at a casino while working in the ministry.

If you make a stand by not playing at certain events, make sure to leave the door open with your employer for future gigs. Sometimes this doesn't work, but I believe that integrity will prevail in the long run if shown in a non-beligerent manner.

As I think about this, I have always asked about the gig in terms of who are we playing for or what is the event. As you well know, there is a difference between a wedding reception and a concert. I like knowing before I go in.

Tom Mason

I play. I play. $ or no, I play. Having been on way too many bar band gigs where it did get frustrating hauling in all the equipment to a bad experience, it's much easier with a horn - just get up and leave if it gets too bad. So I play.

The community group I founded six years ago is a 501(3)c. Our bylaws restrict aligning with any political or religious group.

On the other hand, a professional German group I play with will play for just about anything... as long as it pays!

As an amateur who would starve if I had to rely on my playing to make a living, I don't have the same perspective as someone who's doing it for the money. Still, there are groups for whom I would not play, such as the KKK or Hamas.

I have played many church gigs, some of which were paying, but I always give the money back to the church. I don't believe in the majority of the teachings of these organizations, so won't take their money, but don't mind helping out if they need me. I guess that makes me a hypocrite.

I have never turned down a gig based on who was contracting the music, and likely never will. I play music, not politics, not religion (in any of it's thousand permutations), not societal conditions. I just play the music as best I can and go home, hopefully with the paycheck I am due. I do have strong beliefs in all these areas, but there is a vast difference between what I believe and what I am supposed to play---the music is the same for all them!

ps--And,as bloke said, it does take resources away from them I don't much care for, doesn't it? That never hurts, either!

I once did a very well-paid tour with an orchestra funded by the Moonies (New York City Symphony). Many top NY freelancers were on it as well. Not a big deal.

Just don't drink the koolaid.

UncleBeer wrote:IJust don't drink the koolaid.

As a pro, act like a pro.

In other lines of business, people seldom ask if their actions benefit certain lines of other businesses or philosephies. A RARE exception is union members not crossing picket lines, and unions have to worry about their own people being "scabs". Give your mind a rest. 99.999% of the working stiffs out there don't ever even ask. They're just glad that their jobs haven't been outsourced YET.

I have no hesitation whatsoever about playing anything for anybody.
At age 16, I was the drummer in a dixieland group that played Folsom Prison. This guy was 6' 8" and wanted to play my drums. I let him.
Johnny Cash certainly did well with his prison gig.
Year before last , the gay pride rally was paying top dollar for guitar/vocalists. I got up and did my hour and was treated with respect and paid promptly. Got my tuba out and jammed with another guitarist. That was on the house.
Gigs that at first consideration might be a problem-rarely are. In my case, these are some of the most memorable.

You kind of have to wonder if the Westboro thing is trying to do the Landover Baptist thing which has been around for while.
http://www.landoverbaptist.org/

I played for Mike Dukakis (remember him?) at a state political convention when he was on the Democratic presidential ticket and for Jim Florio (second worst governor of NJ) in a reelection bid. I didn't vote for the guys, but I wouldn't have left the country if they had won their elections either. I actually had the chance to play at a rally for Reagan once back when he "overhauled" the tax system but I couldn't make it.
I have played for probably every conceivable mainstream Christian denomination at one point in time; and it is remarkable how similar they really are when it comes to foundational theological issues; that 5-10% of difference causes so much squabbling.
I doubt I would have played for David Duke had I been given the opportunity.
Branch Davidians... well if I played for them I would have probably just got fired.
...apologies for bad pun...

I'll pretty much play for anyone. If they wanna hear me then i'll play them something. Dunno what i would play if a random person walked up to me and ask me toplay but i would figure something out. but i'm pretty easy goign when it comes to playing for people oh well it's all good.

I'll let you know how I REALLY feel about them later.

Criminy! If there really is a Westboro Baptist, then it isn't another Landover. Landover is a made up name, and the site is religious satire. Some of it is pretty good if you you're not one to take things too seriously.

I once played for the local chapter of the National League of Republican Women.

I don't think I'd play for the Liberal Party of Canada. Or:
Scientologists
Masons/Shriners
Brandon University Bobcats

I'd rather avoid being fired by just declining being hired.

bloke wrote:

Chuck(G) wrote:I once played for the local chapter of the National League of Republican Women.

I bet you were wearing a pair of these and snickering the entire time...

I didn't dare--they might have strip-searched me. I knew they'd already tapped my sousaphone...

bloke wrote:YOU WOULD BE TOAST!!!

then why not just bring the kids?