VFW, Elks .... and the like... I'm guessing here...

but if they hold oldies dances, or whatever they choose to call them, do they generally expect to pay a lot less than YOU usually work for?

I would LOVE to do these,as I could play more of the music I enjoy, but my GUESS is that they don't pay very much... would I be correct?

Generally VFW's, American Legion, and other Fraternal type places pay a lot less than even what bars are willing to pay... in fact one of the VFW posts in my area don't pay at all... you work for tips and tips alone. These places are usually govenmentally subsidised and work as non-profits there for they try to operate at a loss.

Your best bet might be places like the Elks, Moose, Kwanis, Masons, and these such places.

Generally yes.... they pay a lot less than even what bars are willing to pay... in fact one of the VFW posts in my area don't pay at all... you work for tips and tips alone.

So, there are actually DJ's who would schlep all that stuff to an event... and HOPEFULLY make $50? :sqerr:

So, there are actually DJ's who would schlep all that stuff to an event... and HOPEFULLY make $50? :sqerr:

Yes, but I never did it for less than $150 when I was starting out... wont touch the places now... see my edited post.

Funny part is I use to frequent one particular VFW before I went into DJn for myself and that's why I decieded to be a DJ not because of how wonderful a job the guy did but because I knew I could do it better.

I'm glad you asked, Papa. :)

This was my main market for DJ shows for many years. They will pay more for a DJ company that plays the songs they like when they like 'em. These folks are like family. Treat 'em like family and they'll keep you busy, trust me on this. I left Virginny in 2000 and am still getting calls from old clients I got through the VFW and Moose. :)

They don't like it loud. If it's too loud you won't get an invite back. Start at low volume and inch it up just a touch if asked. Then keep it at the acceptible level.

The bigger the membership base, the better. Back home, the VFW was smaller than the Moose. Yet, most of the VFW members were also in with the Moose anyhow. They'd go where the party was. Heck, I was the first DJ company ever booked by the C-ville Moose. They liked bands. But my buddy pulled some strings and got me in there for a Sunday picnic. I was in like Flynn.

Bear in mind that many of these folks like some older, obscure Country tunes. If you don't have it, get it and play it the next time you're out there. A NYE party at the VFW or Legion is the best ever.

I don't like to post price numbers because there's such a difference in market areas. But I will say that the fraternal houses pay better than your average bar gig and usually less than your average wedding rate.

In my opinion, these over-21 shows are the greatest. It's all members and guests only. No annoying pups to pester yas for rap. They don't care if you wear a monkey suit or a wife-beater shirt. Just give 'em a good tone and the dance tunes they love.

Edit: Remember, these folks rent their halls for parties, receptions and the like. Treat 'em right and they'll recommend you to everyone who books the house. :)

You were lucky then Fred... in my area memebership is barely enough to keep the doors open... they don't pay hardly nothin... and well that's the kind of DJs they get.... I was one of them... then I wised up.

Now Moose, Elks and others that's different they will pay what you are worth...

But, the attitude around here is they will make more money off beer sales with or without entertainment after all that's why they have a jukebox.

We're in the dark ages here I guess.

Papa maybe your area will be more like Fred's.... but come here and you'd be banging your head to get real rates.

Thanks, Rob. :)

To be honest, I didn't start with higher pay at the old VFW. In the hill country of Virginee, the VFWs that bothered to book DJs at all were cheap.

I worked my way up from the $50.00 per hour rate (sorry for the number comment but it's important to the area) and was able to do many a show for more, thanks to the passing of the hat for overtime.

What they pay ain't the important part. The referrals are. Gosh, the majority of my bookings came from folks who were at the old VFW parties. I got corporate shows, small businesses and other fraternal gigs from that VFW. Did a few weddings and private fundraisers out there as well.

Matter of fact I'm doing a 50th Wedding anniversary party @ the Elks Lodge tomorrow night.

The Couple seem to be very nice, easy to work with it should be a fun time. I posted the play list I will be working from in the music forum a couple of days ago.

We clicked on the music.....I was told nothing later than the sixties........I said should I assume that includes the "English Invasion"... Beattles, Stones, Hermans Hermits.......She responded....NO English stuff!!

We became instant friends.........

Money was in line with what I get for parties....this will only be 3 hours of dancing, ends at 10:00, doubt it goes that long......

I plan on having a good time..............

Matter of fact I'm doing a 50th Wedding anniversary party @ the Elks Lodge tomorrow night.

The Couple seem to be very nice, easy to work with it should be a fun time. I posted the play list I will be working from in the music forum a couple of days ago.

We clicked on the music.....I was told nothing later than the sixties........I said should I assume that includes the "English Invasion"... Beattles, Stones, Hermans Hermits.......She responded....NO English stuff!!

We became instant friends.........

Money was in line with what I get for parties....this will only be 3 hours of dancing, ends at 10:00, doubt it goes that long......

I plan on having a good time..............


Man, Gray, I "could" do that party, but I wouldn't... I would hate to be limited to only stuff before 1970.

Well Papa.....it's a service business.....that's what they wanted. You have to understand that when you have been married "50" years you deserve to get what you want.......Most of the participants are in their 60's or 70's.

She did say if I got a request for a song after the 1970's I could honor the request.........

It's going to be a blast..........

If it wasn't for legions and church halls It would get pretty quiet around here

If it wasn't for these type parties, I would not be a DJ.

I personally love all types of music and play all types at my gigs, the reason I became a DJ was not for the money, but rather to be a source for some of the older music from the 50's, 60's, and to do parties for people, who love the music from this time period, and enjoy dancing to it.

I don't know about anybody else but I'm a DJ first as a businessman and second because I enjoy seeing people enjoy what I do as a businessman.

But, at the end of the day that's what it is a business and for me the only thing a VFW does for me is pad my bottom line when business is slow. Don't get me wrong they are fun to do... but they are certainly not my bread and butter.

I'd love to say I'm in this for the sake of and fun of playing music but I'd be a liar if I did.

Believe me when I was told by the VFW just one town over from me that they pay their entertainers based on tips collected that night... I was definately NOT interested anymore... and this was a very nice NEW place. I get better out of the run down dingy one accross the street from where I live.

Thanks, Rob.

I should've clarified earlier that most of the VFW shows I did were paid by the members themselves. It did get cheap if the VFW was cutting my paycheck. They don't like to spend money, lol.

The members were all the time having birthdays, anniversaries, holiday parties and so forth. Heck, we had some line dance troups come though back in the '90s. The members would book me and pay me. That was a sweet deal. Most of 'em were business owners and the parties were written off as entertainment anyhow.

The VFW building was used as a gathering place for their friends. When members reserve the house, all invited guests are prospective clients. Ya never know who is gonna be in that audience. :)

I've gotta agree with Jim on this. If you're a "younger" DJ with more experience with the pup to 30-ish music, the VFW or Legion may not be your ideal market. However, if you came of age in the 1960s and are aquainted with pre-Brittish Invasion music (and older Country), the VFW can be a steady source of shows.

Well, I can handle stuff back to the 40's.... Old country isn't big at all in these parts, even in those lodges, so that is a bonus for me. I just would hope that I can find shows where I can ALSO include the 70's AND some of the British stuff..... mostly Beatles and Stones.

I won't dive head first. Maybe just try and get my toes wet.

Most of this all depends on whether I leave my job in March to basically be Mr. Mom. My wife is cool with that, so she says now. I, OTOH, still have trepidation about leaving a 75K a year job with a 401K and decent benefits.

Papa I've dropped the burden like a ton of bricks booked two gigs Friday and off to a meeting tomorrow to book Next August gig. Im doing it and might stop by the Canadian version of the VFW Monday to do a night or two.

Think about this one.

Do weddings pay the same amount in a VFW or Elks?

The do unless you are discounting. They are paying for your service, why should you make any less than what you normally charge.

My good friend works a PNA once a month or so. They pay him him normal bar rate of $50 an hour. Why? because that is what he asked for as payment.

We know for fact that the other DJ's there do work for $100 a night, we both have asked them.

If you show your worth people will pay.

Think about this one.

Do weddings pay the same amount in a VFW or Elks?In my experience, yes. A reception is a reception no matter where it's held. A wedding isn't the same thing as a VFW members dance party. The B&G who are renting the house aren't members. It's a whole nother thing. :)

I'm not saying that private parties booked by individuals to be held at a VFW or such venue don't pay good.... I'm talkin about being booked BY the VFW halls themselves... that's where the money ain't....

Ah yes. Absolutely.

The VFW, Legions and the rest are hierarchial orgs. They're also non profit. Any expenditure has to be brought before the board and voted upon. Paying for entertainment whether it's a band, a karaoke host or a DJ is not exactly at the top of the priority list.

I've seen it become a bit irritating at times. The members want a NYE or Christmas party and the board doesn't want to pay for it. There are few quality mobile entertainment companies that will settle for what little payment the board will allot.

So in most cases, the members will pay for it themselves. A few times, the members passed the hat around (after the booze had started to kick in, lol) and I got meself a rather decent paycheck. Had it been left to the board's discretion to authorize payment, there wouldn't have been a party at all.

They're also non profit. Any expenditure has to be brought before the board and voted upon. Paying for entertainment whether it's a band, a karaoke host or a DJ is not exactly at the top of the priority list.

Hit that one on the head, Fred :)

I'm obviously a Mason, and for us, all money goes elsewhere for kids and charities, so we expect people to volunteer for our gigs (or volunteer a friend or family member).


I always enjoyed the orgs, even if I didn't make much money. Nice folks, nice work, good referrals. Sorta like advertising, except you don't have to pay, and many times you get paid or tipped, you almost always get drinks and food, and a relaxed atmosphere.


Here's my thought:

You can use the publicity to move onward and upward, or, you can say they aren't paying what I want, and sit home...

So many choices in life... ;)

Here's my thought:

You can use the publicity to move onward and upward, or, you can say they aren't paying what I want, and sit home...

So many choices in life... ;)

Hey, you just kicked me... :sqlaugh:

Well, ALL of this is irrelevant if I don't go the Mr. Mom route, as I already feel far too limited with family time.

Always charged 100 an hour, four hour min. Got it, and usually an extra hour as well, but never much more.....That's for a function for the organization. If someone is renting it out for an event, then I charge full fee for that particular type of event.

When it comes to weddings at these type of places, it depends on the market area & what type of other venues are available.

In the rural/boonies (small town reas) These are pretty much your only option. Where I came from (midwest) that's all there was & generally DJs made average $ at these places. The higher end clients would have their weddings at the fancier venues closer to the big cities. DJs that did those gigs made twice what I could get.

Here in Phx, most of the weddings that I do are at resorts & hotels. I have a Knights of Columbus & an American legion several blocks from my house. I have never played there. The people that rent these for weddings would hang up on me if they heard my prices.

The $500 DJs play there.

Most of this all depends on whether I leave my job in March to basically be Mr. Mom. My wife is cool with that, so she says now. I, OTOH, still have trepidation about leaving a 75K a year job with a 401K and decent benefits.

Papa, I don't know what your situation is, but I would think long and hard about this. How difficult is it going to be replace the salary and benefits that go with this job if you walk away. Can you maintain the standard of living that you are use to. I just don't know.

Papa, I don't know what your situation is, but I would think long and hard about this. How difficult is it going to be replace the salary and benefits that go with this job if you walk away. Can you maintain the standard of living that you are use to. I just don't know.

My wife makes an excellent salary. We'll be fine.

My wife makes an excellent salary. We'll be fine.



Coastin' on the wife there Son?

Shame on you boy!

I thought I learned ya better than that -- you coast off the mistress, the wife coasts off you. It's sorta a cycle...

:sqlaugh:

Coastin' on the wife there Son?

Shame on you boy!

I thought I learned ya better than that -- you coast off the mistress, the wife coasts off you. It's sorta a cycle...

:sqlaugh:

Look at it this way... Financially I don't have to work. My kids do not see much of us at all in the evenings. Basically I see my kids Thursday and Friday nights, plus Saturday and Sunday mornings. That is it. My wife frequently comes home after 7PM.

My kids want to participate in stuff. Right now they attend Tae Kwan Do on Monday nights and Saturday mornings. That is it.

DJing is very hard to do on my schedule. And DJing is something I enjoy a lot.

It isn't like I won't be working. Most likely I will be selling real estate. Before becoming permanent at the TV station, I was well on my way to being a real estate salesman. I had taken 8 courses. All I had left was to take the test. When they made me permanent I gave up that plan.

Real estate can be quite flexible. My sister in law basically makes her own hours. She does quite well. And she is in Aruba on vacation for 5 weeks every year, and another 2 - 3 weeks as she sees fit.

I'd be QUITE happy to make 40K a year in real estate, a few years in, if it means more family time. If I make 20K in real estate for now, and another 10K DJing, well, that is plenty. My mortgage is paid off. My kids college funds are pretty much fully funded, and my 401K and investments are just fine. We're fine whether I work or not.

Have a heart attack, with a 6Tuple bypass, and your whole perspective on life changes. Money doesn't mean HALF of what I thought it meant. Time to raise my kids means hundreds of times more.

OH NO, more real estate !@#$

Yeah, we lost Chris to that too...hmmm

I guess he went down to the deck, and tried to fix something underneath it, and the in-laws trampled him! Sad, he seemed like a decent fellow...


I envy you for wanting to spend more family time though -- so get yer sorry butt off this chatboard, and play frisbee with the little gals :sqlaugh: :sqwink:

I envy you for wanting to spend more family time though -- so get yer sorry butt off this chatboard, and play frisbee with the little gals :sqlaugh: :sqwink:

80% of my posts are done from work.... which is OK, where I work, as long as it doesn't stop me from doing my job.

Have a heart attack, with a 6Tuple bypass, and your whole perspective on life changes. Money doesn't mean HALF of what I thought it meant. Time to raise my kids means hundreds of times more.

And its hard to comprehend until you have been there....

Before my heart attack I was working on an average week about 100 Hrs between everything. I had lots of plans and no time to get to them. It got me nowhere really. Sure I had enough money to get me through the 2 months I spent on my ass afterwards but that was all. The one thing I found out is no one really cared outside my family and very close friends...The people I had been putting on the back burner while I was healthy

Oct 12/ 2005 changed everything in my life. I restructured all my business interests so that they run well regardless if I am there or not. Some of them I just simply got rid of and some. I pick when I work and when I don't. When I get frustrated by something I fire it, ignore it, or sell it

I still work alot and I never have a whole lot of money in my pocket but the bills still get paid and the savings are ok. I've come farther ahead in the last two years than I did in the 15 before that and now I know what my family looks like

Back to the thread....

Think of it like this Papa if you could pick up a weeknight gig at the local VFW/Elks or whatever at $250/week thats an additional 13000/yr closer to your current income with alot more time to spare. By the time you start the kids will be in bed and you will be there when they wake up

According to my brother (40+ yrs in real estate) The way the real estate market is these days, (the crapper) It's survival of the fittest (too many realitors, not enough sales)

To be successful, you will be gone even more than you are now.

Good luck!

According to my brother (40+ yrs in real estate) The way the real estate market is these days, (the crapper) It's survival of the fittest (too many realitors, not enough sales)

To be successful, you will be gone even more than you are now.

Good luck!

True, but real estate is ALWAYS cyclical.

and regional variances obviously if someone is still going to Aruba every yr. Chuck did you ever go to Ibiza? I am intrigued by the Mediterranean. After Cuba this yr Im not sure where Im gonna go.

and regional variances obviously if someone is still going to Aruba every yr. Chuck did you ever go to Ibiza? I am intrigued by the Mediterranean. After Cuba this yr Im not sure where Im gonna go.

Nope... can't help you. But I can NOT say enough about Belize.

I just did a "Disco" night at the Elk's lodge locally on Saturday. Paid $500 for 5 hours. Easy work...only brought in a mirror ball and 1 DJScan250HP.

Papa, I don't know what your situation is, but I would think long and hard about this. How difficult is it going to be replace the salary and benefits that go with this job if you walk away. Can you maintain the standard of living that you are use to. I just don't know.


Papa listen to what Brian said.....you have two daughters and a wife to think of...?? And most of all that 401 K....!! what type of 401 K are you going to be able to fund for yourself as a single Operator?....

Again the only reason I was able to retire at 57 was 1. Savings and most importantly 2. Profit Sharing Plan which was rolled into a 401 K

If the generation following my generation the (Baby Boomers) thinks there will be a social security available to you ......"what are you smokin" keep that 401 K funded each year.......You can still DJ on the side..!!!

Your best bet might be places like the Elks, Moose, Kwanis, Masons, and these such places.


Especially when your Elks has an 18 hole golf course and Olympic Size Swimming pool :) Might even sit on the corner of Bristol and Cassopolis :)

Papa listen to what Brian said.....you have two daughters and a wife to think of...?? And most of all that 401 K....!! what type of 401 K are you going to be able to fund for yourself as a single Operator?....

Again the only reason I was able to retire at 57 was 1. Savings and most importantly 2. Profit Sharing Plan which was rolled into a 401 K

If the generation following my generation the (Baby Boomers) thinks there will be a social security available to you ......"what are you smokin" keep that 401 K funded each year.......You can still DJ on the side..!!!

Gray, I'm telling you, I am A-OK. Really A-OK. Plus, who said I was RETIRING? I specifically said I will DJ and most likely get into real estate. It is what I was going to do before being made permanent at the TV station, anyway.

EDIT: BTW, I AM thinking of my daughters.... in how thay need a mom or dad NOT to be so wrapped up in work all the time that they miss out. Like I said, Jim, have a heart attack, and your outlook on money changes. Your outlook on a whole lot of stuff changes.

:sqerr:Especially when your Elks has an 18 hole golf course and Olympic Size Swimming pool :) Might even sit on the corner of Bristol and Cassopolis :)

Did you Google me...? or are you from my area transplanted elsewhere?

Or are ya just stalkin' me?

:sqerr:

Did you Google me...? or are you from my area transplanted elsewhere?

Or are ya just stalkin' me?


LOL...years ago, I spent a lot of time in Elkhart. Remember a geat place to eat called Gubi's. Tell ya how long it's been....I used to fly into the airport from Chicago on Air Wisonsin. I knew about the Elks because I drove by it every day on the way to the plant (over by the High School on CR3).

We've met some of the nicest people and had more fun working in these type of venues than anywhere else.

Real folks, that know how to really party.

LOL...years ago, I spent a lot of time in Elkhart. Remember a geat place to eat called Gubi's. Tell ya how long it's been....I used to fly into the airport from Chicago on Air Wisonsin. I knew about the Elks because I drove by it every day on the way to the plant (over by the High School on CR3).

Gubi's is still there remodeled and repainted... stage in the rear and bar in the front.... crappy karaoke on Wed. nights.... bands on weekends. Yeah I like the Elks there on Christiana Creek golf course.