US - local city permits for gigs

Trad Irish Music
1

I play in a band that got hired to play a private corporate party in Newport Beach, California. We got paid a decent fee, but then the city of Newport Beach insisted that we obtain a business license to do business inside Newport Beach. Even though this was a one-time gig (we came up from San Diego). They hit us up for a license and a fine for the violation of playing without the license. I find this terribly un-friendly to musicians (and other support businesses, like catering). From now on, we will avoid playing in Newport Beach.

Anyone know what other US cities are doing this? I’d love to see a “black list” formed of places I never want to gig in. : )

  • Tom
2

That sounds troubling.

I have no answers or info for you, but this matter has sparked my curiosity. As in, what about musicians’ unions? Are gigging musicians expected to be part of a union? Something tells me there are lots of non-union musicians playing small gigs…