It requires a complete setup for me to do what I do at or in any venue. This is what I do and why I can sound so good.
My act involves 30 minutes of unloading/setup (30 min teardown/reloading). This is an hour that I do charge for outside of the hourly playing time charge. I have a two hour minimum and charge for it even if the customer only wants an hour of actual music. So, for example, a two hour engagement is 3 x hourly rate, plus travel expenses.
Therefore, playing a couple of tunes is not exactly what I do nor is it worth it for me unless the customer is willing to pay the price for a two hour engagement plus travel expenses (in which case they can opt to get much more music than just a couple of tunes . . if they so choose!)
Commercial gigs (ones that give me multiple and regular dates) are charged a lower rate. This is because they give me a larger quantity of gigs with usually no surprises* after the first gig.
* Surprises, for example, means me showing up at a new venue without the correct equipment for that venue size because the average person hiring me rarely knows what sound systems are appropriate for the room size. Also, it means things like:
- Finding that there's no parking near the venue.
- That it's a difficult setup . . like climbing flights of stairs carrying my equipment.
- Often finding no electrical outlet or no electric at all within 150 feet of where I am to be playing.
- Having to set up in an uncomfortable area or one where my sound is compromised.
- Working in excess heat (or cold), bare ground (very dangerous)
or a smoke filled hall.
(Unfortunately, smoking is still allowed at some private clubs in New York State) - Having my hours changed at the last minute forcing me to either wait around to start or play late and possibly miss a later booking on the same date.
- Having to chase my pay.
(Commercial gigs are usually not guilty of this. They'd like me back for the next gig!)
The big reason you probably don't see acts like mine waltzing in and playing just a couple of songs is because the equipment that is required to do what I do requires more time and space than most folks expect.
The appropriate act for a two or three song event is a strolling guitarist. This is not what I do.
FOOTNOTE:
I have been doing my One Man Band Act since 1990 and have played in bands since 1959. That means I have been at this for over fifty years. I suppose the conditions I stated above might be construed to reflect a sort of Prima Donna attitude on my part but I feel I have paid my dues and I therefore expect the courtesies reserved for a gentleman of my age and professional experience.