Hey, I like beer too! I might even show up some time.

I suppose what has a tendency to rub me the wrong way is when people start labeling other people as "free loaders". Here again this is not something unique to KJs as many of my musician peers I'm sure used similar terms, but the irony of this is that this is coming from a group of people who like to get paid in cash they don't report on their tax returns, and right up to the establishment itself that hides as much cash from the taxman as it possibly get away with.

Lastly, on its face, it just seems to me to be a bit mean spirited. What if that table of water drinkers are living on fixed incomes that precludes them from being big spenders, and what if this is one of the few social outlets available to them? Would you still send them away? For all you know you could be the one bright spot in their entire existence and attending your next show is about the only thing they have to look forward to all week long.

I would be happy to buy you a beer Roger! Brian, Lone Ranger, Lonman, Paradigm and Danny too.

Hey, I like Bose too..

Taxes, that is the answer to all our problems. We don't have enough taxes.

Robin Hood to the rescue.

Lastly, on its face, it just seems to me to be a bit mean spirited. What if that table of water drinkers are living on fixed incomes that precludes them from being big spenders, and what if this is one of the few social outlets available to them? Would you still send them away? For all you know you could be the one bright spot in their entire existence and attending your next show is about the only thing they have to look forward to all week long.

If I were a betting man I would have bet the farm that someone would have taken that comment out of context, and politicize it. So congratulations, you were the first to do so (but I'm sure not the only one to think it). Seeing some of you folks seem to be fond of labeling, you can label me an anarcho-capitalist (the handle "Bastiat" might offer a clue) meaning that I believe that ALL TAXATION is theft therefore I don't believe in any form of taxation, but I wasn't attempting to make a political statement. So perhaps after reading this information you might want to reconsider my comments in that context, but I'm not about to explain it to you. If you're unable to grasp its meaning, then we'll just have to leave it at that.

You started it by trying to demonize us (KJs) by assuming we ALL don't pay our taxes and are therefore "freeloaders" too. Every venue I have worked at pays me by check, and I receive a 1099 at the years end (insert apology here). To top that, the tips I receive I give back to the staff. So could I write that off as a charitable donation?

And your record for paying what is owed is flawless? I'd be more than happy to compare notes.

So does that make you feel better? Is that supposed to be some sort of an argument? Or is it something that just makes you feel like you're clever? If you disagree with anything I've said, then I respect and welcome a well reasoned difference of opinion. However I have zero respect for smart-ass remarks or the people who serve them.

If I were a betting man I would have bet the farm that someone would have taken that comment out of context, and politicize it. So congratulations, you were the first to do so (but I'm sure not the only one to think it). Seeing some of you folks seem to be fond of labeling, you can label me an anarcho-capitalist (the handle "Bastiat" might offer a clue) meaning that I believe that ALL TAXATION is theft therefore I don't believe in any form of taxation, but I wasn't attempting to make a political statement. So perhaps after reading this information you might want to reconsider my comments in that context, but I'm not about to explain it to you. If you're unable to grasp its meaning, then we'll just have to leave it at that.

So does that make you feel better? Is that supposed to be some sort of an argument? Or is it something that just makes you feel like you're clever? If you disagree with anything I've said, then I respect and welcome a well reasoned difference of opinion. However I have zero respect for smart-ass remarks or the people who serve them.

Truth be told there is a place for "Water Drinkers" at a gig...

1st: Designated Drivers can sing as much as any other person in the place because I know they are getting their group home safe...

2nd: Regulars who may have to lay off the booze that week (Medication, etc.). They tend to be good for it in the long run.

3rd: If my bar's owner says "Don't worry about that one", for whatever reason they have... then I don't.

KJ's know that their employment is based on how much money goes into the till that night. We also enjoy a usually stable group of regulars. We don't have to "police" our people, but over time we get to know our clients,and those who tend to abuse our services in time get weeded out, by the KJ or by the bar itself.

Phew! I read every word of every post in this thread, and the first thing that struck is how quickly the intended topic got side-tracked... from catering to complainers, to monitoring the cash flow.

And we do this by making everyone welcome... adding a personal touch like getting to know their names asap... running a strict and predictable rotation with an absolute minimum of 'dead air'... making drink special announcements... using one-liners and quips when/where appropriate... and NOT catering to complainers (how's that for getting back on track?)

JD, it's not about Bose, it's about beer. And your welcome to join us.

Earl, we have an open seat at our "beer table" for you as well!

Piracy is bad but many singers support shows that are run by pirates. They just don't care about it. They care about other things more, like convenience and travel time and beer prices. It's not much different than Moonshining. Everyone knows that it's illegal but when someone is offering it for sale; lots of people line up to get their jug.

Same here, Roger. I also receive Form1099-misc each year from my employer.


Never learned to partake in that horrible, makes-a-person-mis-behave, devil-drink... but if there happens to be a shot of rye whiskey with a dash of ginger ale nearby, I'd be happy to let you buy one for me.

You've got it Earl.
I like a lowball glass of Dr. McGillicuddy Menthol with my beer, so it won't be just beer drinkers at the table.

(bottled) German Spaten Optimator or Coors for me.

An ear nose throat doctor gave me this liquid medicine for my hearing loss. He said two drops a day in my beer, but so far, I haven’t noticed any difference.