High Cost of Live Music

Yes we all know and we should understand that it might be worth it. In addition to more participation, I think there may be another reality that should be recognized by those who are concerned, Oahu bar and club owners offer bands to please live music fans, They want the customers to dance, get thirsty, and buy more drinks. They don’t pay bands simply because they like music. By far, the most profitable part of any bar or lounge business has been liquor sales, and that is usually the primary reason they offer dancing

"Our greatest weakness may be in giving up. The most certain way

to succeed is always to try just one more time."

But, as had been often observed by many dancers themselves, they don’t drink much – booze, that is. Costs and benefits drive business decisions. So, perhaps one of the reasons for the loss of so many dance venues on Oahu might also be due to the costs of paying a band ($400 to $800 or so) which is not offset by a break-even point or increase in liquor sales. No business can keep up a net loss for long.

"Ala Moana Annie" by Amy Hanaialii

"Adoro" by Armando Manzanero

On the mainland it has become more successful to emphasize more income on "chopstick" food and a Juice Bar. There are so many pupu delicacies available and the juice bar can feature three or four different types of juice mixtures every evening. But, very few bands (more than one musician) with higher costs can survive on "pass the hat" donations. And, gigging for the fun of it gets old, fast. The Cover Charge will increase, and I think it might be helpful to understand what is happening to local dance venues and perhaps why there have been many closings.

“There are thousands of wines that can take over our minds.

Don't think all ecstasies are the same!”