Fair pay for play

[projekktor id=’23720′]

One Niagara musician is worried local artists are being devalued after the City of Niagara Falls offered $50 to perform for one hour at the farmers market. Singer Rita Carrey says the rate is insulting and says it’s an example of how the city doesn’t support musicians.

The city’s call for musicians offered artists $50 for an hours performance, the flat rate applies to both solo performers and bands. According to the Niagara Region Musicians’ Association, current rates should be at least a $100 per hour for a minimum 3 hour performance.

The City of Niagara Falls only started paying its musicians in 2012. Up until this year musicians were being paid $25. The city says over 100 musicians have expressed interest in playing at the market, which runs every Saturday morning. They plan on choosing only about 20 musicians. The rates could increase but the city says it would cut the number of performers.

Carrey admits she’s never played at the market but is planning a rally next week at city council to stand up for young and up-coming musicians.
“If they don’t have the funding for whatever their agenda is we will work on a deal, because I want to play. I like to entertain, but I don’t want to be devalued either.”

In St. Catharines rates are negotiable, artists have been paid as much as $350 for a 3 hour set. The City of Niagara Falls says they have heard the concerns and will meet with Rita later this week.