The Guaranteed Fair Wage Fund (GFWF) has been created to encourage venues and presenters to pay musicians a minimum guaranteed amount up front, regardless of ticket sales. When event revenue does not cover the cost of the guaranteed compensation, Jazz in the Neighborhood can help make up the difference.
What is the purpose of the Guaranteed Fair Wage Fund?
• Jazz in the Neighborhood believes that professional musicians should be paid for their performances independent of ticket sales or other contingency-based revenue. The time, effort, and artistry of the musicians who perform are worthy of respect and compensation, first and foremost.
How does the Guaranteed Fair Wage Fund compensate musicians?
• We begin with Jazz in the Neighborhood’s pay scale, which is $150 per musician (or $100 for ensembles larger than an octet). While we realize this may seem low, it’s what we feel is realistic for our local jazz scene.
• Participating venues agree to pay musicians at Jazz in the Neighborhood’s scale for specific Guaranteed Fair Wage Fund events. If a venue normally pays musicians less than scale, Jazz in the Neighbor will subsidize up to 40% of its minimum. Venues will receive the subsidy in advance. For example, a trio is paid $450 by the venue; Jazz in the Neighborhood gives the venue $180 to help cover this cost.
• Additionally, Jazz in the Neighborhood pays the leader of an ensemble 10% of the amount paid to the ensemble. For example, the leader of a trio will receive an additional $45 as compensation for time spent on logistics and paperwork.
• Funds are made available for mutually agreed on events. Venues can try it once or use it for several events. The amount of funds available will vary depending upon Jazz in the Neighborhood’s annual budget.
Who can participate in the Guaranteed Fair Wage Fund?
• The program supports venues and musicians in the greater Bay Area, which includes San Francisco, Marin, Alameda, and Contra Costa counties and parts of Sonoma, Solano, Napa, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties.
• The leader of an ensemble must be a current or former resident of the Bay Area and at least half of the members of the ensemble must be locally based.
• The Fund will support those who are currently working as professional jazz musicians. It is also intended to promote diversity of musical styles and artists working within the jazz genre.
What are other details?
• Musicians being compensated by the Fund must talk about Jazz in the Neighborhood and the Guaranteed Fair Wage Fund while on stage and in promotional materials.
• Venues must credit Jazz in the Neighborhood and the Fund when promoting the event and must allow its presence at the venue in the form of personnel and/or promotional materials.
• The focus of the event needs to be the music, and the environment should be appropriate for listening. Please note: No tip jars will be allowed.
How to take advantage of the Guaranteed Fair Wage Fund
• Musicians should coordinate with a venue and then apply to be the recipient of Guaranteed Fair Wage Fund compensation. Link to application info. Please apply at least two months in advance.
• Venues need to enter into an agreement with Jazz in the Neighborhood that outlines responsibilities and other conditions. Contact us for an agreement form.
Email questions or info to gfwf@jazzintheneighborhood.org
