Faire performers can be secretive about how much they charge for performances. There are no unions, and no one wants hurt feelings because someone cannot demand as much as someone else. Some faire contracts also contain invalid clauses and non disclosure agreements concerning discussion of pay (see the National Labor Relations Act of 1935). Pay is not a trade secret. Still, Money may be a delicate subject for some. Not so much for me, because I don't care if I'm not headlining.

If you want me to play at your faire, convention, event, etc., then great. You just need to meet my more than reasonable price that simply follows this general rule:


That is it. Without considering tips (which are just plain fickle and usually cannot be counted on), please show me and all of your performers the courtesy of not asking that we work at a loss.

I live in Bella Vista, Arkansas. If your event is within about 250 miles, I can most likely drive it. Just take my round trip drive and multiply my mileage by the standard IRS mileage reimbursement rate for the year in question. (It's the same amount used on mapquest.) The IRS does a yearly study that includes gasoline prices, average mileage, insurance rates, and automobile maintenance costs to determine what it costs a person to run an automobile. In 2025 it is 69 cents per mile. For lack of a research study team of my own, I just take their word for it.

That amount will cover the basics of getting there and performing, which I do about half the faire open hours (or more). Really, I don't get tips unless I'm performing, so I tend to do a lot of it. Plus, that's why I'm there, to perform. If you want me as a stage act, that's fine too, but I will plan to be busking in between as well I get more tips and appreciation among the people than I do above them. I can commute back and forth daily for smaller distances, which increases the total mileage, but If you want me on subsequent days for an event over about an hour away, I need a nearby place to stay overnight.

My camping on the ground days are behind me, but cheap hotels are just fine. If you want to provide a hotel room, then I won't need to charge you for one. If you want me to book one, you can let me know of one in your area, and I'll attempt to check it out. Otherwise, I will have to just pick one that looks good and relatively inexpensive online. The point is, my base price needs to cover the cost of lodging for me (and my dog) for the event as well.

At this point I do have a dog that needs to be kenneled for any round trip over about 9 hours. That has to be factored into this equation too. I know that some people take their animals to the faire, but I actually don't have the time and strength at faire to be attending to both her needs and my performances.

Because I have to eat anyway, I am less concerned about meals, but if you want to feed your performers, we always appreciate that as well.


That is a simple and relatively low price if your faire is nearby. If you wish me to perform or attend your event farther afield, just refer to the simple one rule above, make me an offer, and ask me to check my calendar. I do want to be at your event, but on a fixed retirement pension, I just can't afford to lose money on it. Plus, I do still have a day job to maintain as well.


PS: If you are a faire coordinator, and you find acts bidding lower than their milage, I implore you to offer them recompense in excess of what they ask for. These acts are obviously performing for the love of the art, and are hoping to make up any shortfall in tips and sales. Tips and sales are notoriously fickle. So, treat your performers ethically. They will appreciate you more, and be glad to return for future venues.