What fees are paid to the nightly entertainers?
 

We just returned from watching Scooter the DJ. While there, my wife asked me if I knew what they were paid. I have no idea; does anyone know what they are paid or is that one of the "secrets" we're not supposed to know?:shrug:

I don't know the specific amounts but the entertainers at the squares are paid on a sliding scale depending on how popular they are and how many people they draw.

Believe it or not, Scooter is one of higher paid.

What is paid to individual acts is none of our business and probably varies by act depending on popularity, group size and past experience. That is a private business transaction between the group responsible for the entertainment programs and the performing groups, just as with any other performing arts venue. I assume there is an annual budget allocation that can be found in the various financial/budget reports that are made public by the amenity/CDD/etc. from the groups responsible for funding the entertainment program. Entertainment on the squares is funded through a combination of sources including merchants, Sumter County tourist fees fund, and who knows what else.

I think the OP was just asking if anyone happened to know. I don't think he was looking for a certified copy of a contract!!

There's nothing wrong with being curious.

Especially since it's our money paying for all of this.....

Maybe it was the tone of the question..........................

If there is any tax money involved then there should be transparency and you should be able to inquire about what they were paid, as you can do for other contracts in the public sector.

Fees for this fees for that It's a shell game follow the money trail if you can

Ok....now I'm confused. I thought the music in the squares was paid for by the businesses, not by the residents through taxes or amenities. But I've been known to be wrong before - just ask my husband :smiley:

This is from an online newspaper. The link to the paper will not work on this site: Sumter County annually invests $60,000 toward nightly entertainment at Lake Sumter Landing Market Square and Brownwood Paddock Square.
And with The Villages in high season, it’s evident the investment continues to pay off, said Sumter County Administrator Bradley Arnold.
The money for nightly entertainment comes from tourism tax dollars raised primarily from hotels in the county.
“The Villages is a major tourist destination and a gateway to other attractions and venues countywide.The Villages is a good partner with the county and this partnership continues to flourish,” according to county documents detailing the arrangement.
The current contract for tourism dollars for nightly entertainment on the square between the county and The Villages runs through Sept. 30, 2014. The Villages provides a matching amount.
“While some of the attendees at the nightly entertainment are local residents, many are visitors to Sumter County seeking to sample ‘The Villages Lifestyle.’ The Villages reports that approximately 10,000 visitors stayed an average of five nights in The Villages last year as part of just one program ‘The Villages Lifestyle Preview Plan.’ The tourism tax receipts from those visits alone is evidence of the effectiveness of the nightly entertainment and other Villages programs in attracting people to visit Sumter County,” according to grant application documents originally filed in 2011.
Documents also predict that attendance in both of these venues will continue to grow.
The Villages offers entertainment from 5 to 9 p.m. daily at both Lake Sumter Landing Market Square and Brownwood Paddock Square.


Here is additional information about entertainment at the Sumter County town squares: http://sumtercountyfl.gov/AgendaCent...89?fileID=4736

http://www.sumtercountyfl.gov/Agenda...89?fileID=4678

It is totally believable that Scooter the DJ would be higher paid based on the the scale of popularity. But if that sliding scale holds true how does a large band that starts playing in the squares get paid adequately? Just saw Little Jake and the Soul Searchers out of Gainesville play at Brownwood last night. Three horns, keyboard player, bass guitar, and a lead singer. I guess that maybe you have to start somewhere in a new market and work your way up the pay scale. But even that seems very subjective. BTW, they were very entertaining, and there was a nice crowd. I think they have played in SS before also, so they are on their way.

:popcorn:

Using the "tax money" so we have a right to know is just wrong. We are all subsidized, or who we work for, or tax breaks from local municipalities or any other nunmber of tax assists would then make us all subject to the transparency
clause. Since I pay for those tax assists do I have a right to see your individual financials since you benefit.....I think we would all fight that. The "curious" is abnother matter and we are all that.....but do we have a right to know...I think, and hope, not.

I am sure that popularity has a lot to do with their pay scale. Scooter the DJ is very popular and a very good entertainer. Rocky and the Rollers, Uncle Bob's Rockshop, Bobby Blackman would also make the top tier.

We have great times at the squares and personally, I do not care where the payment comes from.

Where else can you find entertainment 365 days of the year?