So you are suggesting that people not ask questions? Totally bizarre attitude to take.

It's definitely okay to ask questions. Just saying that if someone is concerned about where the money comes from for the entertainment, they probably should have asked before moving here if it's an issue.
People know about the music before moving here.

Maybe a better question would be, "Do all of the performers pay the required royalties on the songs they play?"

Does anyone remember the original question?

Actually the original question was about how much the entertainers were paid. I don't believe they were all that concerned and I suspect it was not an issue. Also, it is OK to be concerned about something after you move here and ask questions as it is impossible to anticipate every question you might have.

I seem to remember something about the venues that hire cover bands typically obtain the licensing rights for the bands they hire to play what is essentially copyrighted material. Anyone play in a band?

I only got to see 3 concerts in the Village Church on the Square before they started renovating. I remember paying $5 or $6 for remarkable talent. There were plenty of people in the audience and I was wondering [hoping actually] if the talent got all the money.
I'm afraid those 1 hour, inexpensive concerts are going to be a thing of the past. Too bad. That was one of the reasons I moved here. I enjoy sitting inside and listening quietly to all kinds of music.

It is just smart business to want to know what YOUR money is being spent for. Do the people not wanting to question it not get several bids when getting work done that they have to pay for? I think it's only fair to know what money of ours goes towards every facet of this operation.

Worring about how much the entertainers are paid and how much of what monies are used to pay them is a waste of time and effort. Even if you find out what then are you going to do about it?
How many of the posters that are so concerned have gone to one budget meeting? That's where you will find how and where money is being spent...............not whining on TOTV!

Entertainment is paid for by the businesses on the squares.

It more than that as has been already posted and is announced every night after the band breaks.

It is the original posters time and effort and not up to you to post judgement. There wasn't any whining - just an interest in knowing the details.

After reading some of the follow-up posts I went back and re-read the OP. I could not see anything in his post other than curiosity, and I have wondered the same thing, for no other reason than curiosity. I don't get why some posters get so wrought up over a simple question. IMO you answer it or you move on. By the way, I am sure some of you will point out that I did neither, but I just don't get some of the animosity for the question or the questioner.

Here's a plan:
 

If I were in charge of the entertainment department, I would check the total sales of adult beverages and base their pay on that. High sales - higher pay. Low sales - lower pay.

I was at Spanish Springs Town Square a few times when entertainers were encouraging people to buy drinks. So it leads me to believe that beverage sales may be used as a gauge.

Note: I don't mind "wasting time and effort" on this thread because I'm retired. ;)....:ho:

If I were in charge of the entertainment department,
I would set up a hall like Preservation Hall in New Orleans in Brownwood. I would put it in the white building that looks like a church. The music could be any genre. In Preservation Hall there are about 5 rows of benches and standing up room behind them. They don't serve drinks but you can carry them in. A ticket gets you admission and you can stay as long as you want but it's not so comfortable that you would stay for all 3 sets.
This will give you a feeling for the place. click here