At this point in my entertainment career, I’ve performed dozens of events. Therefore I’ve encountered hundreds of different kinds of people from various backgrounds, upbringing, economic, social status, etc.
For the most part, my clients who hire me, and their guests have been fantastic. They’ve been kind, generous, and respectful.
There was one moment, though, I couldn’t believe still happens in this day and age of tolerance and inclusion.
It was a moment when a man thought money encourages service personnel. Sadly, on that night it did…
Cash Equals Entitlement
Amore Events & Entertainment’s heart and soul is Mari. Most of the events are delegated to her entertainers. On this rare occasion she requested my assistance at the Washington State Convention Center for a charity fundraiser.
My participation was minimal – play dancing music when the time came for 45 minutes. Ok, I thought, I could do that.
She advised me I’ll be using her equipment so I should spend some time familiarizing myself with it. She and I both strive to provide a seamless experience.
Yes, we work for a set price with the thought that if services and experience exceeded expectation(s) a monetary gratuity would be appreciated but not expected.
We do it because we love it.
However, the amount of money given doesn’t buy you the power to be disrespectful or “push us around” either. On this night, I received the highest tip amount to play a single song. This man was convinced Cash Equal Entitlement.
What The Fox?
So Mari was coaching me on various aspects of the event DJ business. The charity fundraiser was a $100 a plate meal, with an auctioneer was there to bark out the items for sale.
Once the items were auctioned off, dinner had been served, the time for dance music was next.
I had no playlist so I guessed at the songs that the guests would dance too. I was about 15-minutes into my 45-minute set when a man in a suit approached our set up.
He asked if we were taking requests, we replied yes.
He crumpled up a $20 bill and tossed it over Mari’s DJ facade with the words, “Play me The Fox (What Does The Fox Say?)“
I must’ve looked like I got slapped in the face with a sh**ty rag, Mari simply smirked, and asked, “When you gonna play a song like that?”
As I reached over to remove the money from the soundboard because it was in the way, and I felt violated. “Right after this song concludes,” I replied disgusted.
I was screaming in my head, WHAT THE FOX GIVES YOU RIGHT TO DO THAT?!
Cash doesn’t equal entitlement. It affords you the opportunity to be kind, compassionate and respectful. At least he did dance to the short song with his daughter on the dance floor.
Thankfully it hasn’t happened ever again, and with some luck, never again.
Always be good, like you should, and if you can’t be good … be good at what you do!
Mic drop *bOoM*
‘los; out
Chip N Dale Dancer: Carlos
