06/22/2026
On another note:
The Red Deer Blues Societies Live Music Shows at Venues are not Free.
We are a 100% non-profit.
Our costs shake out at about $1200.00 - $1500.00 per show.
Ticket sales are necessary to pay the musicians. We take only a nominal amount of around $50.00 to $100.00 for receipted expenses. We cover all the Marketing, Printing, Advertising and Travel when required.
Most people know and are totally fine with this, other than the exception of an entitled few.
Last night, we had at least a dozen people walk right past us, even though we had a clear TICKETS AT THE DOOR $25 on all our online ads and signage at the venue, as well as at our table.
Our shows are advertised at least six weeks in advance and everyone knows very well it’s a paid event. Local venues sponsor our events with their space and receive a receipt for their taxes. Thats the deal. That’s how sponsorship works. It’s not the venues event, it’s a Red Deer Blues Society Event. It is a mutually beneficial arrangement where attendees purchase meals and beverages AND pay for tickets. Everybody wins with our collaborative approach.
Greeting people at the door doesn’t give them a free pass. Coming in late is not a free pass. Staff can’t give out free passes. Walk-ins trying to gaslight me into letting them in by saying “Well, there’s no one at the door” when I’m clearly stopping them at the door, isn’t a free pass. While speaking loudly as they walked by, excuse me, HELLO! louder, excuse me.. repeatedly, only to be ignored or have them claim that someone had told them, “to just come”, isn’t a free pass either.
One couple, led in by staff, had agreed to put their ticket on their tab, then later refused to pay. That is theft. We know who they are. Now they are banned from all of our shows.
We take, supporting musicians seriously. We are all volunteers. We take no wages.
We don’t get freebies at our events. Only the society maintains the guest list for the band and volunteers.
All others must pay.
I have over twenty five years experience both in hotel service and management, and an extensive life-long history of volunteering, working for, coordinating events, consulting, creating and governing non-profit organizations.
Kindly be respectful of our efforts in providing great live events in Red Deer.
