In many instances, you can get free dockage at locations where you perform. I had a deal worked out with one location in Marathon, but the venue changed hands with new management and is no longer open to the public. Consequently, that particular deal disappeared.
Unfortunately, many music venues book their performers 3 months in advance, therefore you'll have to do some legwork prior to your arrival to get booked. This is not always the case, but during snowbird season, musical entertainers seem to come out of the woodwork. Most are not very good and not professional, but a handful of them are quite talented.
One thing I almost forgot, good musicians are a dime a dozen nationwide. In this instance you must be an entertainer and singer as well or you will not find work. Yep, you must be a one man/woman band, have the ability to read an audience, and able to perform a wide variety of songs ranging from country to rock. You must be able to perform the songs that were popular when your audience members were 15 to 40 years of age, and do them as close to the original song as possible. DJs and Karaoke entertainers will not find a lot of jobs in the islands of the US and other resort areas - live entertainers are in high demand, though.
The average rate of pay ranges $100 to $150 for a 3-hour performance. Some will also provide you with a free dinner and beverages. If you are in the very talented category, you can work as much as you desire. I'm only working two days a week in Marathon, but that's really all I wish to work. I would rather have fun doing nothing more than fishing, riding my bicycle, and finding other ways of pissing away my children's inheritance.
If you love neat day sails, snorkeling, recreational fishing, all in beautifully clear water, this is the best part of the US to cruise. Unfortunately, when tourist season ends sometime around the end of April, most of the jobs down here pretty much cease to exist. Some venues actually close down for the summer and do not reopen till mid November.
There are several web sites that list all the restaurants and nite spots where musical entertainment is available. Put together a contact list, call them, ask for the manager, and send them a quality advertising package, one that includes a cover letter, CD, song list, photo, business card and recommendations if you have them. If you have a web site that portrays your performances, including You Tube videos, by all means include this information as well. All of these things will help you pick up jobs along your cruising route. The only drawback is that you will have to sail on a schedule, which can be quite a challenge when the weather fails to cooperate.
Good luck,
Gary
