Oprah Winfrey, one of the richest Americans, with an entertainment empire to run, has nevertheless decided to put her civic duty first by serving in the jury of a murder trial (although somewhat reluctantly, it seems).
In a time when top celebrities are used to being coddled, it’s great to see Oprah’s keepin’ it real.
Last week, I read an interesting article in USA Today about working musicians called Summer Tours Help Bands Pay Bills. It focuses on banjo-guru Bela Fleck to show how much money bands earn by touring.
Fleck says concerts reflect 70% of the band’s income, records 20% and merchandising 10%.
Fleck will realize 40% of his yearly touring income crisscrossing the country to perform with his jazz/bluegrass/world music band at amphitheaters, auditoriums, amusement parks — even a farmer’s market in Kansas City.
Good info on the economics of the touring band.
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