Public Gigs vs Private Gigs: Which Performer Are You Meant to Be?

 The Question Most Performers Eventually Ask ...

At some point in your journey as a musician, singer, or live performer, you’ll face a major decision:

Should you focus on public gigs or private events?

Bars and clubs promise exposure and creative freedom.
Private gigs usually offer higher pay and a professional environment.

But the real answer isn’t as simple as choosing one over the other.

It kind of depends on what kind of performer you want to be.

What Is a Public Gig?

A public gig is any performance open to anyone who wants to attend.

Here are some examples:

• Bars and clubs
• Coffee shops
• Restaurants
• Wineries
• Churches
• Festivals
• Community events
• Parks
• Businesses
• Public venues

If anyone can walk in or buy a ticket, it’s a public performance.

Pros of Public Gigs

Brand Building
Public performances help establish your presence locally. People can discover you organically and help you build your following.

Creative Freedom
You set the expectation for what the show will bring.

You get to control things like:

• Setlists
• Originals vs covers, or both!
• Experimentation
• Your own stage identity
• Your look

Public gigs are often where artists discover what truly works live for them.

Community Networking
Public performances allow you to build a community.

You get to meet:

• Venue owners
• Other musicians
• Local promoters
• Media connections (like radio, tv, and internet personalities in your area)

Merchandise
Selling merch and/or your music is easier and more appropriate during public performances.

Cons of Public Gigs

Lower Pay (Often)
Venues hosting weekly music typically operate on tight budgets.

Inconsistent Crowds
One night packed. Next night empty. This is often due to outside influences that are beyond your control. (Good vs bad weather or conflicting events happening at the same time as yours.)

Late Hours (Sometimes)
Many gigs run late into the night, affecting lifestyle and recovery.

Competing for Attention
Sports games, conversations, and distractions can pull focus away from the performance.

What Is a Private Gig?

Private gigs are invite-only events typically funded by a particular client rather than the venue or ticket sales.

Here are some examples:

• Weddings
• Corporate events
• Fundraisers
• Country club events
• Awards ceremonies
• Private parties (Like Anniversaries or Birthdays)

Pros of Private Gigs

Higher Pay
Often 2–3× public gig income (or more).

Professional Environment
Contracts, timelines, and expectations create structure.

Guaranteed Audience (Most of the Time)
Guests are already invested in the event — meaning higher engagement.

High-Value Networking
Clients often lead to referrals and repeat bookings.

Cons of Private Gigs

The “Jukebox Effect”
You may be expected to play popular songs repeatedly based on what each client needs or wants.

(Can Be) High Pressure
There are no do-overs for milestone moments like first dances. You have to get things right.

Dress Codes & Branding Limits
Creative freedoms might be reduced. You likely can't play very much original music or stretch too far from the expectations of the client.

Logistics Heavy
Long days, schedules, coordination, and adaptability are necessary a lot of the time.

What About Touring and Festivals?

At higher levels, gigs can evolve again into bigger versions of public and private gigs.

Touring Pros

• Audience expansion
• Testing material across markets
• Building long-term brand identity

Touring Cons

• High financial risk
• Physical and mental fatigue
• Significant overhead costs
  
  

Festivals & Concert Series

Pros

• Exposure to new audiences
• Professional production support

Cons

• Short sets
• Strict time limits
• Harder to stand out among multiple acts
  
  

The Real Question Isn’t “Which Is Better?”

Instead you may want to ask:

What kind of performer are you meant to be?

Some performers thrive on:

• Creative exploration
• Late-night club energy
• Building grassroots audiences

Others thrive on:

• Professional environments
• High-level execution
• Financial stability

Many successful musicians combine both.

There is no single correct path.

The best gig is the one aligned with your goals, personality, lifestyle, and your vision as a performer.

Choose intentionally and be the musician, singer, band, or performer that fits you.