The MoneyGigs

Cliff Adams

By gigging musicians, for gigging musicians.

Episodes

  1. Jim Pelz — Starting Over at 35: Reinvention, Resilience, and the Real Business of Gigging

    MAY 1

    Jim Pelz — Starting Over at 35: Reinvention, Resilience, and the Real Business of Gigging

    Jim Pelz started as a jazz trombonist in Boston, moved to Cincinnati, and then a rare neurological condition robbed him of his embouchure. Instead of quitting, he picked up the guitar and basically started over at 35. Today he plays the gigs he wants, says no to the ones he doesn't, and made more money from music this past year than ever — with a full-time warehouse day job and zero regrets. We talk about focal dystonia, imposter syndrome, the moment COVID changed everything, why doing less keeps it fun, and what it really means to know your worth as a working musician. Jim's Upcoming Performance Schedule in Cincinnati: 5/2 Crow’s Nest 8 pm 6/6 the Esplanade 5 pm 6/23 Kroger Oakley 5 pm 6/24 Taste of Belgium 6 pm 6/25 Taste of Belgium 6 pm 6/26 w/Tyler Christopher, Fitton Center If anything Jim described sounds familiar, the Dystonia Foundation at dystonia-foundation.org is a starting point. 🎸 Support the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2509891/support 📲 Download MoneyGigs — the app built for gigging musicians: iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/moneygigs-know-your-worth/id6752310856Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.themoneygigs.moneygigsUse invite code INV-JIMPELZ for access to the community venue database at $2/mo.  Cancel any time directly from the app.🌿 This episode is sponsored by Tryfloral: https://tryfloral.com/themoneygigs Support the show Support the show by visiting our sponsor (and get a deal!): TryFloral THC Beverages https://tryfloral.com/themoneygigs Copyright (c) 2026 MoneyGigs, LLC

    20 min
  2. JAN 22

    Know Your Worth: Why Partnership Beats the "Homebody Culture" in 2026

    Most gigging musicians spend years mastering their craft, but zero hours learning the actual economy of the rooms they play. In an era where post-pandemic "homebody culture" is the new norm, simply showing up and playing a good set isn't enough to keep the doors open—for you or the venue.  Today, we sit down with Joby Bowman, owner of Cincinnati’s BrewRiver Creole Kitchen, to bridge the professionalism gap. Joby gives us a rare, vulnerable look at the "Restaurant Squeeze" of 2026, revealing why: Playing a "good set" is only 50% of the reason you get booked.A venue's utility costs have more than doubled since 2018, making every $35 cover critical for survival.Your "posse" of 10 engaged friends is worth more to an owner than 10,000 cold followers on Instagram. 🎁 EXCLUSIVE BREWRIVER PERK: Joby is offering a $10 carry-out gift card to any listener who visits BrewRiver and mentions this podcast, along with the two iconic Cincinnati musicians discussed in this episode. This offer is valid through February 28th, 2026.  STOP THE NAPKIN MATH: This episode is powered by MoneyGigs, the app built by and for musicians to calculate real hourly rates and locate top-rated venues. Join our growing community of performers who are using data to protect their creative autonomy and Know Your Worth.    MoneyGigs Android  MoneyGigs Apple https://www.facebook.com/brewrivercreolekitchen https://brewrivercreolekitchen.com/ Support the show Support the show by visiting our sponsor (and get a deal!): TryFloral THC Beverages https://tryfloral.com/themoneygigs Copyright (c) 2026 MoneyGigs, LLC

    27 min

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By gigging musicians, for gigging musicians.