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/id6752310856
• Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.themoneygigs.moneygigs
• Use 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

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Jan Diehl has been playing professionally since he was 12 years old. Saxophone, clarinet, flute, bass — 50 years of gigs, 35 years as a music educator, and more wisdom per sentence than most podcasts deliver in an hour.

I showed Jan my app. He told me he'd never use it. And he's right — because Jan isn't who I built it for. I built it for the version of me in 2015. The guy with 142 gigs that year, making $3.85 an hour without knowing it, losing his family to the grind while thinking he was doing everything right.

This conversation is honest, funny, and practical. Jan talks about showing up an hour early, why gigs are relationships not transactions, and what he wishes every gigging musician understood from day one.

📲 Download The Money Gigs free:

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🌿 This episode is sponsored by TryFloral — THC beverages in 2.5, 5, and 10mg varieties. Visit tryfloral.com/themoneygigs for your discount.

If this episode gave you something, share it with one musician who needs to hear it. That's how this show grows.

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Know your worth—see your real hourly rate and help fellow musicians avoid flying blind by rating the venues you play.

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Explore more at themoneygigs.com

Visit Gregory's website, https://featherandahalf.itch.io/

Show Summary:

• 🎹 Creative vs. Technical Skill: Lockdown music theory learning made songwriting deliberate, sometimes stifling creative freedom.
• 🚐 Touring Strategy: Gregory's band saw 100-200 attendees at shows, focusing on intimate engagements with limited audience sizes.
• 💰 Funding Strategies: How Gregory raised $2,000 for tour expenses, showcasing creative financial approaches.
• 📱Social Media Dynamics: TikTok success led to new fan interactions, but managing emotional connections remains challenging.

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

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/

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TryFloral THC Beverages https://tryfloral.com/themoneygigs

Copyright (c) 2026 MoneyGigs, LLC

Cincinnati music legend Tracy Walker shares 25 years of hard-won wisdom about staying authentic, knowing your value, and building sustainable venue relationships. We talk about the magic of grocery store gigs, why musicians can't save struggling venues, and the moment Tracy learned to step in for herself.  Perfect listening while cooking or taking a quiet moment from family.  Fitting material for release during Thanksgiving, 2025.

https://tracywalker.com/

Music provided by Strange Spaghetti

https://themoneygigs.com/podcast

#musicianlife, #cincinnatimusic, #giglife, #tracywalker

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Cybele is a veteran of the Greater Cincinnati music scene, a very gifted singer and keyboardist.  We dive into her history and influences, recount a difficult experience with a venue, and discuss the MoneyGigs app.

Support the show

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TryFloral THC Beverages https://tryfloral.com/themoneygigs

Copyright (c) 2026 MoneyGigs, LLC

Ever wonder what drives a working musician? Dynamic pop-rock artist and gigging musician Nicki Sage joins us to offer an inspiring look at her career journey. Fresh off her travels, Nicki shares the motivations behind her music, how she stays inspired, and the process of coordinating her upcoming performances. A review of this working musician's world is packed with great music business tips and insights into the mindset required to be a passionate, full-time live performer. Perfect for any singer-songwriter looking for inspiration and real-world advice.

https://nickisageofficial.com/

https://themoneygigs.com/

Music provided by Strange Spaghetti

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

https://themoneygigs.com/

Music provided by Strange Spaghetti

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