Take the risk, front the money yourself . Book the band , and count on the number of people that they can bring in to get your money back and hopefully profit . Pinball would just be an added bonus (and people that want to come just for the pinball could show up early as you stated ). If this cover band can draw enough people to get your money back then really what's the risk . I'm sure you'd also gain a good working relationship with this bar also , as their sales would likely go far above a normal sunday night . Skip the crap like the magician (totally not needed and has nothing to do with kiss or pinball ) I could see if it was a Theatre of Magic release , but for this No . If you risk just your money no one will complain if you make a profit , and if done right you certainly will .