Here's the thing - a week ago I made a booking for a nursing home gig about three weeks from now. I've just had a call from another place asking me to play at the same day and time. Now, the one I'm already booked for isn't for a special party; as far as I can tell they just picked that as a nice day to have a concert. But the new call is for a special event that they've already made some plans for, so I can't suggest making it another day.

So what I'm contemplating is calling the first place and asking if they would consider rescheduling; of course I would honour the commitment if they didn't want to reschedule, but if it's all the same to them I'd prefer another day.

On the one hand, it's very possible that this would be fine with the first place, and I could have both gigs. And of course I would make it very clear to them that I was willing and able to stick to the original date if they want - it's not like I would be backing out for a non-emergency.

On the other hand, I'm concerned that even asking might make the first place think that I don't take my commitments seriously - or that if they do agree to change, the bother of another phone conversation and rewriting their schedule might make them think of me as a bit of a pain to deal with.

My gut feeling is that maintaining a reputation for being easy to deal with and keeping commitments is more important than a single gig. So I've said no to the second place (though I am trying to hook them up with someone else). But I'd like to know your thoughts, for the next time this happens.

Thanks, Marion