TWIMC:

Re:
>Paid friends...

Brings back a painful memory of Fire Island in the 1970's, when I
carried a guitar rather than a banjo.  I was invited, along with two
of my "musician" friends to come to a late party at another
"friend's" house, expected to play a few tunes as we usually did
while hanging out on the weekend.  It turned out to be something of a
toga or nightshirt party, and I was clearly instructed upon arrival
to "Start whenever you're ready.  AND DON'T MINGLE WITH THE
GUESTS!!!"  I'm not sure if I was paid, but I sure learned who my
friends weren't.

--Rev. Banjo Jim