Short engagements (4)
I believe the answer is:
gigs
'engagements' is the definition.
(gig is a kind of engagement)
I can't explain the remainder of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for gigs that I've seen before include "One-night music sessions" , "One-night-stand musical performances" , "One-night musical stands" , "Pop/jazz band engagements" .)