Glenn, Congrats on the gig. Exactly what type of gig is this? Is this for the grand opening of a new (Grand Oasis) hotel and/or golf resort? What type of music entertainment are you expected to provide? Background or featured entertainer? Karaoke host or are you expected to exude a high class cocktail bar feel (ala Bobby Short) performing classic Cole Porter-Gershwin standards, or is this a pool side Jimmy Buffet attitude thing? Laptop commercial midi files may be suitable suitable for karaoke style entertainment or accompannying yourself in some limited situations, but I don't recommend relying on commerically produced midi files too heavily, as it can begin to sound really canned & generic quickly, and make your music end up sounding just like the next (easily replaceable) guy. Just my thoughts and biased opinion of course.

As far as the hours go. I hope you've already made it in clear (hopefully in a contract) the number and length of breaks and lunch break you're entitled to. Mine includes a 10-15 break every hour with an hour for lunch or dinner. I typically play a little longer or shorter than the standard 45 minute set depending on the energy of the room, and try to schedule breaks & lunch accordingly, having even had to combine 2 breaks into one after performing for over an 1-1/2 at a time. Flexibility is the key, but having the ground rules set initially, avoids any confusion or problems later.

Keep us posted and let us know the details. Good luck, and most of us, have fun. If this is a grand opening event, the time will go by faster than you can blink an eye, and you'll probably pick up some other gigs from it as well. Good luck.

Scott