Gary, great topic---reading a audience

First of all, I am my own worst problem.
If they are not dancing, it's my fault. Hmm!
I was called to play a 4 hour job at the elks club. This was the earlie eighties. I had a four piece band. The first hour no one danced. The second hour I tried playing older songs, then newer songs, no one danced The third hour still no one danced. My pants were on corectly, my shoes were tied, I tried adjusting the tone and volume controls. There were enough of the young people there. Was I distroying the contemp music?

The last hour some of the younger people got up to dance---hold on now---they danced using a box step--a very lage awkward box step. I looked toward bar, no one was drinking. I later found that they were a religious group for Pennsylvina who did not drink, and very rarly danced. ouch.

It's always nice when people come in, ready for a party. They have a good time, and I have a great time---then they pay me--how good does it get. It is really not work. Many times after a job, I go home, unpack my instrument and play till I get tired---till I wind down.

There is a group, who's main purpose is to have a social. They want to talk with soft music in the background. Toward the end they get up all at once, as if some one blew a whistle, and they dance. They get right into dancing and have a good time. 45 to 50 minutes later, they stop in the same way they started, suddenly.
I love playing my instrument, sooooo, I play all the songs I have touched for a while during this soft music period. I play them in different rhythms, change tempos--just enjoy. But, I am always ready to turn on to the crowd as soon as they are ready to dance.

I have been blessed. I am playing since I was 23. I have supported a family of six, 49 years later I am still getting calls to play. Please, in no way am I exalting myself, but I am paid enough money this New Years Eve to pay my houses taxes for the year. No this is not about money. it's about being thankful for what I have been given.
I love music, I thought I would have to leave this business when I approached 60.
Thank you lord.
Sorry if I my post is to long--you know, memories.

Have a special day, John C.