Hi Dave,

I don't really know you, but I can truly appreciate where you are. I, like you, have been a professional musician for most of my life. It's the only thing I've really ever wanted to be. I did the 5 and 6 night a week thing for 4 and 5 hours a night for many years. As the business has changed, so has the way I do music. About 26 years ago I became a church music director, first in small churches and then in larger churches. I've really enjoyed that because I'm a church going sort of guy anyway and it made sense to get involved in music ministry. But my greatest pleasure has come in recent years and that is entertaining in senior type facilities. I've always had a natural connection with this age group, and in the last several years, as the night club business has changed, I now find myself with around 300 shows per year, plus my church job. And last year, I signed on with the local community college as music director of Senior Star Showcase, a performing arts group made up of seniors. I've never ever been happier with music than I am right now. Believe me, the right mix is out there for you. For those of us who have it in our blood, there's nothing else we can do. And this is not only a good thing, it is a great thing. Hang in there, my friend.

Joe

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Songman55
Joe Ayala

[This message has been edited by Songman55 (edited 02-14-2007).]