No arguments there at all, Nigel. But we BOTH leave the DJ-ing, and the DJ gigs to the DJ's. We both work as much as we want, without having to take the DJ gigs, if that's all they want... slight difference (OK, not so slight!)

And, while I respect Lucky (honestly, I do! ), I am saddened at how a great musician can be diverted from playing music (his true love since childhood) to playing CD's, all for the almighty dollar, while other musicians his age or older (maybe!) still manage to find the work they need, still entirely by PLAYING.

Maybe Lucky could talk to Zuki, and perhaps pick up a tip or two about how to find enough work in the NH field (which he already does a bit of) to be able to turn down those DJ gigs and play full-time...?

I admire his ability to not differentiate between different forms of entertainment. It is not something I think I will ever be able to do, and may cost me, eventually... But I rather think I would prefer being a greeter at Wal-Mart's than spin CD's because I couldn't get a gig playing. But that's just me...

One of the best things about this forum is the willingness to share tips and tricks on getting bookings as 'arranger players' as we get older and less relevant to the younger crowd. This is what this forum should be, IMO, rather than an area where people who USED to play swap DJ-ing stories and advice. But again, that's just me.

I am at least twice the age of most of the kids I play for at times, but haven't yet been unable to entertain them without spinning hiphop. You are right, Nigel, I HAVE seen a resurgence of interest in kids listening to LIVE music, not DJ only music. Young bluegrass and 'jam bands' abound in my area, and often play primarily music that is 20-30-40 years old (my wheelhouse!). So no problem 'connecting', there!

I just hope that Lucky, and others that read my posts don't look at my views as 'putting people down', I rather think of them as 'trying to help lift them UP!'. If there's a way we can encourage each other to keep at it, to keep playing music maybe long after we THINK we can, then this forum will have done something REALLY important.

But encouraging each other when we have primarily given up as 'players' is something I can't bring myself to do, even if it IS what the poster prefers to hear. Many here succeed at playing long into those 'retirement years', and contribute to the forum with much sage advice. THAT'S what I look for in coming here... And that's what I encourage others to do.

NEVER GIVE, NEVER SURRENDER...!