Thanks guys (for reading it all and your comments too!). I must admit that I love the sound and excitement of a live big band and direly miss being in a band like that. But one of the pitfalls of setting up 18 musicians on an outdoor stage is amplification and balancing it all. That's one of the key advantages the arranger has w/balanced styles.

Scott - yeah, you probably know several of these guys, most of whom are from Ft Walton and Santa Rosa Beach areas. I met a few of them before the show. Several of the guys are ex-military musicians like me.

Gary - thanks! So you've been there, done that, and got the T-shirt! I won't go out of my way to do this kind of thing again, but if I end up in this situation again, I will indeed request more $$ next time around. HA HA.

Randy