“…more power to anyone who wants to make music”

Dave...a fine pianist like yourself? You’re the last person I’d expect to hear say that! You’re not actually referring to this as music? I’ve heard civil rights demonstrations more musical than this!

"...the fact that people are singing along with his cruise ship gig means that they are being entertained, which is the idea, correct?”

Yes, you're correct but they’re a captive audience, aren't they. I’d bet the rent that if they had a choice between attending an Andre Riu concert and this piano bar routine even the most musically oblivious would know what route to take.

“Would you like them to come forward publicly with their opinion of you, especially if you didn't ask for it?”

Yes, yes and yes! You don’t grow without suffering pain and if the pain comes from criticism, so be it! Tchaikovsky had his share and I believe he would never have left behind such beautiful music without it.

Where’s the incentive to improve yourself if everyone accepts you at street level? Remember everything in life has to keep moving. Where does music go from street level? There’s nothing below that!

Lucky