Tony, you are right on with your analysis. There is one more consideration. These guys are at the apex of the pecking order in the horse business, and there is lots of business for my day company from big horse operations, and their friends...way more dollars involved....film, electronic, photography, PR, etc. Traditionally, I've been pretty successful in converting music customers into day business customers. Part of that is because I specialize in the music and the gigs that attract entrepreneurs, government officials, business owners and others who are consumers of both my music and day product.

I've ego my fingers crossed. the little restaurant offering me the house gig will name the room for me. They want a New York style laid back jazz atmosphere, and i may be able to book others in the room when I'm gone.

Oh well, the choice is made. I'll have to just see what happens.

All my career, I've had to make choices like this. I once went to a little town 30 miles away for 9 months, and no one knew who I was when I returned. I turned down gigs with bands that are still, after 30 or more years, still recording and touring (what a dumb-ass).

I'm a little concerned, because I'm nowhere near retiring (provide I don't develop more serious physical conditions), and I want to compete with the best in the area as long as I can. I'm kind of the "go to" guy for top shelf society gigs, and couldn't continue to do that if I were out of town for about 6 weeks a year (counting travel time).

But, I've made my choice, partially because, at this stage in my life, I "ain't gonna starve", whatever I do.


Onward and upward"


Russ