Don, they didn't get their fingers cut off, but the last two guys who did this job were both good friends of mine. They both died; not while playing but while having the job. One died in Dubai and the other died here in Lexington just before leaving for a trip to Dubai.

Frankly, this has me a little freaked out. But, like me, they were old "jazzers" who had "lots of miles on them".

The good thing is, I have a house job here in Lexington at a nice little upscale place frequented by the right people. I'll get someone to sub for me when I'm away. I think the room will be called RC's (my first and middle initials). I'll get a guarantee and a percentage of the take. The owners are great long-time friends whom I have worked for in the past at another restaurant they own.

Counting the one-nighters here in Lexington, I'll only be away from my house job about 2 1/2 months a year.

That will give me the home base I'm comfortable with.

Russ