Tony, you old SOFTEE! I know and appreciate where you're coming from.

I don't play nursing homes for reasons I have discussed before, but I do donate the proceeds from one job a week to a group I'm in which lobbies for much needed improvements in the "for profit" nursing home industry.

This way, I donate three or more times the amount I could get paid for the nursing home gig, and I get a platform upon which to tell the story of the good our group does.

As far as other jobs, I do four things:

1. My specialty is upscale restaurants and country clubs.
I frequent these places as a customer or member and make sure management knows I'm there. I never approach them, but, generally, I get a brief visit; often followed by an offer for work.

2. I NEVER ask for pay at the end of the Saturday job. The place is busy, and if I can't trust them enough to bill them, I don't want to be there anyway.

3. I always consider myself another employee. I've helped haul trash during busy times; seated people, been the unofficial bouncer (that's a permanent job, actually, in several of my gigs), bussed tables, helped people to their vehicles; even driven several regulars who had too much to drink home in my vehicle.For regular gigs, I even attend employee meetings. And, i play for holiday staff parties, participate in gift exchanges, etc.

4. I ALWAYS tip the bartender or floor supervisor $5.00 at the beginning of the evening. I ask for their assistance in checking volume or in helping keep me informed of anything special. That way, I'm telling them that I want to work the room properly and welcome their input.

Works for me...56 years and counting!


Russ