Donny, I took your advice, called one of the busiest DJs in Maryland, John Armetta and checked his schedule and rates. John works more than anyone, he does on average, one wedding a week, mostly at places such as http://martinscaterers4-px.rtrk.com/, Martin's Eastwind, Columbus Gardens, and similar high-end catering halls. John pulls down $500 to $700 per wedding. He's one of the higher paid DJs in MY area. John confirmed that the prep time is pretty much as much as YOU stated - sometimes more with the older brides who want some very unique songs and settings.

John knows DJs and KJs from all over the country, said the highest paid are in or near NYC and LA, but he, personally, doesn't know of any that make the higher end of the scale you quoted. Not that it's not possible, just not in this part of the world. John is a full-time DJ and works at one of the local American Legions most weekends as well. While he does an occasional weekday wedding, they are usually the lowest paying because the catering services and halls offer discount prices for weekday weddings, and the cut rate rules apply to the entertainment as well.

I think the best deal is what you had going in NJ on Thursday nights with the Dance Club. Yeah, it's a fair amount of work for both you and Nancy, but the paydays were good to excellent and the overhead was relatively low.

Now, as for when the time comes when I can no longer haul the gear and perform, which is not very far off, for the past 25 years I've been diligently preparing for that day. It's going to happen to each and every one of us,it's inevitable and those that did not establish a retirement account will have to find a way to survive on their Social Security income, which is not remotely possible these days. Two years ago, as per government mandate, I began taking the minimum required withdrawal from my retirement funds. However, I continued to add to that same retirement fund during the same time. Most of the musicians I know, which is quite a few, have never contributed to, or created, their OWN retirement fund. Many that have recently passed away, left loved ones with mounds of bills and abject poverty. Unfortunately, it's not an unusual circumstance for musicians, entertainers, and various artists. As you stated, this is a business, and as such you have to treat it as a business, a profit making business. Profitable businesses usually have either 401Ks or similar systems set up for the employees and management. If you have not, then maybe it's not too late to do this.

So, now that I know you will NOT be in the sunny Florida Keys for a Synthzone Jam, maybe I can set up a webcam system so you can enjoy the festivities while us old curmudgeons bask in the shade of coconut palms and sip Green Coconut Margarettas from the lounge chairs at poolside next to the Tiki Hut and watch those beautiful sunsets while playing some old fashioned Jimmy Buffett music.



Good luck on your new, musical endeavors,

Gary