Mark
As then AD said , things are different. The rules of Decorum are basically out the window. The way people behave at events or worse how their children behave is very sad. I haven't been to a movie in years because of audience behavior. Ever get dressed up to have dinner in a fine restaurant? Look around the room and you will ask yourself " How did they let theses people in" and " where did these people think they were going, to dig in the garden.?
Did a family party last night. During dinner the Kids were out of control running and screaming in front of me and the parents sat at the other end of the room drinking and eating totally oblivious. I was doing some summer songs on the Arranger at moderate dinner volume and one mother comes up to me and says " Can you play some Megan Traynor for the kids ? " Yea , Like they were going to pay attention to me LOL Switched to DJ mode and cranked the volume . Best thing was later on some people at the bar in the next room complimented me on my playing and singing
Do the gig, get paid and ignore it if possible. Your not going to change things