In all the locations I've performed over these many years, I've never encountered this problem more than a handful of times. Sure, some of the ladies at the tables are talking, but most of the time it's not often, or ever loud.

I do recall a couple times when I was performing the nite club circuit when a few drunks got loud and obnoxious. When it happened, I did my best to just ignore it, but there were a few occasions when it just rubbed my the wrong way. Once, I stopped playing, set the vocal processor to talk, and said "Hey, you two guys over in the corner. If you think that all that yelling you are doing is more important than the rest of the audience being musically entertained and dancing, then why don't you come up here and tell them why? At that point, 100 people were staring at them, and they kept quiet the remainder of the night.

Unfortunately, the younger audiences, and some older individuals, can't seem to exist without their cellular telephones firmly in their hand and staring at it. Those people drive me insane. Maybe it's just me, but I sincerely believe that while I'm on stage playing and singing my heart out, there is nothing more inconsiderate to the entertainer than sitting there staring and texting on that damned, stupid phone as if nothing in the world was more important. It really pisses me off. (another good reason to retire!)

Yes, the dress code seems to have fallen by the wayside, but MY dress code has never faltered. And, I get lots of positive comments on this everyplace I've ever performed. When I see entertainers walking in wearing ragged-assed jeans, Tee-shirts and work boots, I often wonder to myself "What ever happened to pride of appearance?" I see youngsters dressed like this to attend funerals and wakes. If I had even thought of doing something like this, my father would have kicked my butt, while my mother held me down.

I still have three tuxedos, two black and one white jacket/black slacks. Yes, I still have some bow ties and matching vests to go with them, but unfortunately, since the introduction of green coconut Margarettas, they no longer fit well. And, yes, I have patten leather shoes to go with the outfits.

Right now, it's 95 degrees with a humidity of 100 percent, so walking out the front door is akin to stepping into a steam bath. However, even under these circumstances, I will be wearing a freshly pressed guyabera shirt, black slacks, and shined shoes. I take a lot of pride in my appearance, both on the job and off. (gotta look good for the ladies!)

Good luck,

Gary