Don
I agree these days it's a large "show band" with DJ or a DJ with lights, video screens and "party motivators " working the crowd all night. I and friends of mine lived thru the changes and saw the demand for our small groups disappear. The midrange catering halls died too. It's either full blown extravagance $$$ or a small inexpensive thing at the local VFW or Elks hall. As you said we were lucky to have had our time.
Ed
I was in that position many times and wondered why I bothered to bring the keyboard at all. I'd start the night with some live stuff and maybe sprinkle in a few live ballads or whatever later on. My little DJ system got more use than my keyboard. Some of my most fun gigs were cocktail hours on piano. Really got to play! And people loved it.