At one time, on Baltimore, there were at least two dozen keyboard players, all but one were also singers and OMB or duo entertainers with female vocalist. They performed just about everywhere, nite clubs, high end restaurants, VFWs, American Legions and animal clubs. With few exceptions, they all worked primarily on weekends and had full-time, weekday jobs. Today, that number is down to about a half-dozen at most. Many have passed away, while others have shifted to the senior circuit, which is far more lucrative.

Some of the venues switched to Karaoke, mainly the American Legions and VFWs, where the same dozen or less members stand in the spotlight and sing the same songs every Friday or Saturday night. Most, only have musical entertainment one night a week, while the restaurants and nite clubs usually have musical entertainment both Friday and Saturday nights. A large number of restaurants in this area have cut out music all together.

When I was in Mexico a few years ago, arranger keyboard players were in nearly every hotel and restaurant, usually duos and trios and they performed nearly every night of the week. At the Palace Las Americas, where we stayed, they had nightly shows, keyboards were in every show band, and there was a keyboard player in the lounge as well.

I have a friend that lives in Malaysia who performs with three to four, drop-dead, gorgeous lady musicians, puts on some huge shows, and is constantly on the road, touring with his group. My good friend, Panda and his ladies have been and will continue to be very successful.



I sincerely believe that as long as there is musical entertainment in this world, arranger keyboards will continue to play a significant role in providing that musical entertainment.

Now, lets define Pro Players. A professional (person) engaged in a specified activity as one's main paid occupation rather than as a pastime. Example: a professional boxer, a professional rugby player, a professional musician, a professional entertainer. These are paid professionals, individuals that provide a specific service and getting paid to do so. So, whether an entertainer/musician performs in a bar, restaurant, nite club, retirement community, assisted living center, or nursing home, he or she is still a professional in this regard. So, Donny asks the question "Just where is the arranger keyboard player headed in the future?" No one, absolutely no one, really knows.

All the best,

Gary