In a couple of years from now I'll be retiring from my 'day job' and our thoughts have been turning towards what we'll do in our retirement years.

One idea that's got some legs is to load up the RV and venture south to, say, Arizona/California/Texas/Florida, etc. and see if our duo could pick up enough work in RV campgrounds (I'm assuming they have community centres of some kind) to make a viable living playing for the residents and tourists.

Could some of you guys living down south give us your thoughts on what kind of market exists in this area - would it be worth a shot?

Hi, I moved to Arizona a little over 2 years ago, and the Valley area has a lot of activity for seniors....7 days at week, the only problem you will face (like I did), is that MOST places book with one, two, even more years ahead of time....so, unless you already have some contacts here....do not expect to work as soon as you came.
Here a link for you to see, My friends Phil & Ginger Green put up this web site, so you will see the kind of performers/musicians, places, etc. that we have, and before I forget, remember the summer is the slow season for Arizona (very Hot), we expect the "snow birds" from september and on......and they leave around April.
http://members.cox.net/arizonaballroom/

The music for the page I made it up, so my friends did not have to deal with copyrights and so on......
I hope it helps you.


------------------
mdorantes

Wow, that's a really fast and helpful reply. Thank you very much, sir.

Given that Ginger and Phil's bag is ballroom dancing, and most of the links on their page pointing towards ballroom, square dancing and polka music, does that mean to say that those styles of music dominate the market down there? How do you think a 60's to 00's pop duo like us would fit in? Would we have to re-jig our act entirely?

Looking forward to your thoughts on these points. Thanks again.

Hi, I think there is jobs for any style of music/performers, remember that Arizona has almost a 18-25% of increase of population every year.....and not only seniors move, people of all ages....you must find the proper channels.
I do play for the senior crowd,I know a very good porcentage of performers in this forum do just as well.
Here in Arizona, there are areas in is more country the style, in others the foxtrot, latin, polka, etc...most places have a board to indicate you (performer) the style/rhythm to be play (not the songs).

Dont let that deter you.....as in any busines bring a "BETTER PRODUCT" to the table and watch the people flock for your services....its that simple if you want it bad enough just be better then your competition

I once checked it out in the Rio Grande Vally area in South Texas. There, also, the retirement communities are booked a year or more in advance. One said I could do a free show, and they would consider me for the future.
DonM

Hi Dnj. Yep, never a truer word spoken. We have the 'product' alright - well, I hope it's alright after 40 some years :-)

Thanks for your help guys, much appreciated.

Hi DonM, you just got in under the wire there as I was replying to the other fellas. Hmmm . . . We've all done the 'freebie' bit from time to time, I guess - but I'm still a bit leery of that one. Still sometimes ya gotta do what ya gotta do. Cheers.

[This message has been edited by renig (edited 08-04-2005).]