I am sure we all could recite chapter and verse about musicians or DJs who are good or bad, cater to an audience or play what they want, have great stage presence or can't talk to an audience, are making money or can't BUY a gig ... the fact is, whether 'live' musician or DJ, in both genres of entertainment there are some VERY good ones and some bad ones, there are some who are making a lot of money and some who aren't, there are some who can please ANY audience, and some who cannot ... we cannot try to define entire situations by what we know through our limited experience ... just enjoy the hell out of what YOU do, because we never know when we won't be doing it ...
And remember - that DJ you heard at that wedding who only catered to a few "drunken bridesmaids" was hired by the bride and groom who probably heard him/her at another wedding and thought it was GREAT ...

Actually our Casino has the entertainment figured out.

Best of both worlds.

The live bands play from 6-10 PM.

10 to ?? the DJ starts, the 21+ crowd come out, and party.

Needless to say , I'm home by 10:30.

Jerryghr

You are right Tony. To be content with what you do has to be enough, and as previously stated finding the right target audience/demographic/venue for your style and content is key to doing that.

I'll agree with Donny that the "hot time" for us is past. More so, the audience for a lot of us is dwindling. Obviously music has historically changed; we don't all change with it. Our generation appreciates music from the past and keeps it alive. My observation, and it is only that, is that the current generation isn't much interested in music that is older than last month....

I asked my twenty something son what the Ratpack was. He thought it was something from White Castle..

First question your should ask a potential client is .."HOW OLD ARE THEY" don't try to be a hero or let your ego go for the money and get caught in a situation of younger music requests you can't play or even know....just some friendly advice, I know it's hard to say NO to the $$$$ but do yourself a favor sometimes you gotta do it or your in for a nightmare gig for yourself, your client, and a night you soon won't forget,......
play within your means and age group always.

Wise advice! We stick with “our crowd” and do well! Everyone has a good experience!!!

Shakespeare couldn't have said that any better than Donny did. It sums it all up in one paragraph.

A friend told me something when I was 16 years old that I never, ever forgot! It was: "everything, good or bad, comes to an end!"

That should have been the 11th Commandment.

Speaking for myself, I also see the handwriting on the wall and it hurts. But it hurts less when I think instead about the many years we were given of good times, good money, and good music (not to mention good women)!

"Potential client!" What is a "potential client?" I had to Google it. As I was read the definition, I recalled somewhere back in another lifetime I think I had "potential clients." I think! I DO remember coming home to phone calls on my answering machine every night. I think! I do remember setting up a computer database to keep track of scheduling. I think!

I don't have to think on this one. Donny made me realize just now I haven't had a "potential client" call me in years. Now I have to chase THEM.

You know, I clearly remember thinking years ago, when I first started.........should I become a full-time musician? I weighed all the aspects carefully before I quit my day job. I reasoned that music will ALWAYS be there and in demand. That if the economy got worse or we had another "Great Depression" like they had in the late 20's, music will be needed and appreciated even more, to keep up everyone's spirits and to occupy them. Boy, was I wrong. As the economy bottomed out, the first thing to go was the Arts. The second thing to go was genuine music and genuine musicians. Thankfully it didn't happen for 50 years!

I play solo,duo, trio all the way up a six piece sometimes a bit more, all with an arranger keyboard. I guess I'm lucky I've never had problems with players following along, even with no in- ear monitors or click tracks. I love that the arranger allows me the flexibility to offer various configurations to fit the clients needs and budget.

And now for a "shameless plug": You can check out my "arranger keyboard centered band" on YouTube. Just follow the link below my signature.

Loved the medley! Nicely done. What did you record on/to?