Watching AJ live. Phone rings. Old client wants me
To play for them tomorrow. High end Ind. living place on
On Lock down and clsims no Covid-19 cases. Outside
Setup streamed to rooms.

I turned it down. Just not interested right now.

Deane

Deanne, for the health of the industry, please recommend another performer that may want to do that job. We need business to resurrect at some point. Give your AD a few names of younger, hungrier musicians that will be continuing their careers in whatever fashion the business takes. It may not be something that interests you at this time, but it's nice to throw a bone to the next in line when we can, right?

I'd come and do it but I'm already tied up. It would pay my expenses for trip to BIG D!

Don,
I am not comfortable about entering any of the local senior venues right now. They do the best they can to be safe but after seeing what I have seen the last 15 years in these places I have my doubts. Right now in the DFW area these are the locations of 90% of the cases and deaths caused by the virus. If I return to playing again it will be a little later in the year.

Deane

+1

But you said outside setup so really no problem I can see. Also Dave is right, pay it forward.

I understand fully Deane.

Deanne,

I have lots of experience playing as a OMB at senior venues in the DFW area . I absolutely love playing and singing Great American Songbook Standards, classic C&W and show tunes, etc . I don’t have my normal teaching obligation now so my schedule is open to travel anywhere in the DFW area.

Wife and I are doing a courtyard gig in two weeks time at a high end seniors res. No covid reported and we're playing under a gazebo fifty feet from any adjacent building. All residents will be in their rooms overlooking the courtyard. We're not allowed to enter the building - we even have to go across the road to a gas station if we need the washroom. Sounds safe enough for me, and the folks get their entertainment. Rock on!

Do it! I played two parking lot shows in the last 10 days and it was fantastic!

Smart move Deane. At this stage in life, why is one more job important?
Kohn C.

I dunno,it seems safer than a grocery store to me,and you are providing some pleasure for people that really need it.

Deane, there are many valuable opinions here in ZS,
but you must be true to yourself.

John C.

That was one of the hardest parts of getting out- calls and subsequent explanations to longtime clients. I did a lot of annual events and talking to those clients instantly evoked memories of times past with them and their audiences. I would contact others I knew for availability of dates requested then forward info later. Difficult conversations and nostalgic feelings but if you have the confidence in your decision it does pass. That first round of "no's" is tough I know. No way around it, except to know those feelings will subside. Temper it with the satisfaction of no more hassle that surrounds the actual performing time.