Hi from Michigan

Been a while since I checked in. Working a day time job sure put a damper on music. Last night was the 1st time I played a song (at home) in a month. Talk about culture shock/change.

Working on our lot. 15 trees came down yesterday. A dock goes in on the weekend and 10 yards of dirt is delivered tomorrow (yours truly tackling that job).

Living on a lake has made my music go bye-bye. Hope everyone is doing ok.

Hey Jim! Where in Michigan are you? I lived in Oskoda and Tawas City in the late 50's. Dad was stationed at an AFB. The base had a lake/beach front for dependants. I was playing three nights at the Officers Club. I was 12 at the time-made $25.00 a gig and thought I was hot stuff!

Liked the area. My grandparents lived and worked in Detroit, about 200 miles down the "finger" of the lake from where we were.

Wish we had gotten together when you were in Cincy. you'll get back to playing soon.

Let us know what's happening. And, you know I'd enjoy a private message anytime you have a moment.


Good lunch at your new "digs"!


Russ

zuki I thought you were gigging 400x a years what happened?

Even the King doesn't do that many Donny, do you...

Actually, Tony, there are many of us on the NH circuit that do that many and more every year. Doubles are not at all uncommon, and some triples each month for folks younger than you and I. Until two years ago 350 to 400 was the norm for me. I'm semi-retired now and only doing about 200 plus some nite-club fill-ins for a friend.

Donny is still a relatively young guy--400 for him should be a walk in the park, albeit a fast walk. The last time I talked with Bill In Dayton, he was doing at least 400 as well.

Cheers,

Gary

Gary,

You need to spend more time on that boat or you will end up in the home with someone playing a MS to you in rainbow colors 400 gigs at our age is not sustainable, sounds like an early grave to me. I am still working at 68 but I just stand and watch them and tell them when they are not doing it right.

I do about 250, but most of them are in the same place so I don't have to set up and tear down very often.
DonM

The most I've done in a year is 200, but I charge quite a bit more per gig than most of the competition, so my profit works out about the same as those who play way more often.

400 a year is way too many for me...I want some time for other things, plus time for my Yamaha clinics as well.

Wear and tear on gear, and vehicle costs, really add up when you're doing a lot of gigs, so I try to keep the price high, and the number down.

Ian

Zuki, I know what your going through. Last fall we just moved across town and it was alot of work. It took awile before I could set up and back to doing a little playing.

zuki ... DON'T LET THAT HAPPEN!!! I know life has a way of interfering, but try your absolute best to devote at least a few minutes to music - and NOT just listening to it - EVERY day ...
You don't want to totally lose your chops, and you NEED what music brings you ...
keep on rockin' even if only to yourself with a set of headphones ...
All the 'other stuff' will get done in due time ...
Best wishes, friend ...

Tony,

I'm leaving on an 8-day sailing trip beginning tomorrow, the music gear is going with me, and it looks like I'll be playing two marina jobs on the voyage. I'll have my Wi-Fi laptop with me, so I should be able to keep in touch and post some photos.

Cheers,

Gary

Gary Bon Voyage...take some pics for us of your trip & gigs!!

Gary have a wonderful and safe trip ... may the water be calm, and the wind just strong enough at your back ... we look forward to your updates and pics ...
Your ARE my idol !!!

Hey Gumba! I have a relatively short video of today's performance, with some of the songs we talked about, but despite the fact that it's just 16 minutes, the file size is 249 megs. I'm trying to find some freebee software to edit the video down to a manageable size, but so far I'm still searching. I don't think you can post something that large on YouTube, but I'll check it out.

Gary

Hi Gary, that sounds great. Give me a call when you can and fill me in on the details. Have a great sail!

Joe