I kinda look at it this way, if you want to be a DJ/KJ that has a keyboard sitting in front of them, why not just get a high-power laptop, some quality sound system, and eliminate the keyboard altogether? Hell, you're not using the keyboard as an instrument. Most of the time you're just a DJ/KJ guy that sings, so in reality that keyboard is just something for show that you have to haul around. I've run across guys like this in some of the Baltimore clubs that don't even plug the keyboard in - it's just a show prop. Yeah, they can play, but they've either got tired or lazy, and just do the DJ/KJ thing.
Well, Gary, my friend, it's perhaps winding up in situations like you just described that make me very glad to be retired from any regular gigging.
I'm a
player first and foremost, and I'm not at all interested in being a DJ/KJ to supplement any gigs. More power to those who can tolerate it, but it's definitely not something I want to do.
I just turned 65 this year and started Old Age Security back in April, so, I'm doing okay financially, so any jobs I take will be
arranger playing only. At this point, the Tyros4 is perfect for my needs, which now include a fair amount of studio work and helping amateur singers make demo CDs.
Since I've also recently retired from Yamaha as well, I've really started to enjoy a more leisurely existence, and since selling my house and moving to a lovely secure apartment complex, I have no maintenance issues anymore, like snow removal or lawn mowing, which suits my basically lazy nature just fine.
I don't miss gigging (I guess after over 45 years, I was ready for retirement), and I especially wouldn't miss having to supplement by DJ'ing and/or KJ'ing.
I think you still have a unique product, and I'm sure you would be hired before a DJ act, especially at NH jobs, but also in a club environment as well.
Ian