Who is your audience..now?

My friend used to say "I play for people between the ages of 65 and dead.."

Many of those people are now between 80 and soil composition. Many of us have moved from playing large halls, stages, and social clubs, to restaurants, then nursing homes, then our homes. As we age, and the appreciation for the music we love to reproduce narrows,
are we to be left without an audience? Or do we meld into player dj's to keep up with younger audiences while really disliking the tunes we are putting on for them? Do we be true to ourselves, or does that result in staying home? A sobering thought, but as I contemplate one last year of public performing I'd like to know what you think???

Slightly different but, I miss most the enjoyment of playing with other musicians. This is easily solved by finding some compatible musicians in a similar situation and set up regular 'jam sessions'. The only thing missing is the hassle of booking gigs and getting paid. Works for me.

chas

Elderly crowds is an easy gig. I really am content to stay course because:

1. Easy gig without pressure
2. Very good money for per hour
3. Able to try all types of music
4. Wonderful service to our elderly
5. Great for my personal well being/mind
6. New gear justification

No better gig. Who wants yesterday's headaches.

I never see most of my audiences, and they're thankful they don't see me.

Live, I play for country club diners, people who attend Philharmonic events and a group in Dubai (dinners, twice a year-two trips).

Most work is film scores for industrials, foreign manufacturers, etc.

Minimal arranger play, except for roughs. When I do use one live, I generally use drums and drum breaks only, with left-handed bass.

R.

In the next few weeks, if anyone is interested, I'm going to post a project, starting with a rough arranger produced concept; followed by an arranger produced refinement, probably using a different style, to show flexibility of the approach. I'll also attach the final piece, which is no arranger, and a full 16 track production.

Russ

PLEASE don't let my comments be interpreted as a slam against arrangers or anyone who plays one. I'd jump at the chance to join Don on the bandstand, anytime.

I just like complex bass lines that I cannot duplicate with an arranger, except to play/record in advance, and that defeats the purpose of using more complex lines.

R.

I agree with Jim - 100-percent. Over the years I have played for audiences of all ages, everything from Spring Breakers to Bikers (which was a bit scary) and the best decision I ever made in this business was to get out of the nite clubs, restaurants and bars and pursue the senior circuit. If I were not shot to Hell physically, I would still be out there 7 days a week and loving every minute of it.

All the best,

Gary

I admire you guys for being able to play those easy one hour nursing home gigs ...
My main music is 80's til today, with some 60's and 70's thrown in.
I only play a handful of standards.
I probably have to wait 10 to 20 years before I can join the nursing home gigs ... LOL
Eric

Me too, and that's why I often use manual bass, and switch the arranger to follow my chords in the RH. I turn them off for most of the song, and punch them in for added sizzle, if needed. Using the RH arranger allows my harmonizer to follow my chord hand, and not the bass!

My audience?

Anyone who’ll listen. 😎

Reminds me of what Paul McCartney said "when no one wants to listen to me anymore"

Jim,

When do your Bose S1’s show up?

Sparky we are very fortunate; there will always be some that want to hear us. Somewhere, somehow people will find a way to listen to our music.

The ones which you said were dead are even more fortunate; they won’t be able to hear us. aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

John C.