Mark

I hear ya loud and clear. The level of music here at the Jersey Shore is getting worse all the time. One Kareoke act after another, doing the same songs. Its gotten so that when we go out for dinner I've always looked for a place with music, now I really don't care. I've been tempted to jump onboard and I may to a certain extent but I just can't go full tilt that way. I just picked up what could be a very lucrative private club job here. One of the members I know said, "don't bother dragging your keyboard, just spin records like the past guys did. "(Thats a hint as to how old he is LOL !! ) I said "no way, I believe your group will respond better to something live" I will DJ some if the party feels its going that way but I've worked too long and hard to give up playing entirely.
As to you, don't give up, make it known that your playing live and use the backup stuff sparingly. Otherwise, like me, you just won't be happy.