Gary
I have to come back on this one more time. Theres a big differance in areas in NJ. Hard to understand if your not from here. Donny is not in what I would call South NJ but more in Central NJ which has a Northern NJ vibe. ( Except he's and Eagles fan which I can't understand LOL ) Many Northern NJ transplants there. I know the area well and we just sold my Mother In Laws retirement house there. I know Donny's a great entertainer with tons of expierence and salesmanship but he's also in a gold mine area for what he does. His area was the first to have "retirement communities" in the state. And theres a lot of them. That also means a strong number of NH and assisted living places. And there are still lots of dinner dance type affairs and private parties with entertainment like in Northern NJ where the big money is. That age group appreciates a versatile entertainer like him.
I'm in a vacation area. Essentially depends on the Tourist dollar for four months. Nice as it is its very different from where I came from which most call Northern NJ. Big money weddings, Dinners, Parties, CC, etc. Very little of that here. Oh yes look up Congress Hall for the high dollar weddings but believe me thats a "closed shop" and not really what I want to do anymore.
A popular club here is the Cape May Tennis Club. I've done two of their parties and they love me so I'm locked in for the future. OK - thats one connection. On the other hand the local Kiwanis is having their 100th Anniversary party soon. I played the cocktail hour for their new officer initiations in the Fall and got lots of compliments. I know a few key members and inquired about playing for the dinner. "Entertainment ??? No, we're just having a dinner and speeches No budget for music "
Tried to get something going at the Cape May Marlin and Tuna Club. Gave them two Friday Happy hours . We had a great time, members dancing around the bar. BUT -- they don't want to put out any money. Would I do it for just tips?? NO !!!
And these are people who spend thousands $$$ to fuel up their big boats to go fishing every weekend.
People here just don't do parties and events as I have known them.
I already talked about the NH's. They get free entertainment from the Cape May String Band and some others "retired musicians" so why bother to pay anyone?

BIG BIG differance in locations, just like the Real Estate business.

Sorry for the long rant.