I guess I'm fortunate because the music I like to play seems to be the same music my audiences enjoy. Maybe that's because those people are coming BECAUSE I'm playing music they want to hear. Or maybe it's because every time I get a request for a song I don't know, I research and learn it if possible (but only IF I like it).
I certainly have the most diverse songlist of anyone around here, and I get requests for country, rock 'n roll, pop, standards (Sinatra-type), 50's, 60's 70's, Cajun, swing (East Coast, West Coast) some blues and r&b. Practically zero requests for jazz. There have been numerous jazz clubs open here and none has lasted more than a few months.
I don't try to keep up with current songs, because most of them I don't like. If one comes up that I do like I try to learn it. Country is no longer country, it is mostly a wall of distortion with inane lyrics, but occasionally one comes along that I will do. I don't do rap or dance or hip-hop or trance although there are proven audiences for all those genres. I'd look and sound pretty stupid trying to cover much of that.
There is a rather unique style popular here and in Texas that I suppose you would call Texas Roadhouse or Texas Blues, and it goes over well with certain audiences. Most of it is original songs with standard formats. Also there is quite an interest in groups such as Asleep At the Wheel, who have revived and modernized swing music such as Bob Wills used to do. It is pretty highly orchestrated yet allows for a lot of individuality within the parameters.
Their are several types of Blues that are popular around here, including New Orleans Jazz/Blues, Delbert McClinton-Stevie Ray Vaughn-type blues, and B.B. King-type. These are my designations, btw. I sprinkling of these goes over, but not a steady diet of any one type all night long.
I see my job as providing songs that people recognize, and understand the lyrics (if any) and dance to if they wish.
Arrangers are particularly well suited for what I do, as the venues I work are mostly on the small side, and the budgets are such that I can live with, but larger professional groups could not. Most songs are done in my own style. If they want the exact song, there are DJs and original artists available for hire. I think the audiences appreciate that I'm doing my interpretation. They may or may not realize that I am somewhat restricted within the parameters of my equipment. I prefer to not use MP3s or midi files except on rare occasions. I've been getting by doing this since the days of playing organ and kicking bass pedals. I'd hate to see this type of one-man band go away, but it most likely will. Not in time to affect me though.
Mostly I bring back memories and make people feel good.
I'm trying to do more gratis work these days, such as VA hospital, and fund-raisers for worthy causes (did one at the church Saturday and it raised nearly $5,000 for the choir!) I won't do nursing homes for free. That absolutely are not charities.
I'm certainly not discovering cures for diseases, but there are less admirable jobs around.