It's very rare that I can't handle AD problems without asking for help. This time I thought I would before, me being headstrong, I charge in like a bull in a China shop.

SITUATION: The AD never returns my phone call!

Chronologically...

I played for this AD 72 times in the last 10 years (I counted them) at her previous location. By coincidence, she moved to the present location where I already had the account about 5 years. In this present location I've done 12 events for her in three years.

I love this place...a very large, expensive, prestigious senior residence. They have a beautiful Yamaha grand piano in the auditorium where I give my performance. I love that piano!

And, I've become very attached to the residents on a personal level and they with me. They're always asking me when I'm coming back.

That's where the problem starts. I have no answer. Every time I leave a message to the AD to return my call I hear nothing back. This has been going on for 2-3 years now. Then suddenly she'll call me out of the clear blue, and ask can I play there like nothing happened. It gets better. Last week, I was playing in the other side of the building and stopped in at her office. Spoke face to face. I asked for some future dates. She replied with "call me in the morning." I replied with "you never return my call." She replied with "I'll call you back for sure." That was 4 telephone calls ago.

She's not doing her job properly. Who knows who else she's doing this to?

The only option I see is to leave her a message stating that if I don't hear back from her, then I'm going to either administration or the Director himself and explain to them what's going on here.

My dilemma is....that can go either way. I have a good reputation in the place but that might mean zilch to management. So, they will either get on her back about why she's not returning calls from established performers, or.....I'll be told to take a hike! And probably never get hired there again.

My practical side says "wait it out." My vindictive side says "tell her off" for talking to me like I'm stupid! Now, unless they look like Arnold Schwarzenegger, I don't let anyone make a monkey out of me like she is doing (this is the way you become living in the Northeast!).

Anyone have another way to approach the situation without me putting my head in a noose and ending up never playing there again?