I must say this thread is very discouraging. I have been working on getting back into gigging and was thinking the senior citizen homes would be the way to go for someone 75 years old. I played out full time back in the 70's before going back into the Army where I spent the next 11 years. Retired in 92 and was to fat and to old to make it as a rock musician, so played some in country bands at the service clubs in the area. About a year ago I picked up on this whole senior citizen circuit thing and started working on reassembling equipment and building a book of tunes. Got delayed a bit with a couple of trips to the hospital for some broken ribs and a serious bought with the flu but have gotten back at it again. Then I read your comments here and I wonder am I beating a dead horse by following this path.

I know I can go back to working the service and animal clubs but typical pay in this area is $50.00 for a 3 hour gig. Fact is, this is what I was making 40 years ago! With the tax situation one has to pay out 25% in federal, 15% in FICA, & 10% state. That's 50%! The $50 turns into $25 or $8.33 @hour and that's not counting the time and cost to get there, set up & tear down.

So the question is, what to do? How does one make any kind of a living in this marketplace today? What other areas should I be looking at for a income stream from my music? Starting all over isn't going to be easy, I know but I'm still a dreamer so I really want to persue this. Suggestions and comments are most appreciated.