Hey guys, I haven't seen Uncle Dave around here since I last dropped by. Where has he gone? I hope you're doing okay UD, haven't talked to you in a long time.

Dave no longer plays out.....he has taken on a new life & new profession.
We wish him well.

Really? I did not know that...I wish him well too in his new career.

I'll miss him at the Crab Trap.
Jerry

But does he still play the keyboard?

I also wish him well but
May I ask what the new profession is?

I also read Don Mason took a day job but he didn't give up performing did he?

Is it the changing nature of the business or just personal choice for these two fine players.

[This message has been edited by mikeathome1 (edited 07-13-2006).]

Best wishes to you and yours, UD, where ever life's path takes you ...
t.

My decision was based on the fact that I have a son who is a senior in high school this year. He will be playing basketball 2-3 nights a week and a I want to be able to watch him play. I also have a new grandson in Oklahoma and I want to be able to take an occasional weekend trip to see him.
Having been a full-time entertainer for around 30 years has kept me from doing a lot of these things. Musicians must work nights and weekends, unless you do nursing homes or retirement centers full-time.
With my new job, I'm still mostly my own boss and it allows me to pick and choose which music jobs I want to take.
My plan is to work pretty hard for the next few years and build up some extra retirement money!
I will continue making music, just on a reduced scale, as long as the job works out. So far it is going fine.
Actually, today I am officially eligible for Social Security, having been born 7-13-43!
Thanks,
DonM

[This message has been edited by DonM (edited 07-13-2006).]

Happy Birthday Don!

George Kaye

Happy Birthday Don!
I understand completely and made the same choice myself a few years ago. I was playing everybody elses family functions and missing my own.
Up here in central NY there are less and less places that have entertainment anymore, besides the casino I can't think of one restaurant that has any kind of entertainment. Most entertainment around here is Karaoke.
I guess I was wondering if that is happening in other parts of the country also.
When I was a kid (40)years ago there was a band in every bar on every corner, or so it seemed.
Now you have to go to some sort of resort or tourist destination to see live music.
There are a few bands around town but most of them do it for love not money.
My part time high school job was playing at the airmans club on the base fri and sat nights.

P.S. Nursing homes around here pay about $50 for a one hour show.



[This message has been edited by mikeathome1 (edited 07-13-2006).]