Realizing that we not only hail from different parts of the world, but also from 'different regions' of our respective Country, I thought it would be fasinating to learn a little more about the area in which fellow SZ members live, work & play.

Do you live in the heart of a large (800,000+) urban city, in a medium-sized city (200,000+), in the suburbs, in a small town, or 'way-out' in the sticks?

What are the HIGHLIGHTS of your city/region: cuisine specialities, sports team(s), arts & music culture, business/industry, outdoor activities, scenic and/or historical interest & significance, etc.

What type(s) of musical entertainment venue(s) does your community offer? What are the top clubs, restaurants, and performance venues (of which feature live music) in your area?

Post pics or provide web link(s) with pics of your town/community.


Scott

I live in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

I largely perform for Indian audience, usually weddings, private parties, re-unions, and some concerts (stage shows).

You can visit my website http://www.safarisounds.com to get an idea of the kind of music I do.

I own a PSR 2K (I recently purchased a PSR 3K) and an Roland XP60.

I live and work[contractor] in Levittown, Pa...South east corner of Pa.
Levitt built 17,500 homes in 3 townships.
Most of my music work is in Wildwood, NJ...115 miles from home..
Here is a link to an air view of my street[Fawn Lane]...that's me working on the roof of my second floor addition....what do you mean ,you can't see me..

Just about every type of music is performed in my area..
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Levittown,+PA&ll=40.141812,-74.832773&spn=0.003592,0.006849&t=h&hl=en


[This message has been edited by Fran Carango (edited 09-13-2005).]

Hi Scott.

While we don´t have more news about Tyros2, nothing better than knowing us each other.

I live and work in a central region of São Paulo, the Brazil´s largest city.
To see my store localization, search at Google Earth (-23.5824606323, -46.6469588255), and also you will see how large São Paulo city is.
It´s a city with a miscellany of cultures and races, founded in 1554 by Portugueses and today has a population nearly ten millions.

At this adress http://armandoricardi.multiply.com you can have some pictures and records that I made on my Tyros.

Cheers
Armando

I live in Brighton in the UK which is a medium size town of around 350,000 on the South Coast about 35 miles from London.

Brighton is a lively cosmopolitan City and is considered the "Gay" capital of England. As a seaside town it is popular with holidaymakers and sightseers as there are strong Royal historical links as the Royal Pavillion palace with it's onion dome towers is sited here.

The population is predominantly young and the music scene for them is excellent with a variety of pubs and clubs to go for a very diverse range of musical tastes. There are also several street musicians around some of which are quite talented.

However, for the "older" musician like myself there are fewer and fewer places to play live music. I had a residency at a cabaret restaurant in the marina here for over 9 years but there are no more jobs like that around anymore (thank goodness I hear you say).

I now play mostly clubs like ex-servicemens, political and recreational (fishing, bowling and sailing etc). I also play occaisional hotel lounges in neighbouring Eastbourne as this is a town where "older" people take vacations.

I have seen the music scene change here over the years as I used to sell musical instruments. This was both Home and professional organs and keyboards inc Hammond, Lowrey (remember the MX1!!) Farfisa, Elka, Technics and Yamaha. I also sold group gear as well (Guitars, amps, drums, synths etc). Over the years it was very noticeable how the business from many pro musicians reduced and the other stuff for the younger people increased.

One good thing though - there is very little competition around here for musicians who do what I do so there is still a fair amount of work as long as you don't price yourself out of the market.

Regards - to all - Keith (KFingers)

I was born, do live and will die in Frankfurt/Main - Germany!!!

Here's a link to Frankfurt/Main ...

Sorry, guys, but I don't have too much time to talk about my area and/or my life because I just have to rock...

------------------
Greetings from Frankfurt (Germany),
Sheriff ;-)

[This message has been edited by Sheriff (edited 09-14-2005).]

I live in New Castle Indiana, a small city of 20,000. I am retired from the Postal Service and play for seniors. I regularly
read all the post on this site as well as psrtutorial forum. I keep up with you Scott, as well as Gary D. and many others. Yhanks for this thread.

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I live & work in Sofia, the Capital of Bulgaria (a small country in south-eastern Europe).
My sity is +1,200,000 and offers a large number of places for entertainment.
Here are few pictures http://www.traveljournals.net/pictures/bulgaria/sofia/
The city where I live is situated in the foot of a high mountain. I like riding my bike in that mountain - there are nice hills, forests, scenery.
Well, if I had to speac about historical significance of my time, I'd mention that the city was founded by Romans 2'000 years ago. There are still some remains of the Roman town wall.

I live in the smallest state in the USA, Rhode Island. The city I live in Cranston is the 3rd largest city with a population of about 80,000 people.

The state of Rhode Island has lots of scenic coast line. It's called the "Ocean State" and is also home to Newport where the America's Cup Races were held for many years.

In the capital city of Providence there are many world class restaurants that rival and even surpass the quality restaurants found in the nearby Boston, Masschusetts. Many Rhode Islanders are fans of the Boston Red Sox baseball and the New England Patriots football team. I do like the Patriots, but am a New York Yankee fan.

My full time gig is as an Information Technology Coordinator for a three office law firm in the neighboring state of Massachsetts. If it plugs into an electrical outlet I'm responsible for it, that includes the coffee machine as well

I've played piano since I was in my early teens. A few years ago I purchased a Clavinova CVP 107 and discovered it was much more fun than just playing an acoustic piano. In October of 2004 I decided to start playing gigs at retirement homes and any other venues that would hire me. I started out using a DGX505 , which I traded after about 6 weeks for a Casio Priva 400. But still wasn't satisfied with the sound or styles of the 400. I was a little reluctant to purchase a PSR 3000, since it only had 61 keys. But bought one anyway and haven't looked back. I adjusted to the 61 keys in a couple of weeks. If I'm doing a gig where I want to play solo piano and need 88 keys I take along the Casio and use it as a controller board for the PSR3000.


[This message has been edited by Stephenm52 (edited 09-14-2005).]

I live in an urban/suburban/rural city of about 1 million people ... only here they call it a State !!! Rhode Island !!! ...
... 1MM people and there are about 29 municipalities, each with their own mayor or town council, police and fire departments, school boards etc., etc. ... talk about redundancy ...
The state it mostly WASPs and Italian-Americans ... The capitol city, Providence, has become "The Rennaissance City" ... there has been an amazing upgrade over the last 20 years, started by a former mayor, who unfortunately is now in a federal prison ...
The city provides excellent theater, music, and art venues ... and is a major college site with Brown U, Rhode Island School of Design, Providence College, and Johnson & Wales U among the top ...
Restaurants of all price levels are GREAT and several offer live music ...
Newport, of course, is a MAJOR tourist destination, as well as the site for the Newport Jazz Festival ...
I've played at several of the better restaurants and CCs, as well as a number of senior associations...
A major summer attraction in Providence is 'Waterfire' which brings thousands of people downtown...
Here are a couple of links ... http://www.waterfire.org/photos/index.html
http://www.50states.com/facts/rdisl.htm

Come and visit sometime ...
t.

Steve... I guess I was keying while you were posting ...
Great to know that you are a Yankees fan ... Having been born and spent most of my life (I can say that until I'm 81 ) in NYC, I am a Yanks, GIANTS, Knicks fan ...
t.

Tony, You're one great PR guy!! You're review up was so convincing I think I'm gonna stay in Rhode Island afterall. By the way sounds like RI would be a great place for the next East Coast Synth Jam

Well I'm originally from Memphis Tenn. (which probably explains my love for Blues). I later moved up north to Meadville PA. I actually know Frans home town because my mother's entire family is from Levittown and the Bucks county area

I started gigging when I was a sophmore in highschool. I had played in several bands over the years. After highschool I moved to Mesa Arizona. Played in a few bands there as well. In 1997 I moved to Charleston West Virginia. I ended up attending West Virginia State University. Also played numerous solo gigs on campus for various functions.

I met my wife at college. We have one child (just bought our first home), and have moved to a small city in West Virginia called "Hurricane". However the city is not pronounced how it's spelled. People here say it differently.

I don't have to tell you guys all the negative stereotypes associated with the state of West Virginia. Honestly I don't even know how it all started, but this state is nothing like the stereotypes. It is a very beautiful state. Sure you have some dihard country folk down here, but from my experience there are "hillbillys" in every state I don't even see whey they call it a southern state. The north won't claim us, and the south won't claim us either. We're just in the middle I guess.

I haven't gigged in years. I play for personal enjoyment now. I still get offers to play, but don't have the time anymore. I will however take an offer and help a local music store owner sell a few keyboards this Christmas.

Squeak

I have been living in Orange County New York (http://www.orangetourism.org/) in the gorgeous middle Hudson River Valley for the past 20 years. The music scene here is quite robust with influences from above from Woodstock and the Catskills to influences from below from NYC and surrounding areas. It is a huge live music scene.

My day job takes me to lower Manhattan located across from the former World Trade Center site. This area is now becoming exciting and vibrant with many rebuilding projects. The art and cultural impacts are astounding.

Along with my day job for a Wall Street company, I play drums with a Club/Wedding band and keyboards for an oldies band.

We just found time to move into a new house in a sleepy littel town called Salisbury Mills, New York.

Anyone visiting this area, be sure to look me up!!!

Al

I'm from the other Orange County - the West Coast one horribly glorified in a rash of new teen soap operas and reality shows.

Tommy

I'm in Lexington, Kentucky. Moved here in while in High School. Went to Berkley, then back to the University of Kentucky. Play upcale restaurants (35%) and private/corporate events for the State government, horse farm owners, Toyota, IBM, etc. Have had 9 weeks of vacation from playing in 50 years. Work as a single, as a trio and, occasionally, with larger groups consisting of players from the local Jazz Arts Foundation.

Days, I run my communications company...Annual Reports, packaging, literature, film (industrial)etc. Lot's of sound score work for film projects.

There is only one other person using an arranger in this area (approx 300,000 people).This guy uses a laptop and works mainly Motown shows with a singer and percussionist...good player, nice guy and friend.


That's about it...


Russ

I Live in San Jose, Califonia, the heart of Silicone Valley. San Jose is the third largest city in California after Los Angeles and San Diego, and the 10th largest in the United States. We are over a million people, our county is near 3 million and you name it and we have it both the good and the bad.
We have so many bands here that I don't know how they all find work, but they do work here 7 nights a week.
At age 74, I now do most of my playing in my home recording studio. I don't go out for a job unless I am furnished roadies in and out, because my wife won't load and unload the 100 pound amps anymore
I have been a musician since I was 5 but took 30 years out to build and own 5 companies specializing in manufacturing Hydraulic machinery. I have been retired since 1980 part time and full time since 1982. My wife Jann is an accomplished Pianist but only plays anymore when I have brought home a new keyboard. We played concerts all over the US for 5 years after my retirement, and she just got burnt out. Jann is from SW Kentucky, town of Benton. We are having our last marriage and just completed the 30th year LIFE IS GOOD
Bebop

I was born in Queretaro Mexico, I been playing since I was a little boy the mandolin, guitar, accordion, etc...when my father died, as the oldest son, I began to work (to support my family) in a Restaurant playing the accordion and mandolin with the Gym teacher, he sang and played the guitar, later I became a "solo" act, instrumental with the organ and played all over in the country, Acapulco, Ixtapa, Can Cun, La Paz B.C.S.,
Then moved to Chicago Il (suburban area)in 1980 and stayed for 12 years, I start working in Music stores and also got interested in computers, before the internet,and Windows......then, moved back to Queretaro and stay for almost 11 years, moved back to U.S.A. in 2002 and now I made home in Phoenix Arizona, I work in a music store Guitar & Keyboard City and also I play in "Tea Dances" and nite dances dor senior citizens....and is getting busy the playing jobs.....I may go to part time at the store.

I live in Belo Horizonte, the 3rd more important city in Brasil. The first is Sao Paulo and the second , Rio de Janeiro.
I am music theacher ( kbds and acoustic guitar), music entertainer and music composer.
Go to http://www.belohorizonte.mg.gov.br/ing/index.php
to know better my city.
My home is near of Pampulha Lake (You can see at Belo Horizonte map).


Chico




[This message has been edited by ChicoBrasil (edited 09-15-2005).]

Hola from Cozumel Mexico.....I started my singing career at age 18 in Cherry Hill N.J. when I made my first record "Satin Doll"..I continued to perform in the area for a few years then I started touring the states...doing the "Borsht Belt" in the Catskills to the "Sun Belt" Florida...did most of the major hotels and clubs before going to Vegas where I did most of the "older casinos" most of which have been torn down and replaced with new mega casinos
managed to do some tours for the USO during the Vietnam War...got to do a Bob Hope special over there....made some recordings and extra parts in 3 movies and did a few contracts on the cruise ships when music tastes changed drastically....I started to slow down and came to Cozumel Mexico scuba diving in 1984 when I found I liked the area and the people....went home and sold everything and moved down south where I opened a restaurant and perform live every night that the tourist show up
I met my wife 12 years ago and we got married 2 years later and have two children
My daughter Francisca turned 7 in April and my son Anthony just turned 6 this past Saturday....I have my restaurant up for sale
so I can slow down and spend more time with my children..I will continue to perform in the hotels locally...I will be 66 this coming February and looking forward to 76...
Tony Rome

Woah, Tony, you're my hero! You were 59 when you had your first child? Yippee, there's hope for me! But first, I need a wife. No, first, I need a girlfriend. No, first, I need a pile of money.


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Bill
Yamaha PSR2000

[QUOTE]Originally posted by KFingers:
[B]I live in Brighton in the UK which is a medium size town of around 350,000 on the South Coast about 35 miles from London.

I went to Davies Tutorial in Hove but lived in Brighton from 1976-1978, one of my favourie place, actually went to original Commondore, and Thin Lizzie concerts over there.

I live and work in Dallas, USA now, originally I'm from Thailand.

Tye

Hi there Tye,

I was living in london in 76 when you were here but moved here to Brighton shortly after. Whenever I visit the US for holidays or to see my wife's family I ask people I meet if they have ever heard of Brighton and most of them say "Yes - from the song Pinball wizard" !!!!!!

Regards - Keith

My Pleasure Bill.....you don't need money, "All you need is love" the women down here only want love and respect...money is not an issue...however it
helps when like me, you are very "handsome"
hehehehe...come on down and meet a few..BTW,
My wife is only 29.....if you notice in the photo, she kinda looks like one of the girls in the Robert Palmer video "simply iresistable"...
Tony Rome

That's cool, i lived in London as well, around Victoria and Sheperd Bush, Nothing Hill Gates, it was fun going to Hammersmiths Odeon and all those Concerts venue.