I can MAKE them respond one way or another. So many years, so many tricks.
However, I'm thinking Hammer is saying that the policy there is that the entertainer is technically an outsider and should use the "tradesmen's" entrance, and the employees' restroom.
DonM

I have never understood the current attitude of the younger generation about musicians who do not play music of their own creation. Today they are referred to as "Cover" songs. I wonder what some of the greatest players of all times would have played had they not played songs written or sung by the original performer. You know, people like Peter Nero, Oscar Peterson, Brubeck, Sinatra, Bennett, most of the famous Big Bands, and a host of many others. They all made a pretty good living playing or singing songs written by others.

The upscale venue I have booked is really a neat place to play. The atmosphere is just a little different from what we are usually accustomed to. What it all boils down to is I will get paid for playing without being interrupted or bothered by anyone - get in, play, get out - GET PAID IN CASH ON THE SPOT!

I also play at several places where the reaction from the residents is limited because they do not have the capability to react loudly or with much emotion. These are the tough gigs because you know these people are on their very last leg. But you can always tell they hear the music and enjoy if you look close enough.

Hammer

The richer they are, the bigger PEEON you become to them.

The tradesmen entrance that Don refered to reminded me of something funny that happened a few years ago. My wife is a big Johnny Mathis fan so we had been to his concert at the local Symphany Hall. She wanted to wait for him to come out so we went around to the stage door and garage entrance. After about a half hour, the garage door opened and sure as hell, Johnny had to walk around the dumpster to get into his car. It's the same at all levels.

Joe

I'm about ready to make my every 4 year switch...switching from a house job at a country club (sometimes it's an upscale restaurant) to a place with "regular" people in it.


I'm the "society guy", and what I've observed is that the really well-heeled folks are fine...pleasant to work for. It's the wannabee's that are the pains in the ass. I'm part of the local financial services business community and I know the net worth of the long-timers. I have a contest to see which ones will have their credit cards declined.The "new money" folks are constantly showing their asses.

I have enough and move on for awhile.

Same thing in the academic world. Politics on college campuses are rougher and more damaging than in Corporate America. I'll teach a couple of years, but leave completely disgusted that the kids are, unfortunately, dead last in many cases.

The older I get, the less tolerant I am of obnoxious "full of myself" dumb-asses.

When make me think: where the hell will I find a job in a year or two from mow? (LOL)!


Russ (pissed off and proud) Lay

Russ,
You hit the nail on the head! I have found the same thing - the wanna bees are the ones that are the real pain. Those who really have it in the bank are nice people who usually have impeccable manners and in the places I have played have always treated me with dignity and respect. I too have refused to play at several places because of the "I'am better then you" attitudes.

Hammer

Couldn't agree more, Russ. Today, while performing at a high-end Alzheimer facility there was a young girl walking through the audience taking the blood pressure of the patients. She didn't have a clue what she was doing, didn't position the blood pressure cuff correctly, often over-inflated the cuff, which was painful to the patients, then wrote down the information on a flow sheet. The only thing she did correctly was to write the readings down on the flow sheet. At the end of my performance I politely took her aside and told her that the method she used to take blood pressure would produce false highs. She immediately snapped back "I know how to properly take blood pressure." When I tried to explain why the cuff was not properly positioned she refused to listen. Yep, she knew everything there was to know about blood pressure measurements and if you didn't believe her, TOUGH $HIT! She was gonna' do it her way. What an idiot. A college educated idiot--but an idiot no less. On the way home I got to thinking about the situation there and wondered if anyone at the entire facility really know anything about blood pressure measuring techniques. I called the facility director and after a brief conversation she said maybe it was time for the staff to get some up-to-date, in-house training.

I almost lost my cool with that young gal. Glad I didn't, though. She just really pissed me off with that "I know everything attitude" and who is this old fart think he is by telling ME what to do.

Guess I'm getting a bit more feisty and less tolerant in my declining years. I'm a lousy patient to boot!

Gary

Have you noticed Charlie Sheens new high and mighty attitude. The last interview he did, he sounded like Bob Dylan. I wasn't even sure he was speaking English.

Seriously, I hope he gets straightened out before he does himself in.

Eddie

My main occupation is running a painting and wallpapering service, and I have clients who REFUSE to give compliments after a completed job. They just pay me, and never say a word, but will call us again for more work, so you know they are satisfied. While that's OK, a simple "Nice Work", or "Nice Job", or "Looks Good" still means a lot, and I can never figure out why some cannot compliment.

However one time, I asked a customer why he never said he was happy with the job. His answer: "Your a Pro, and it's suppose to be perfect, and it's expected, so no comment is necessary."

So, I have learned.. to many a customer, 'A No Comment is a Good Comment'.

But

If they only knew a Little compliment just makes one feel good

Playing for nursing homes, I can see the appreciation ...the smile on their face, and a little thumbs up is nice. That's when no other acknowledgment is necessary.