Huh?

U Dave thanks for sharing such a beautiful story, there aren’t many that would do that.

I read the good and the bad -- and it’s all good because look at who you are now. We learn very little at a party, but if you add a little pain we become very teachable.

John C.

Smoking weed gives you short term memory loss....or even worse....short term memory loss.

UD,

Man your life sounds a lot like mine except mine started a lot earlier than your and was in the evening, but I am a night owl anyway.

Glenn Miller was still the popular style band when I was in high school and my first band was in that style, but I found out being a band leader less fun than a band player. Buying the sheets, stands, getting folks to practice, renting the dance hall, hiring guards, ticket sales, on and on was more than this kid could handle.

My folks sent me to the University of Michigan as a music major - when I found out that the curriculum was to make me a high school band director, I quit and enlisted because the Korean "Police Action" was nipping at my heals - stayed in through Vietnam.

Bill G

I hear you Bill. Even running your OMB act is a lot more work than being a side man in a band. I love to play in bands and I'm glad I get called occasionally to sub for different bands.

I also love the flexibility that the arranger keyboard allows me. I can play out as a solo, duo, trio,... My preference is to work with at least another vocalist and maybe another instrumentalist however the majority of my work is solo.

Less than 25% of my "live play" income comes from playing arrangers.

Less than 35% of my total playing income comes from live play.

I will ALWAYS include interaction/play with other musicians.

To me, that's what it's all about.

But again, that's because I'm not an entertainer.

The sacrifices have been major. But, this is what I've chosen, and life has been pretty good for the 58 years I've been involved in music.

But, I'm not Donny, who, I'm sure is a showstopper.


More power to him and others who get their satisfaction from pleasing customers live.


The point is: PLAY AND ENJOY IT!


Be well, folk,


Russ

Russ a wise man once told me after a show.....

"God gave you a talent,do you know why he gave it to you?..."
I said no,......and he replied...."
"So you can Share it with the world"..