Steve M was the first to arrive, just after 9 this morning to drop off his gear and had for Baltimore's inner Harbor to meet up with some relatives for a fun day.

Tony M came about 12 noon, dropped off his gear and he and Lydia also headed for Baltimore's Inner Harbor and the Artscape Fesitval.

Eddie Shoemaker and Carol arrived just after 5. They had a long day of driving and left just about 6:30 to check in at their motel. They hoped to return later, but both were pretty tired after a full day of driving and opted to get some sleep before firing up for tomorrow's festivities.

Joe Ayala and his lovely wife arrived about the same time Eddie and Carol were leaving, we wolfed down some JUMBO shrimp steamed with Old Bay Seafood Seasoning, belted down some Green Coconut Margaritas, had some of my homemade smoked salmon and smoked salmon dip that I concocted, and Joe and I played my keyboard for a short time. Attached is some of the songs Joe did tonight.

Tomorrow, the festivities kick into high gear and the other guys will arrive.









The vids were all shot with my $29 camera and the camera's shotgun mic.

For those that could not come, you really missed out on a great event. This will likely be the only time I do this, unless maybe, we do it in Marathon Key, Florida during the dead of winter 2015 while I'm down there living aboard my sailboat. I think it would be a great place to hold a Synthzone Jam, I know your wives would love to be in the Florida Keys during January or February, and I'm confident the City Marina would love to host the event. If not, I'm sure I could talk one of the resorts into hosting the jam - it's a tourist town.

More vids to follow.

Cheers,

Gary

Hey Gary,

Tell Joe I really loved "Put Your Head On My Shoulder" and "Fools Rush In".

Pretty darn good sound and video from a $29 camera. I'm wondering if the Paul Anka style is specific to your 950. I haven't found anything like that on my 750.

God Bless,
Don
P.S. Wish I could be there but I don't even have a passport. Is Don M. going to be there?

after hearing Joe sing maybe I will just pass by and pick up my gear and go home...
really nice work, Joe ...

Some lovely vocal Joe ! Looks like you guys had a Great time. God bless . Worth

Tony, After hearing Joe, I'm already in the van headed back north, yea taking my toys and headed home with my tail between my legs. ha ha NOT. Looking forward to today's jam!

Joe, Excellent job! Enjoyed Al Di La.

yes, you are right Steve ... it's going to be a fun day ... plus, Gary's got all that food!!! see you there ...

Just finished putting my keyboard in the car. Came in and checked out the vids. Going back out to take it out of the car !

Only kidding, great stuff.

Leaving Cape May in a little while. I may not play, just drink and eat, I'm much better at that anyway.

See you all soon

So cool you posted those videos. Joe sounded fantastic. What a great get together. I am looking forward to seeing and hearing more.

Last night, after unloading the gear from my and Joe's cars, we must have worked up a bit of a thirst and appetite. Therefore, I popped the cork from a bottle of white zinfandel and poured a couple glasses for the ladeis, then mixed up a Green Coconut Margaretta for myself. Joe opted for a diet Coke.

Carol and I had just finished shelling the shrimp before Eddie and Carol arrived, so I decided to put out a small plate of shrimp steamed in Old Bay and some hot sauce. Not satisfied with a single plate, I added some homemade smoked salmon and olives stuffed with blue-cheese. The pièce de résistance was my homemade, smoked salmon dip, which was spread generously over Ritz crackers, followed by a couple more Green Coconut Margarettas for Joe and his wife Homer. Those things are a bit addictive.

Thankfully, I kicked off the night with the first song. Had Joe began first I would have probably just went down to the creek at the bottom of the hill and drowned myself.

Cheers,

Gary

Don, I'll email you that custom style for Put Your Head On My Shoulder when I get some free time.

Gary

Don, I couldn't find an email address for you on your profile, so here's a link to the style file for Put Your Head On My Shoulder so you can download the style, save it to your USB drive and put it in your S750.

https://app.box.com/s/kkqcnhjaq91sxes47i78

Gary

Really sorry we could not make the Jam - I know it will be a blast and it would have been nice to see some of the guys again. Just had to much on my calendar this time.

Great job Joe - enjoyed the videos.

Deane

Gary – my hat’s off to you for hosting what will be a memorable and most fun event for all! Thanks also for posting the great videos! Mega Kudos to Joe for the super job on singing and playing that board! And congrats to all who traveled to Gary’s - I am sure the “Jam” was a terrific time and that all the “Jammers” also enjoyed meeting up with fellow arranger performers. Looking forward to seeing more pics and video’s! Have fun y’all!

Best jam ever, incredible musicians and singers, and we're still at it - the booze is flowing, the food is still coming, and I'll post some more vids later tonight.

Gary

Great videos, sounds like you had (are having) a fun party/jam! Wish I could have come; maybe when I "retire" I'll be able to travel a bit more easily (I'm in NC). Nice vocals … I look forward to seeing more videos of various people playing/singing/jamming!

There are no other arranger players near me (that I know of) so it must be fun to have a bunch of you all together in one place!

Jim

Ditto what a great time we all had, just got back to our hotel and about thru sort thru the many photos I shot. Gary did all the videos and many of us took photos. Gary and Carol were terrific hosts..........gonna be talking about this jam for a very long time.

Joe - really nice work ... Your voice is terrific! Nice styling ... I'm sure we would've been in some of the same bands back in the day!

I have a pile of videos, and unfortunately, no one took one, at least that I know of, of my daughter singing Over The Rainbow while I was playing, and yeah, I got a bit emotional. If someone did, please post it, but don't put a closeup of this ole man with tears running down his cheeks.

I think I can only post about four videos per page, and I'll do my best to get them all done tonight. I loved the wonderful musicians, all of which are far better than this old codger, and a bit thanks to AJ for demoing his systems. Also I would like to thank all those that attended, and loved seeing many of my old friends again.

Cheers,

Gary

Rat Bastianelli kicked things off with his incredible talents on Steve's T5.


The ladies were all, as usual, looking great.


We had lots of food, and everyone left with a full belly.




I was still up on the deck cooking when my daughter did this one with Eddie Shoemaker. She has never done this song, but I think she did a pretty darned good job of it.


Tony Mads is rocking the house.

+1 ten times over ... I won't try to respond much now because I am using my phone, but I will give a full report when I can get on a PC ...
all I will say now is that it was a fabulous day ... more than I even imagined and Carol and Gary are the most gracious of hosts and Gary cooks as well is he entertains ... Much more to come ...

More vids

SteveM hit the licks with his T5. A wonderful old song that most of us old guys remembered all the lyrics to.


Eddie Shoemaker with a bit of trivia - Wow!
[video:youtube][/video]

Joe Ayala goes country - Oh Yeah!


Joe rocks the house!


Joe goes to Kansas City with one of my custom styles


My wife said she could listen to Joe all night long. Whoa! I'm in trouble now.


Captain Tony with Flip Flop and Fly.


Ray kicks with a great version of Quando on the T5. Got some singers too.


Finally, AJ kicks with a great song. AJ is a fantastic player and singer. Unfortunately, I ran out of battery before he did his vocals.


Again, thanks everyone for one of the best days of my life,

Gary

Everybody sounded great! Wish I could have been there.
That Audya 5 sure sounds great too.

Gary and Carol

Thanks so much for hosting such a fun day. Great people, food and music. Enjoyable and educational.
AJ demoing the Audya was incredible, even if he did bring a 100 lb speaker along with it LOL!
Wish I had a big enough place down here in Cape May, I'd host the next one.

Sorry I missed this link of Eddie Shoemaker (btweengigs)



Gary

Funny stuff Eddie...lol.....

I really wanted to hear the Roland BK9? Bill?

Bill didn't bring his keyboard in, and he left a bit early. He wanted to get back home to Cape May last night instead of spending the night at a hotel. I would have liked to heard it too, but that's OK. He and his lovely wife had lots of fun, enjoyed the music and everyone's company.

Gary

Thanx Gary that's a shame I would have loved to see and hear the BK9 played by a pro like Bill.

I think I recorded something when I had a BK9. I'll see if I kept it.

That's would be cool Don Thanx.......
just wanted to compare it to my old BK5..............
BK9s are impossible to find around here.

thanks for sharing guys,

anything new shown off with any keyboards as far as styles, sounds, features, OS, etc.?

Lee, I have more than 44,000 custom styles for Yamaha keyboards. They are song specific styles, similar to the one I just posted a few days ago and they really sound great. If you have a specific need for a specific style, just email me and I'll do my best to find it for you.

Gary

On a lighter note, today, while loading my gear in my van, I found what appeared to be the rubber foot from either someone's keyboard stand or maybe their stool. For those that attended, check those stands and if you're missing a rubber foot, I'll be more than happy to mail it to you.

Gary

Aj's demo of the Audya/Ajamsonic was terrific, as was his demo of the the MidJPro. The demo of the Midj was especially interesting because he took a Tyros5 and thru midi controlled the the MidJ. What he showed was the best of both worlds, the stellar sounds of the T5 with the great audio/loops/styles of the MidJPro.

Gary and Carol, your hospitality was second to none. I've gotten to do some really great things in my life and I've been hosted by the best, but I must confess, you guys come out on top. Add to that your lovely daughter and her friend Chrissy. It was an incredible weekend and I was very proud to be a part of it. I so enjoyed meeting the other guys and their wives and the music was grand. Again, thanks so much for all you put into this event. It was awesome!

Your friend always,

Joe

And to all the guys who posted very kind comments about my music, thank you so much. It means a lot coming from my peers. Good luck in all your endeavors.

Joe

Bill didn't bring his keyboard in, and he left a bit early. He wanted to get back home to Cape May last night instead of spending the night at a hotel. I would have liked to heard it too, but that's OK. He and his lovely wife had lots of fun, enjoyed the music and everyone's company.

Gary

You know I did have all good intentions of playing the BK9. I even brought the bass pedals to do something different then the typical arranger mode of playing. Was gonna jam some Blues and Swing. Got there pretty early, about 12:30, and saw Gary helping Aj with the Audya huge setup. Went into the downstairs room and it was wall to wall Arranger setups. 5 in all. Really no room for another. After Gary got done with AJ he went into his "Chef of the Future" mode and we didn't see him much for the next two hours. Just plates and plates of grilled goodies. And Smoked Salmon, and Jumbo Shrimp, and all kinds of snacks, and ice cold Coors, and and and !!! The man has a calling in the catering business.
I figured that driveway hill was just too much so I'd just hang back and enjoy, and boy did we.
Also had the plan to get back to Cape May that night as I had a
1 PM job today. Sorry to bail early but it really wasn't that early. Left about 6:20, thats six hours of music and food, and got home at 9.
All in all it was a great day and I listened and learned from a bunch of seasoned pros. Great bunch of guys and girls.

Let me throw out a question to those who were there:
What are your standout thoughts of the day music wise ?

Bill didn't bring his keyboard in, and he left a bit early. He wanted to get back home to Cape May last night instead of spending the night at a hotel. I would have liked to heard it too, but that's OK. He and his lovely wife had lots of fun, enjoyed the music and everyone's company.

Gary
You know I did have all good intentions of playing the BK9. I even brought the bass pedals to do something different then the typical arranger mode of playing. Was gonna jam some Blues, Swing and Reggae. Got there pretty early, about 12:30, and saw Gary helping Aj with the Audya huge setup. Went into the downstairs room and it was wall to wall Arranger setups. 5 in all. Aj's was realoly a double setup so lets say 6. Really no room for another.
After Gary got done with AJ he went into his "Chef of the Future" mode and we didn't see him much for the next two hours. Just plates and plates of grilled goodies, Burgers, Kabobs, Bratwurst. And Smoked Salmon, and Salmon and Roasted Garlic dip, and Jumbo Shrimp, and all kinds of snacks, and ice cold Coors, and, frozen mini Eclairs for dessert, and and, and, and !!! The man has a calling in the catering business.
I figured that driveway hill was just too much so I'd just hang back and enjoy, and boy did we.
Also had the plan to get back to Cape May that night as I had a
1 PM job today. Sorry to bail early but it really wasn't that early. Left about 6:20, thats six hours of music and food, and got home at 9.
All in all it was a great day and I listened and learned from a bunch of seasoned pros. Great bunch of guys and girls.

Let me throw out a question to those who were there:
What are your standout thoughts of the day music wise ? I was thinking about it today while on my gig and wondering what othere came away with.

Not necessarily in answer to Bill's question, but here are my thoughts on the JAM ...
Joe - I've already made a comment on the 'early' vids of Joe singing ... the man is a pro - singing just seems to come so natural and easy for him ... did a great job on several different genres ... I would have loved to have sung the harmony to "Let It Be Me" with him ...
Eddie ... the guy plays in two keys - F# and Gb !!! ... never met a black key he didn't like ... ... can't read a note of music, but one thing I have often noticed about 'ear' players ... they play some REALLY nice chords, and Eddie proves that ... and he has a great sense of humor,and I have to get the lyrics to his version of "San Fransisco" ...
Ray ... not a singer, but a REALLY good player ... I am sorry he didn't play more, but we 'microphone' guys kinda took over ...
Steve ... when I met him he couldn't sing a lick .... he has come a loooong way, and he is not about to back down from doing a difficult song ...
AJ ... the man CAN play WHOLE songs!!! ... sings too ... I had a ball singing "Jamaica Farewell" with him ...
Gary - he IS an entertainer ! ... he's the first to say he is not a musician, but I think he's better than he gives himself credit for ... the man can 'put over' a song ...
Bill ... very sorry he didn't sing or play ... if I had known his gear was in his car I would have taken Gary's tractor and gotten it myself ... I would have loved to hear the BK9 ...
All in all, I had a BLAST and I hope everyone else did too - but if anyone didn't, it was their OWN fault ...

BTW ... the AJAMSONIC Audya is KILLER!!! ... IMHO it is the best sounding arranger I have ever heard ... I don't know what the learning curve would be, but in AJ's hands it had to be heard live to be believed ... now his 100lb speaker may have helped, but still ... and as Steve commented, the Midjay through the T5 was awesome as well ...

BTW #2 ... On the trip home Lydia and I were discussing the possibility of having one at our place next year ... perhaps in the Spring? ... any interest???

To address Bill's question, I think Joe's singing, Ray's playing, and the sound of the Audya, were musical highlights ...

--- how redfaced am I ?!?!? ... how could I not comment on the beautiful job done by Gary's daughter Laura on the songs she sang ...

Bill ... you had the opportunity to just sit and really listen - what are YOUR thoughts?

1. Joe's voice has gotten a lot of positive comments so it reinforces what I've said before. Vocals first and everything else is second. And what did our small sudience focus on, the vocals and sing alongs.
2. The Audya is amazing. The sax sounds were totally incredable. Not for me in that price range but it is a true TOTL keyboard.
3. All the arrangers did a good job in different ways. They all backed up the players who knew how to use them.
4. Nice to see a bunch of guys with similar interests and talents. Sometimes I feel like I'm on and Island playing an arranger.
Maybe more later as I mull over the day.

Bill not sure what you were looking for but between your comments and Tony's got me thinking.

First nice to hear your stories about your B3 days. I enjoyed the phone call from Tony Monaco story and other Hammond stories, especially loading the B3 into a van by yourself just using the dollies, carefully lifting one end at a time. I'm with Tony if I knew you needed some help with the equipment I would have assisted brining it into Gary's home.

My friends Tony and Lydia who only live 20 minutes away from where I do. All I can say is not only are they great people, but Tony plays and sings up a storm, never knew how capable Tony was unitl a few months ago when we met at his home to spend most of the day jamming. I know what he is doing when not playing golf or tending his family, sure shows he's working on music. YES count me in for an arranger jam next spring...........maybe we can get our buddy Donny to RI too.

Ray made my T5-76 sing when he played Quando,Quando, Quando and makes me realize how the modest paino chops I once had have headed south since getting involved with arrangers.

Been corresponding with Eddie for sometime now and I have a ton of respect for a musician like him who doesn't read a single dot, but plays and entertains so well.

Gary 'nuff said, he's a great entertainer and loves it and to hitch hike on Tony's comment, he doesn't give himself enough credit as a musician.

Joe is a Pro's Pro. AJ not only can he play and sing but he's a technical wizard as well.

Unlike most of you I never played a gig in my life until somwhere around 2006, played piano only at home prior to that and never did any vocals unitl maybe about 5 years ago. Once upon at time I thought anyone could sing, yea the pros made it look so easy I thought there's nothing to it, WRONG! Yesterday was a mini education for me seeing and hearing others play and a lot of fun.

I have come to realize after attending the jam in Louisiana a few years ago which was amazing!!..... a Rhode Island North East Coast jam would have to be at least a whole weekend 2 or 3 days for me anyway from the jersey shore to really enjoy it.,....not out of the question,.... just a bit a date shuffling and planning that's all,between hotel, driving, rest, etc,...but, meeting Frankie V, maybe Mikey Maestro? etc, and Italian dinner on the "Hill" would be a really fun time.

Donny ... too bad you weren't up to coming to this one ... you 'wouldahaddaball' ... and Gary's Onion and Garlic Marmalade! ... 'nuff said ...

Tony......let us know what dates your thinking of....asap

For me, attending a spring Jam in NE will depend on a couple things, the least of which is when Carol and I decide to come home from the Florida Keys, where I intend to spend next winter, and my insane schedule. I'm only going to be here six months next year, probably from April till the end of September, work my a$$ off to accumulate as much money as possible, then set sail on the boat for the Florida Keys, Dry Tortugas, and possibly the Bahamas. The trip should last about 7 months if I manage to survive it. Yeah, I'm taking my music gear and playing gigs everywhere I go. Gotta keep busy.

Cheers,

Gary

Thanks for sharing pics. Sounds like you had a great time, with a very generous host

Tony,

As long as the jam is sometime after April 30th I'm in.

I loved listening to all the videos and songs at the jam...but in my mind I said why hasn't anyone played something up to date?....Then it hit me, thinking back on some of the discussions we always have on why arrangers and styles are so out dated and even if they were more modern there's no comparison to create today's music that younger people want to hear, if there is I want to hear it......and how can an arranger fit in with the younger crowds today vs the competition of Wedding DJ's who pump the dance floor every night,and bands etc,. In today's world of the pro working musician, entertainer, etc,. I've fine tuned my act in the past few years pretty much & only use arranger KB's for NH gigs and such playing all live styles, vocals etc,..,.......all other big jobs I DJ and Sing with custom backing tracks which gives me a bit of an edge vs non singing djs,.. that I create and mix that with MP3's of today's music,.... the solo arranger KB and let's be honest can't hold a candle doing 4 hour high energy weddings, dances, gigs etc, where people dance all night, light show, large screen tvs,. ..all I'm saying is times are changing real fast out there,.......if you wanna be in the game you gotta make changes now,....these are just my observations....go to your next Big family Wedding & watch the dance floor when a good DJ performs and the crowd is pumpin' stuff like "Blurred Lines",
"Shots", "Cupid Shuffle", Avicii, David Guetta, etc,..
and say to yourself honestly,...."Could I do this same gig by myself only with my Arranger KB" ?
I'm sure the answer will be NO,..
Again times are really changing FAST. Do we remain grey hair grandpas, old looking men trying to fit in with the hip young set gigs?...I hope so for the next 10-15 years or so,... or just sink into nursing homeism jobs for good,.......then sadly it will be time to turn the baton over to the younger set and sit back and dream of what once was,
& the "good old days" as we drift into Dinosaurism,.......
it's sad..


Ps, when it comes to throwing a jam no one I mean no one can top Gary Diamond.......

I loved seeing all the videos- hopefully more are posted-Anyone have AJ's full performance? Even though I couldn't go, I'd like to thank Gary for hosting the event. It's really rare that you can hang out, face to face with other arranger players. What a great opportunity!

I see what you're saying Donny, but if someone is having an event and they want the latest dance music probably a DJ would be the way to go, or a full band that has several singers, but that's going to cost some serious $$$.

I find your way of mixing up the OMB/Track singing/DJ quite interesting... I would love to pick your brain sometime!

Donny ... you are talking about apples and oranges ... the reason we performed the songs we did is that we were playing for OURSELVES, and we played the music we like to play and hear ... we were not performing for a bunch of young people at a wedding or dance club...
also,I applaud you for doing what you are doing but I don't know how many of us are - or want to be - DJing weddings at this point in our careers and lives - remember, you are younger than a lot of us - BUT, if you want to be DJing weddings for the next 10 - 15 years, I suggest you get out the Grecian Formula ...
I will say this, if there is going to be an AKB that a young person will be able to use to play for young people, it will be AJ's Audya ... I think they are making great strides in styles, drums, voices, etc. ...if I were 20 years younger, that's the board I would have ... of course, if I were 20 years younger, I could also carry the 100lb speaker he played it through ...


Sad, yes, but THAT is LIFE my friend ...

Too bad you missed the jam ...

Oh, and thanks for putting the extra pressure on me and Lydia if we host the next one ...

Personally, I am glad I retired and left the gigging scene. Over the past several years, there were signs that it was time to move on.

It's not only the arranger player/singer that is being phased out due to the change in music, audience and venues...it's singles (guitar/singer/smf player) and duos (2 guitars/singers/smf player) that are also a dwindling presence on the stages in clubs.

Solo singers singing over mp3's and smf can't provide enough vocal variety for today's demanding (and younger) audiences.

DJ's will soon be the sole solo acts in bars.

Nowadays, I play and record for personal satisfaction only, although I do make CD's for friends and still enjoy making custom styles for other Tyros4 users. At 65 I'm glad to be out of the loop, which was becoming smaller and being replaced by new loops of performers.

Looking back, I had a great run, both as a keyboard player in various groups as well as a solo arranger player, so I have no regrets.

I agree with Donny...the audiences for solo arranger keyboard performers are being reduced drastically...even the players in their 50's feel the difference.

I doubt if the arranger keyboard itself will die away soon, but its use in stage performances certainly appears to be less than before, and its use for hobbyists and home player/song writer/composer will increase (as it will for their cousins, the Workstations).

Change is, and was, inevitable.

Ian

anytime Paul....

your very welcome.... and for the record...
wedding are just the tip of the iceberg there are so many other kinds of jobs where you really have to mix it up big time in today's world.,......in reality computers put us real musicians out of work in many ways.

Ian at least for us grey hairs,......nursing home gigs could bring a few more years of longevity for a while,....after that it's a the living room playing for yourself only.

Donny, You make some good points for sure. At this point in life I'm not trying to make a career in the music field at weddings or at venues for youngsters. Yup at times the tunes I play I feel like a dinosaur ( my wife even tells me you need to do newer more modern tunes) based on my musical taste I should have been born 20 years earlier than I was. I do manage to play a few gigs and have some fun with them.

Kudos to you for doing whatever you have to do to continue your successful career in music...............and with that said............you better show up at Tony's house next spring for his arranger jam since you missed Gary's ........I'll probably play the same style of music that day.

... and if Glenn Miller were able to attend, he would probably play the same style also ...

... but they have also helped with the instant availability of mp3s, midi files, lyrics, chords, even lead sheets ...

Tony they are as bad as they are good..

Donny, I know most of the DJs and KJs down here, and most, at the very best, work a few weekends a month - that's it. Big deal! I can work every day of the week, two to three times a day if I were 10 years younger, and I can make a full-time living playing for the older crowd. Not everyone in the older set is in a nursing home, assisted living center, or retirement community. Many of them live at home, love to go out and dance, love to party, and guess what, THEY HAVE THE MONEY TO DO IT. The youngsters don't have any money, they piss it all away on I-phones and other similar forms of electronic gadgets, and from what I've seen, they, realistically, don't have fun. They can't get out of their tiny little cellular telephones long enough to know there is a real world revolving around them. It's amazing how little they really know.

As for weddings, Hell, if you're lucky you may get one or two a month and the pay rate is the same as it was 40 years ago - do you really think that you can live on what you made 40 years ago. Same holds true for the nite clubs, restaurants, bars, etc... For me, I'll stick with the seniors. They're not sitting there with their noses buried in an I-phone. They're having fun, and they're enjoying the kind of music we played at the Jam.

Ironically, the place where I performed today has little or no cellular service. It's way out in the boondocks, the nearest tower is probably at least 20 miles away, and the young girls that work there just about go nuts because they cannot text or receive telephone calls on their cellular telephones. When I fired up and did Hot Hot Hot, they had a conga line going around the room and out into the halls. They loved it, I got some hugs and kisses from very young girls that were built like Barbie Dolls, and I even got few to sing some Patsy Cline Songs.

So, from my perspective, you can have all those young people jobs - every damned one of them. I'll stick with the old folks - we remember how to have fun, and they're more than willing to pay for their fun. And, as I've said many times in the past, I'm not a musician, not a DJ, not a KJ, just an entertainer. I get paid very well to entertain people and that's why I'm still around - even after all these years.

Good luck on making a living on all those youngsters,

Gary

Got a call from Joe Ayala tonight. He said how much fun he and his wife Homer had, and said it was so great meeting everyone in person. He also complemented my culinary skills, and said if I decide to do this in the Florida Keys to count him and his wife in - they will definitely be there. Joe and his wife are from Key West and we know a lot of the same folks down there from the many years Carol and I vacationed in the keys. I love that part of the U.S..

Thanks for attending, Joe and Homer,

Gary

$1,050 – $5,000+ DJ's are making this kind of money for a reason. It is typically because they are well trained, experienced professionals that do it for a living and commit all of their time to making sure the weddings they do are as close to perfect as they can be. They do not have another job getting in the way of them making sure everything is perfect. They also typically spend anywhere from 20-40 hours of time making sure your 4-6 hour wedding reception is perfect.
This kind of preparation shows through in their accessibility to help you with questions, coordination, and suggestions to help drive the success of your wedding.......

OK, do the math, Donny. If they DID get that much money, $1,000 to $5,000 per job, 20 to 40 hours of prep time, plus a 6-hour job for $1,000. At the very best rate, the DJ doing the wedding is making what we make an hour for a NH job - at the lower rate the DJ makes $25 an hour when you include the prep time. And we can work two to three jobs a day - how many weddings to you sincerely believe a DJ does a month? One, maybe two, four would be tops.

We have contracts for jobs every day of the week, we're not hanging in limbo land waiting for the telephone to ring from some wedding hall looking a a DJ. We know where we will be tomorrow, next week, and some of us know where we'll be working next year at this time. Our prep time is as long as it takes to take a shower, put on some nice clothes and drive a few minutes to the job. We don't have to put up with drunks, arrogant bride grooms, fickle brides, drunken groomsmen and brides maids, etc...

On top of it all, we get booked for those small, intimate parties that DJs and KJs do NOT get booked for. Parties that pay extremely well, often result in big tips, and more often than not lead to more of the same. And, we also get to do some weddings if we want them, but they're easier to do and more fun - they're for seniors. We also get to do the anniversaries for those same folks - the DJs and KJs around my part of the world are all hoping to find a VFW or American Legion job, the competition is high for the few jobs available at those places, and prices have been cut throat for years. I know four KJs here that work three American Legions. They are paid $125 to $150 for a four-hour job. They have to put up with drunks the entire time and get home at 2 a.m..

For all of the above reasons, every DJ and KJ I know, at least in my area of the world, works a full-time day job and DJs ONLY on weekends. Maybe they can live on next to nothing in your part of the world easier than they can here in the People's Republic of Maryland and the District of Columbia.

Gary

Gary I think you need to do much more research on the DJ scene today weddings or otherwise, its an ever growing business involving BIG $$$,... I can't agree with you but, respect your opinion. I've been in the music business performing professionally since I was 14 on stage,....I have changed with the tides as with any business spanning over 45+ years....people change, times, change, trends change, & so does musical tastes, bottom line this is a business, making it successful and profitable is imperative, or it's ends quick. I never understood older performers like ourselves reluctance to change. It's an evolution that cannot be avoided in today's world. It's happened, it's here to stay, and it's going to keep changing everyday, just look all around you. When the day comes when I cannot perform any more in some way I will still be happy too lay back in my recliner and listen to music I enjoy until I draw my last breath with a smile on my face. Meanwhile I do what I can to make a living, share my gift with others and enjoy doing it. And that surly includes doing it way beyond arranger keyboard limitations. Hey at least I woke up this morning and I'm happy about that, got a day off too, going to enjoy it here on the
Jersey Shore even tough the humidity is horrible today YUK.

Ciao

Just a s a reference....Watching this video to the end........
DJ's in the Maryland area....
Now let's be honest,...I don't see where a OMB arranger KB would fit into playing at a party atmosphere like these do you?

http://www.djsmaryland.com/index.html


[video:youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37biBXsJB4Q#t=417[/video]

I'm glad I can Mix it ALL up when needed for most venues.....saw this changeover coming years ago..

Just my two cents worth. . . Yes, DJs make a lot of money here at wedding receptions.
However, I became a musician because I love to play music. I became a singer because the singer didn't show up one night, and now I love that too. I became an entertainer because that sort of comes with the job. I DON'T want to be a DJ, although I have done a couple on the laptop a few years ago. I've made my living doing something I enjoy and will continue to do that until I'm "finished".
I will learn some new songs, but only ones I like and on which I can do a decent job. There still are some of those that come out from time to time. I won't do stuff I don't like, and there is a long list of that. I'm too old to start compromising on why I do what I do! Fortunately there continues to be an audience for "our" kind of music, and I think that will not change much in my lifetime. Be aware that is not a LONG time.

let's face it Don....in a way we are all so called "DJ's of some kind,...playing music "automatically" on a "computerized machine" of some kind, etc,..we know how we do it, but does the audience most times understand whats going on? I doubt it,....all they care about is wheat they hear and what they can relate to on the dance floor when they listen to you perform and sing, in whatever way the music is offered to them, hopefully it's good. There is nothing worse then not doing "REQUESTS"

Donny, I took your advice, called one of the busiest DJs in Maryland, John Armetta and checked his schedule and rates. John works more than anyone, he does on average, one wedding a week, mostly at places such as http://martinscaterers4-px.rtrk.com/, Martin's Eastwind, Columbus Gardens, and similar high-end catering halls. John pulls down $500 to $700 per wedding. He's one of the higher paid DJs in MY area. John confirmed that the prep time is pretty much as much as YOU stated - sometimes more with the older brides who want some very unique songs and settings.

John knows DJs and KJs from all over the country, said the highest paid are in or near NYC and LA, but he, personally, doesn't know of any that make the higher end of the scale you quoted. Not that it's not possible, just not in this part of the world. John is a full-time DJ and works at one of the local American Legions most weekends as well. While he does an occasional weekday wedding, they are usually the lowest paying because the catering services and halls offer discount prices for weekday weddings, and the cut rate rules apply to the entertainment as well.

I think the best deal is what you had going in NJ on Thursday nights with the Dance Club. Yeah, it's a fair amount of work for both you and Nancy, but the paydays were good to excellent and the overhead was relatively low.

Now, as for when the time comes when I can no longer haul the gear and perform, which is not very far off, for the past 25 years I've been diligently preparing for that day. It's going to happen to each and every one of us,it's inevitable and those that did not establish a retirement account will have to find a way to survive on their Social Security income, which is not remotely possible these days. Two years ago, as per government mandate, I began taking the minimum required withdrawal from my retirement funds. However, I continued to add to that same retirement fund during the same time. Most of the musicians I know, which is quite a few, have never contributed to, or created, their OWN retirement fund. Many that have recently passed away, left loved ones with mounds of bills and abject poverty. Unfortunately, it's not an unusual circumstance for musicians, entertainers, and various artists. As you stated, this is a business, and as such you have to treat it as a business, a profit making business. Profitable businesses usually have either 401Ks or similar systems set up for the employees and management. If you have not, then maybe it's not too late to do this.

So, now that I know you will NOT be in the sunny Florida Keys for a Synthzone Jam, maybe I can set up a webcam system so you can enjoy the festivities while us old curmudgeons bask in the shade of coconut palms and sip Green Coconut Margarettas from the lounge chairs at poolside next to the Tiki Hut and watch those beautiful sunsets while playing some old fashioned Jimmy Buffett music.



Good luck on your new, musical endeavors,

Gary

Donny is right about the price of GOOD DJs in the NY area ... even I have to admit they do far more than 'spin records' - or with today's technology, dial up songs on a laptop ... they really entertain ... the other side of the coin is that really good 'top 40' BANDS - 8 - 10 pieces, well schooled musicians and vocalists, are making $8,000 to $12,000 for a wedding - yeah that's what I said - a wedding in the NY/NJ/CT area can run $75,000 to $100,000 with ease ...
What we have to look at is our own position in life and what each of us wants to do in this business ... For those of you who still count on this as your 'bread and butter', yes, you have to do whatever is necessary to keep the cash flow, and how you choose to do that is YOUR business ... for some of us, playing assisted living gigs, perhaps some private parties, or a CC or restaurant is enough to 'feed our egos' and fill our musical needs ...
Just TRY to enjoy what you do ...

No back to the original topic ... I had a GREAT time at the jam ... ... and who said musicians can't dance ...

I'm with Gary all the way on this one. I've been in the senior market exclusively since 2003. I don't miss playing 4 or 5 hour gigs in restaurants, clubs, ect. at all. I love the fact that I can play all week long to my heart's content, and still have evenings and weekends to spend with my family. I did my years in the trenches and had some great times. I am very fortunate that I am able to keep this kind of schedule now and be semi retired. Life is grand.

Joe

Several of the relatively young ladies at the Jam and some of the guys asked what was in some of the recipes for the dips, and the main courses. Here ya go:

The Smoked Salmon Dip went over big - Carol made three batches and there was none left when the party ended. That dip consisted of:
1 8-ounce block of cream cheese (softened)
1/2-cup smoked salmon (my recipe) shredded in the food processor
Mix thoroughly, chill for one hour and serve with Ritz Crackers

Salsa Dip
1 8-ounce block of cream cheese (softened)
1/2-cup Chi Chi Salsa (medium spiced)
Mix thoroughly, chill for 2 hours, serve with corn chips

The onion dip was nothing more than a pack of Lipton's Dry Onion Soup Mix and two cups of sour cream.

The burgers were Johnsonville Grillers (bacon and cheddar flavoe)
The Bratwurst was Johnsonville as well
The Pulled Pork BBQ was Jack Daniels brand

The Shish Ka Bob was made with Hillshire Farm Turkey Kielbasa, chunks of Vidalia onion, red bell peppers, yellow bell peppers, and orange bell peppers, coated with Yoshida Gourmet sauce and sprinkled with Montreal Steak Seasoning

Mixed drinks consisted of:

Green Coconut Margaretta:
2 ounces Chi Chi's Margaretta Mix with Tequila
1 ounce Melon Liquor
1 ounce Coconut Rum
Over Ice in a 12 ounce glass

Buttery Nipple:
8 Ounces glass filled with ice cubes
2 ounces Butterscotch Liquor
2 ounces Baily's Irish Cream

Hot Chatta:
3 ounces Rum Chatta
1 ounce Cinnamon Whiskey
over ice

If you have access to a smoker, here's the recipe for the smoked salmon:

SMOKED SALMON

There are lots of good recipes for smoked salmon. Unfortunately, there are not many great recipes for smoked fish, but this particular one seems to be the best of all. After more than five years of experimentation, using every species of fish available in the mid-Atlantic region, the recipe has been modified until it has finally reached the pinnacle of perfection. If you enjoy the flavor of smoked fish, especially oily species such as salmon, bluefish, Atlantic mackerel, king mackerel and cobia, you'll love this.

BRINE SOLUTION
2 qts. Water
1 cup dark brown sugar
4 tblsp. Old Bay Seafood Seasoning
4 tblsp. chopped, fresh Vidalia onions
½ cup kosher salt
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tblsp. Montreal steak seasoning
6 drops Worcestershire sauce
1 tblsp. lemon juice

DIRECTIONS:
Thoroughly mix all ingredients of brine solution in a plastic container until salt and sugar are completely dissolved. Using a flat, Tupperware container pour in a small amount of bring solution (about one-inch deep). Cut fish fillets into inch-thick, four-inch squares and place them in the container in layers. After the first layer is in place, pour in enough brine solution to cover them, then add the second layer and continue until all the fillets are covered with brine. Cover the container using a sealable lid or Saran Wrap and refrigerate for five days. Be sure to agitate the container at least once daily to prevent the brine ingredients from settling–this is important. If there are several layers of fillets, it's also a good idea to occasionally separate them at least once daily to ensure all surfaces are exposed to the brine.

At the end of the brining period, remove the fillets and pat dry with paper towels. Place them on a broiler pan sprayed with Pam non-stick vegetable oil and bake in a 350-degree, preheated oven for 25 minutes, then place the fillets in the smoker. Using an electric smoker, smoke for approximately two hours using hickory chips. When the fillets are golden brown in color, remove them from the smoker, allow a few minutes for them to cool, then place them in Zip-Loc bags and refrigerate overnight before serving. While they taste good fresh from the smoker, the hickory flavor penetrates the meat completely when refrigerated in air-tight bags. The smoked fillets will last up to six weeks in the refrigerator and may be frozen for up to three months. Smoked fillets can be shredded and used with your favorite dip, or you can make a fantastic smoked salmon salad to be used as a substitute for tuna-salad. Enjoy!

Unfortunately, I cannot remember everything that was on the menu that day, but hopefully, the above information will be helpful.

Cheers,

Gary

An example of what was demonstrated at the Jam. More videos to be released soon:-


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UC-i7COyfo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zm2gjUbOOlM


Enjoy,

AJ no doubt the vids will be great,(can't watch now) ... but I don't know if they will come close to how great it sounded live ...

Yea AJ - great vid's and superb playing by you.

I don't know about the second one but I don't think that was AJ playing in the first Video? Either way the Ajamsonic Audya sounds truly amazing...

Unfortunately, I didn't get to see or hear much of AJ's demo - I was out on the deck cooking. From the little I did hear, it sounded great. However, all the keyboards sounded great - every single one of them. And, the reason is, the guys behind the arrangers were great players.

Cheers,

Gary

Yeah ... what HE said.

Hey everyone, .....just wanted to thank you all for the well wishes. With medication, antibiotics, & most importantly a much needed Vocal Resting Vacation, I'm in a much better place and today will venture out for an easy 1 hr all Arranger KB light singing NH gig at a retired Nun Convent,..........with a few more days off coming up to rest my voice I should be in shape to finish out all my summer gigs without a hitch. Missing the jam & meeting everyone again still makes me sad, but reading the Sz posts and looking at the videos, Pics, etc, puts a smile on my face..

have a nice day

Sorry you couldn't be here, Donny. I'll be looking for you at the next one.

Gary

thanx Gary ....or maybe sooner then that!....just sayin'

I did play on the first video - similar tune as I did at the SZ jam last weekend ...to demonstrate the new AJAMSONIC Sax!

Yes, I have quickly realized that no matter how many videos we shoot or audio files we put out there, all we can do is compete with other similar demos of other products. There is still no way of capturing and exposing KETRON AUDYA AJAMSONIC's full potential and capabilities other than through a live demonstration. Answering your questions alone made up for 40% of the presentation..... which is why we are organizing many workshops around the country for the rest of the year!


Enjoy:- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-MHng_72eQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-MHng_72eQ

Enjoy ....

Aj mentioned the same to me at the jam. I watched the videos posted and although they are nice, they do not capture hearing the Ajamsonic live. Seeing and hearing is believing.

Same for the MidJPro midi it with the Tyros 5 ( AJ had that set up at the jam) and it's one killer combination. The new MidJpro has a touch screen that's the best I've seen on an arranger.

Donny glad to hear you're over the medical issues. Stay well for next spring's jam at Tony's.

Or the following winter in Marathon, Florida.

Gary

Count me in for Marathon.

Bernie, we have a lot of synthzone members who reside in south Florida, so for them the Keys is not more than a day's drive at best. For those flying in, they would have to fly to Miami, which is dirt cheap from anywhere in the US, then rent a car and drive three hours to Marathon - an easy trip.

Marathon is a great place, lots of music played at the tiki bars, restaurants and marinas every night, the variety is fantastic, and most of the tourists are 45 to 75 years of age. They love to party, love to dance, love the kind of music us old codgers provide, and love to eat food that is bad for them - My kind of people!

While Donny hates summer, keep in mind that where he lives, he doesn't have to clear a driveway or sidewalk of snow - someone does that for him. Of course, he has to battle the elements to get to the job, snow, freezing rain, below freezing temperatures, all of which he can have my share of. For me, any temperature lower than my age is the dead of winter. I'll take sugar white sand, swaying coconut palms in a tropical breeze and temperatures 75 to 85 with very low humidity all year long and love every minute of it. OH YEAH!

I think a Jam in Marathon would be one of the best attended ever - especially if the wives have anything to do with it. I'll bet Nancy Pesce will be there, even if Donny stays in New Jersey.

Cheers,

Gary

Hi AJ,

AWESOME!!! Voices very well demonstrated indeed. What you created for the Audya is stunning my fiend. Can't wait for the update to version 3.0.

All the best,

Henni

Gary
I moved out of the snow belt of the Buffalo region of New York in 1968, at the age of 27, to South Florida and never looked back. I have been to the Keys a couple of times and it is a different world, even compared to my area.

Bernie, my wife and I have traveled throughout the U.S., particularly the eastern seaboard, we lived in Texas for the first six months we were married, a decade later, moved to Spokane, Washington. We vacationed in the Florida Keys for 20 plus years, loved the scenery, the fishing is beyond belief, the culture is about as laid back as anyone could want, and over these many years I've met some wonderful people down there. The only reason I don't live in the keys right now is my wife will NOT leave our children and grandchild, so I have to spend eternity up here in the People's Republic of Maryland, at least till January, when we drive down for a few months of winter.

Spokane put an entirely new meaning to winter for us. That first winter we were there, we had 100 vertical inches of snow in our driveway that I shoveled out almost daily. Atop some of the nearby mountains, snow depths reached nearly 100 feet. Spokane, however, was the cleanest city I've ever seen. Each night the streets were scrubbed with big machines, the Spokane River ran right through the middle town and I would take my then 5-year-old son to Havermall Island to feed the almost tame rock chucks peanuts every Sunday afternoon. The city had a large, municipal park with walking distance of every home in Spokane. There were tennis courts, a huge swimming pool, picnic tables in shaded groves, and beautifully landscaped gardens filled with various topiary and brilliant flowers that always seemed to be in bloom during the warmer months. There were no charges of any kind to use the parks and their facilities.

The only problem with living in the Florida Keys has nothing to do with the weather. It's pretty rare that a hurricane hits the lower keys at all. More hurricanes hit the Texas/Louisiana/FLorida Panhandle coasts than anywhere else. Of course, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland and New Jersey takes some nasty hits as well, but the Keys are usually spared a direct hit. The big problem in the keys is finding a way to make a living. The entire economy of the keys is based on tourism, a season that only lasts a few months at best. From December through April is when most of the businesses there have to make their year's income. During that time, the keys have to endure gridlock traffic almost daily, hordes of tourists swarm Duval Street in Key West, and getting a reservation in a Marathon restaurant after 4 p.m. in Marathon would take an act of congress. The beaches, what few there are, will be covered with sunburnt ladies wearing skimpy bikinis, but only on weekends. On weekdays, the beaches are pretty much deserted. Boot Key Harbor, which is where I spent the winter of 2012 on my boat, will be filled to capacity with sailboats and a few big powerboats, all waiting for the best weather window to cross the gulf stream and head to the Bahamas. The wait can be a matter of a few weeks, or months, depending upon how fickle mother nature becomes that year.

There is a web cam at the Marathon City Marina, but for some reason, I wasn't able to connect to it this morning. When it's working, it's nice to just look at the activities taking place on that one small area of the keys. http://www.ci.marathon.fl.us/government/departments/marina-and-ports/marina-webcam/

Cheers,

Gary

Oh baby, ............

A tropical lifestyle although nice,..ain't for everyone....

Northeast forever for me!

Donny,

Nice photos once upon a time my wife and I skied about 25 days every season...................time's changed, although we love visits up to the White Moutains of NH, this winter we've decided we want away from the cold and are spending it in Central Florida. Yea I work up a sweat shoveling snow and/or using my snowblower. While there hope to visit Btweengigs, Saxxman and 2 members from the PSR Tutorial site ............ah Marathon Florida is actually 100 miles further away from my home to Gary's in Md where the jam was, not sure about making that jam since it's going to be a haul. This time around we'll have our 2 dogs with us and not always easy to find a place for them while we are away.

We prefer the pool now compared to coming down a ski slope where I can work up a sweat too. May as well do it where the you don't get a chill from the sweat.

This photo is not central Florida but a home we've stayed in on Marco Island.

My parents lived in Port Richey FL, for years I've been there many times and every other part of the state and the keys also, its OK for me in the winter months, but I could never live there full time...If I had to choose a warm climate tropical spot to live it would be the south shore of Puerto Rico it's just beautiful there we used to go many times and just love it. ..... I've also been to so many Caribbean Islands and Hawaii also on vacations, and working on Cruise ships playing years ago on tour. But still, for me a nice warm fireplace, cuddled up with your lady, two Hot Toddy's,
snow commin' down, Christmas tree lights twinkling
& Sinatra & Johnny Mathis in the background?.
"Fugettabouttuit" !!