If that's whats happening in your area go to church every morning and give Thanks. I really don't believe the general public is that aware. In a Jazz club yes but in the typical scenario no. If it sounds OK, no matter how the music coming out is produced, the vocals are passable, has a beat they can dance to, and of course price, your in.
Spoke to another guitar player last night who works pretty steady during the Summers here. Can't read or write a note of music, knows little to nothing of harmony. Plays basically three note chords on his guitar and sings. Admits he's not a musician in any sense or a great singer. Says he also has a sarcastic sense of humor with the patrons which works for him in the tip cup. And they're not going to dump him because some other guy can play better chords or sing a tad better.
Now tell me how many years you think he spent working on his craft.

Bill, I saw a lot of those guys in Florida - "Have Guitar Will Travel" types that worked one day a week and thought they were the cats meow. (old folks expression - I know.) These guys played three chords, lived and died by their capo, were mediocre singers at best (and I'm being generous), knew a couple dozen songs, and ever song sounded pretty much the same. Now, at one day a week performing, they consider themselves heavily booked. Some actually had two days a week - WOW! These guys spend very little time perfecting their acts, but in some areas of the nation, they're the only game in town so they tend to get hired. There's a guy who has been working Friday and Saturday nights at a local golf course country club for the past two years. He sings the same two dozen songs every time he appears, the drunken young girls at the bar love him (don't know why, though) and he gets paid $75 for 4 hours. The CC asked me if I would play for them for Wednesday Happy Hour, which pretty much lasts three hours, 6 till 9 p.m.. They offered me $75 plus tips. I told them my fee ($125 an hour) and the manager nearly passed out. That ended that.

Cheers,

Gary

Bill now tell me how many "Years" in advance he is booked?..
nuff said.

OK, I'll keep it going. Donny you are in a very unique situation and I think you know it. I've done some events for a string of years and actually am doing a Xmas gig in AC for probably the 20th time. As for the other stuff most places or groups don't care. How many times I've done a great job and been told so by the people who hired me and next year "the committee" decided to try someone's cousin or someone cheaper.
What that has to do with this I really don't get it. The business is flooded with mediocre entertainment and that usually doesn't tramslate into more jobs for the better acts. A lot of them I've seen in the same places for a few years, what does that prove ?
In your case you do a good job, they know you, and your a perfect fit for the demographic area you are so fortunate to live in.
It ain't like that in most places.

Gary

I hear you and have seen the same thing. Its sad when I think of how hard musicians workd to be good at what they do in the past.

Chaz

Here's referance video for your friend. They love this guy at the Wildwood Elks. He also does the Italian Festival in Wildwood. If he wants to do a Kareode act here's a good starting place.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpNxHTCC22o

Phil has been around the block a few times

Versatility is key. I do lots of jobs because I know lots of styles.

R.

Very true, Russ. If you don't have the variety you cannot appeal to a host of different audience members. I try to do it all, and sometimes I actually get away with it.

Cheers,

Gary