For the first time in my life, I'm considering cutting back. Now, I do one national session a week. It goes from 2:00 PM Sunday to 8:00 PM Monday, with only bathroom breaks. Then, I go back to Lexington for a 9:30 PM job, try to recover on Wednesday, play 4 more jobs and run my production company.

The production company that does the national stuff wants me to commit to two productions a week. While income would be over $5,000.00, I'd be stupid to try to keep a regular playing schedule. The restaurant work only pays $150.00 per night, but last night I got a job for $175,000.00 from a new client who visited the restaurant and will be likely to be good for at least $100,000.00 annually for the near future. My contact with an automobile manufacturer located near Lexington has resulted in average annual business in the $250,000.00 range for over 20 years. Seems like prospective clients are more impressed by live performance than by recorded samples.

Last time I went to a town 50 miles away, no one in Lexington (club owners, bookers, mainly) remembered me in six months.

The studio business, working as a director/production specialist (that means you play ALL parts)is pretty fragile. Producers have been fired for saying the wrong thing to a client or just not getting along with someone from the agency.

While I'm not an entertainer, I enjoy the people who come to visit me, and have used my venues as a place to locate new business, entertain clients, etc.

Considering some medical issues, I cannot do two sessions and play regularly. This is on top of my 4 trips overseas.

I guess this is a GREAT problem to have. Too much work, especially at 70 years old, is not a bad thing, IF you're up to doing it.

What do you think?


Russ

I'm certain you don't need the money. Slow down a little and enjoy life.

Russ, I agree with Don..

Do what you really want to do, don't let money dictate your life...I am sure you already know that is not what makes a person happy...

Enjoy family, friends, and doing for others..and most important, let family enjoy you..

If taking on a second recording job makes you happy, and doesn't hurt anyone you care for....then do it....but if playing out makes you the happiest...then do it..

If folding tent, and just enjoy everyday events (believe me, there are many)....just do it..

I never did anything , just for the money....and I know I am the most satisfied person I know

Russ, the guys above nailed it. Today, I turned down a job, one that would have paid very well for the two hours they wanted, and I went fishing with some guys I went to high school with. We went out on a charter boat, caught our limits of striped bass, drank a couple beers, ate Hoagies, talked about the old days, and had a wonderful day on the water. Sure, I still work hard nearly every day, but there will come a time when that is no longer physically possible. When that day comes, I'll walk away and say to myself "this was one Hell of a ride, cowboy." Then, with any kind of luck, I'll take my children and grandson sailing, or maybe teach my grandson how to fly-fish in some nearby farm pond. I want him to enjoy that same ride that I have enjoyed for the past 74 years.

Good luck,

Gary

Just got back from the last session in Louisville...a national pizza chain...annual report. Session started Monday at 4:00 PM and ended at about 7:00 PM last night, in just enough time to get back to Lexington for a 4 hour dinner gig.

I'm "up" from the experience, but, man, what a nerve wracking sequence of events.

10 hours into the process, with the debut scheduled at 9:00 AM today in New York, the entire concept changed, leaving 9 hours to complete 15 minutes of exact audio (directly to motion on the screen). Talk about a way to end up a basket case.

I'm happy with the result and pay. I'm worn out. I have another, starting on Sunday.

Because of that, I had to turn down a tribute to Herb Ellis, a long-time hero. No money (very little), but very important to me.

Guess I need to figure out what I want to do when I grow up.

My philosophy has always been, "never turn down a job".

That's getting harder every year.

I am always afraid that my shoulder or left hand will give out before I'm done.

Russ

Russ, there will come a time when you will look in the mirror and there will be an old codger looking back at you. With luck, that old codger will say to you "Russ, it's time to smell the roses. There's another, beautiful world out there waiting for you to explore - now is the time."

I was just like you up until two years ago. I never turned down a job, never thought there was a job that I couldn't do, no matter how long it took or how difficult. The day I raised the sails on that boat and pointed the bow south for the Florida Keys and Dry Tortugas is when that mentality ended for me. Now, I'm a bit crippled up, bad back, and shot to Hell lungs, but if I can still climb aboard that old tub, I'll be sailin the high seas again next fall. Smell those roses, Russ - before you no longer can smell them.

Good luck,

Gary

I know you folks are right, but there's a lot of satisfaction in competing on an international basis with the best in the business. It's a real compliment to be chosen to do these things over others in the industry with national reputations and portfolios. The satisfaction level is as high as the frustration.

This is playing with the "big boys", and in the heat of the moment, there's nothing more exciting.

Plus, the income, which is ridiculous, allows me to do a lot of good for those who need it. For instance, my check for the session ended last night will pay for a new $ 6,000.00
curtain for the drama club at a school I support. The current curtain was installed in 1955. Next week's session will buy 8 new wireless mics, receivers and installation. This is at a school for disadvantaged and those little guys need all the love they can get.

I guess right now, my "sailboat" is that school and those kids.

I just need an attitude adjustment, I guess.

Man, I'd love to live where I could have a boat.


Russ
_____________________________________

More damn toys than ANY reasonable person should have.

Anytime you in the neighborhood, Russ, and if the weather is relatively cooperative, you're more than welcome to climb aboard and explore the Chesapeake's upper reaches.



Gary

No you don't. Your attitude is just fine. I just wish more people had the same 'attitude'. Russ, for some people, giving back, not taking, IS the reward. Keep on doing what you're doing, brother. If you DO kick off, at least you'll be remembered (in the words of Dr. Martin Luther King) as "someone that tried to help somebody".

chas

BTW, don't sell the guitar collection, sell the GUN collection; and for Pete's sake, go down and re-register as a Democrat......kidding, kidding .

Actually, Chas, I sold 100 pieces of the collection and donated
the proceeds a year or so ago. Those funds went to New Orleans.

BAD NEWS! the number is back up to over 200 remaining pieces.

I am thinking of getting a broker to sell many, if not all of the guns. The proceeds would fund badly needed renovation of a shelter here.

And, Chas, I voted for Obama, and, today, I would again.
He may have shown some inexperience and slipped up a time of two, but I think he's a good man, good husband, great father and really has the country's best interest at heart.


Russ