Thanks guys. One of the things I've discovered in my travels is that there are very few arranger keyboard players in the Florida Keys. Apparently, I'm the only one on Marathon, there is one in Big Pine, one in Key West, and one in Key Largo - that's it. The guy in Key West is booked every day of the week, as is the guy in Key Largo. I just got here two weeks ago and I'm booked three days a week.

Essentially, arranger keyboard players are an unknown quantity here, but once established, they're in high demand. Guitar players, piano players, DJs and KJs are a dime a dozen here, and from those I've met, most make $50 to $75 a night, where the keyboard players are hauling in $100 to $200 a night, plus tips, for three hours. To my knowledge, all of these keyboard players are pretty good vocalists as well, which has to be a big plus. Most of the guitar players are singers as well, but they tend to all try and sound like Randy Travis or Willie Nelson and need some lessons in diction and phrasing. And, most of the non-keyboard players take excessively long breaks, at least that's what the folks doing the hiring tell me.

I got a call this morning and was asked if I would be returning next fall, which I will. I was then told that I would have a job as soon as I arrived playing one of the local restaurants every Wednesday and Saturday - NEAT! Guess I must be doing something right.

Cheers,

Gary

Donny, I would have moved here 35 years ago, but I would have to get divorced to do it.

Gary

Donny, I would have moved here 35 years ago, but I would have to get divorced to do it.

Gary