About a month ago, I was driving and noticed a senior residence that looked inviting. On a whim, I went inside and told the AD, I’d like to entertain the residents using their piano. I did 45 minutes stone cold. As I was talking to the AD about coming back for paid performances, the fellow who ran the place (Ron), asked was I the one just entertaining, and told the AD to “book him immediately.” I was flattered. AD says we’ll start booking in Sept for 2018 and “if you don’t hear from me, call me.” Great! Left the place and made a note for myself.

Fast forward to today. I called her twice during the week, and, of course, no return call. This morning I called and asked for Ron (the director……who told the AD last month to book me). I left him a message saying who I was and that I wasn’t getting return calls from the AD.

You guessed it......within 2 hours I heard from Ms. AD. She was ranting and raving, and, I suspect, fire coming out of her nostrils. Dialogue went something like this: “I didn’t appreciate you calling my boss, I’ve been busy these last few weeks, you have a lot of nerve going over my head, (and more trash talk).” She proceeded: “I don’t think I want to book you at all now......I suggest you don’t call me anymore (and other trash talk).

My turn as the hair goes up on the back of my neck: “So I was Mr. Wonderful when I entertained your residents for nothing, but a month later I can’t even get the time of day from you. I’m going to go back and talk to Ron (the director) again and ask him if HE wanted me to be booked. It seems he was very enthusiastic about hiring me so let me put this in HIS hands.”

Immediate change of tone in the conversation. AD: “well, it seems we’re getting off on the wrong foot. Why don’t we forgot all this and start over again.” Me: “Yes (very sternly) why don’t we? I’m assuming now you want to book?” She proceeded to give me four dates next year.

I’m sure you see my point. Unless I’m dealing with a Dwayne Johnson “The Rock” look-a-like, I don’t take gruff from anyone. I tell people off who need “telling‘ off.” In this case, she was doing what many AD’S do now......abuse their power and exercise their short memories! Well, my self-image is more important to me than some rotten apples feelings. I couldn’t sleep with myself if I let this young whippersnapper, half my age, tell me off.

Unfortunately, this is what’s happening around where I live here with the AD‘s. And this is why I’m having difficulty bringing myself back out there to work. The audiences are wonderful, but everything you have to go though to get to play to an “audience” is like working your way through the General Motors Proving Grounds! Like Groundhog Day doing marine drills! What I imagine Purgatory to be like.

It’s such a shame these AD’s don’t know HOW to do their jobs or they don’t WANT to do their jobs. Either way the residents get short-changed.

I’m still smarting from having to put that rude young lady in her place! Leaves a bad taste in your mouth.

Next situation to follow.

Mark,

Love your posts, very funny and real life! What you're describing is the norm, for everyone.

The Cardinal rule is the 'customer is always right'. It's tough to suck it up and I'm no angel (there are some that will never have me), but usually those type go from place to place to place. I wait until they are replaced and let the other musicians deal with the hassle.

Mark,

This brings back many (not so pleasant) memories for me for sure. Stick to your guns-I think you are handling this in exactly the right way. ADs come and go anyway but if the big boss (and the residents) like you that is what matters. I came to the conclusion long ago that these (ADs) people just don't think like you and I do. They are not going to respect you unless forced to do so as in this case. They are a bunch of self-involved brats like much of the rest of our society has become.

I rarely had this problem, but keep in mind, I was the "Greek bearing gifts" showing up with calendars, pens, CDs, etc..., often dressed in performance clothes. When I had an AD that ignored calls, I just showed up unannounced, usually around lunch time, with a package of goodies and my booking calendar. This usually resulted in me booking out the entire you with some egotistical, self-centered SOB that I had no contact with until the same time the following year.

All the best,
\
Gary