My wife and I are hanging up gigging here in MN Nov. - April.

This is for two reasons. (1). The main reason...It’s just too damn cold during these months to be out and about hauling equipment and (2) my wife continues to lose interest in performing.


That said, I have been toying with an idea that I don’t think is going to fly...but I keep thinking about it.

I wonder about placing a keyboard and amp in an assisted living place, leaving it there, and coming in to play for dinner music every so often.

The ideal set up would be a keyboard I could midi to using something like an SD90 or Virtual Arranger.

Then, all I would haul is me, and a laptop size bag with a VA or console.

Here’s the interesting thing.

Most of the places I play at have this nice piece of furniture/piano that just sits gathering dust because no one plays them.

One place I frequent has an older Yamaha Clavinova that the activity people use by playing the demo songs. They say that’s all it gets used for.

Thoughts?

I still love to play, but am getting increasingly tired of hauling equipment to gigs and, at the same time, freezing my a... off.

😊

Not to be a cynic, but my first thought would be 'how do you know the equipment will be there the next time you go to play?'

Funny you mention about the freezing weather ... I had an opportunity (if I wanted to go after it) for a steady Saturday night gig in a really nice restaurant, but I didn't push for it because 1) at this point in my life I really don't want a steady Saturday night gig, and 2) the place is about 45 minutes NORTH of where I live, and with Winter coming I did not want the hassle of the cold and snow ... just getting old, I guess ...

Here’s an off the wall idea, why don’t you head to Florida during the winter months. No snow, sleet or real cold weather. I’ve been blessed to do exactly that, I play a weekly 1 hour piano solo gig in the lobby of a medical center in The Villages Florida. They have a Yamaha DGX 650. Great gig I just show up and play then leave with no equipment to haul. The lobby is so ornate you’d think you were in an upscale hotel .

Steve, you just love to make me jealous, don't you ?!? ...

Here in Texas these facilities that house the elderly often employ some shady characters, even the "upscale" places. The attrition rate among staff is very high. I have heard of even activity directors stealing from residents and reports of abuse of residents is common. Maybe things are better up north?

It's that way everywhere. Terrible industry. Government ratings are discouraging.

R.

"I wonder about placing a keyboard and amp in an assisted living place, leaving it there, and coming in to play for dinner music every so often. "

Tony, sorry my friend, it wasn’t supposed to make you jealous!!

All things sound great in theory, even if it doesn't get stolen, it may be mistreated. Like knocked over, coffee spilt on it or worse, and will your insurance cover it when they know it is left unprotected?

Allan