This year i will finish my 18th year gigging at
Senior venues. I had my 83rd birthday Jume 11th.
I am in good health but often don’t feel like going to a gig.
This week I have 5 gigs just about normal for me. Funny,
While playing the gig it is a lot of fun.
In the past I have used Ketron, Roland, Korg, and
Yamaha. All worked great. But, now what?
I get calls all the time-just can’t say no. My
Song list now includes over 4000 tunes so
Variety is not a problem. Just don’t know
What I will do.

Deane (Hammer)

Get the new KETRON EVENT-M just released. This will keep the excitement going and give you that new BAND to back you up.

If you are looking to play at home rather than gigging, then think about spending extra and getting an organ, as this will allow you to keep your brain active by leaning something new and really developing your own style, (It will be hard at first but hang in there and you will soon start enjoying yourself, (As you play arranger you are already half way there) just remember to have a timer by your side to remind you to eat and sleep.

Don't worry about styles as once you get into it you will turn most of the parts off, as they just get in the way of doing your own thing. (You will be choosing what to play rather than having to follow the style)

Have fun

Bill

Hi Deane
We are all different, and as the time appears to cut down or retire completely from gigging, we have different opinions. In my case, I lost a three show a week gig when Covid caused the facility to close. That put me at a junction. I could hit the nursing homes and restaurants or stop and take stock of my new situation. whereas you have many familiar venues, I didn't. I decided to use time I hadn't enjoyed in many years, to spend in my studio, learning facets of my music that I hadn't had time to improve on.

Here is what I have learned: I have been given a gift that many don't have, so I am getting to work on improving all of my potential abilities I never had time for. I too have hundreds of songs that I sing and play, but spread too thin for the sake of variety, Also, I never really delved into the nuts and bolts of my five keyboards and Ketron module. I, also, just bought a Korg digital piano I just love. I finally have the time to learn an instrument I have wanted to learn all of my life. I also dabbled into streaming on YouTube, forums, and Facebook, but have a long way to go to have it satisfactory for me. The last thing is a few gigs am am preparing for during our season in September,

So much to do and loving it.I am a mere 81 yrs and just starting a new phase of my life.

My advice - take some time to smell the roses. There is so very much to see of this great nation, and most folks rarely get out of their home town before the Grim Reaper shows up. Take an Alaska Cruise, visit the myriad of state and federal parks, cruise to Fort Jefferson. I tried my best to do it all, but fell short of some goals. I wish I had started to smell those roses a decade before I began doing so.

Good luck,

Gary

I’d say, don’t look to equipment for inspiration. It’s a sugar high, quickly crashing. The equipment is the translation of your inner passion not the driver of it.

Perhaps a few months away from it all will focus your mind on what aspect of playing is the one thing you miss. Is it the audience, is it the technical challenge of playing well? Is it the getting out the house for a reason you don’t feel guilty about? 😂 is it the songs, or the creation of a varied and interesting arrangement?

I think a decent time of stepping away from the whole thing will bring to the fore what it is that still has passion for you. Passion is everything in music. Without it, it’s a grind.

Well said Diki

Deane

Congratulations on your success. If it's a burden then it is time to slow down or retire. Many others would love to have that many opportunities. I assume you get paid for these gigs. The few here I've approached here seem to assume it's free entertainment..
A question I have is what is your setup for these in and out gigs? The ones I've done have had their share of uncomfortable setup and load in and out situations, not to mention the heat here.
Thanks

Bill, my setup has been posted here many times.It takes me less than five minutes to unload the van and transport the gear inside to the venue. Setup time is just under 7 minutes and I never break into a sweat. Easy-peasy!



Gary

Best wishes to you Deane, I hope to still be at it in my 80's just like you.

At the moment I'm working as a drummer with a pianist who is 85. He has been booked 4 nights a week at a club in Addison, TX for years. He actually worked at Jack Ruby's club in Dallas at the time of the JFK assignation. He was good buddies with jazz pianist great Red Garland, and was a classmate of singer, actor Trinity Lopez.

Anyways, I admire guys like you that can keep on going with a long and successful music career, you inspire my to keep at it!