Bluewine

Dave, I say never engage a drunk in a conversation without an exit plan. Lol Daryl

I hope everything goes well next Thursday. Daryl

Me too Dave. I engage and applaud. And if they're young kids like the jazz quartet I saw a few weeks ago, I'll talk to them all individually and congratulate them. Daryl

Dave, Some are definitely complete background music gigs. The Harley .Motor Restaurant gigs are like that. However we occasionally get their attention and the crowd will engage us after a few pints. Daryl

Agreed Daryl

I spoke with a guy over here that said he played some sort of blues/folk festival in Skegness. For me, I'm ok with 1 quality gig a week maybe 2 in the summer. Daryl

I should consider myself lucky. We never seem to travel more than 40 minutes one way. Now , we do have a rare hour commute Saturday, however I'll be sitting in the van sleeping. Does that count ? Lol Daryl

There's a few variables involved. I'd be the first to admit some venues are better at presenting afternoon family friendly entertainment than others. And like you said all genres are not a fit for outside family friendly afternoon gigs. There are certain good main stage great production provided gigs that we don't fit. By the same token, the areas top rock cover bands are not going to get the afternoon Brewerys & Winery's. Does that make any sense ? Daryl

It took me a long time to take minor upsets like this like a small grain of salt. It goes with the territory. Daryl

A little off topic; I'm hoping some of you guys get these type of messages from your Band leaders. I just got this 5 minutes ago . " Hey everyone, Wed. 7/3 was booked with someone else, so no Maple Road gig, but Barry is working on something else for a different date. Also, Sat. 7/27@ Majestic Beer Garden needs to be rescheduled due to a conflict at the park, so do either Fri 6/21 or Fri 8/30 work for everyone to re-book?" I used to get upset over this kind of stuff. Now, I finally get it. Stuff is going to happen. Don't " freak out" over it. Daryl

It's no secret that I love 3-7, warm weather afternoon gigs to the more mature sophisticated crowd. Getting paid well and home by the time most guys are just getting started. Daryl

Hi Pete, The 3-7 action in my area is great. However it's something to get use to. It's not like a Yankee 8-12 bar gig. It's a different vibe. I personally think it's great for us in our 60s and 70s that have outgrown late night pub and bar gigs. It's seems like out of nowhere all these Winery's and Brewery's opened and started booking bands. Unfortunately many bands will be left out of these gigs. They only book acoustic and small blues, folk and Americana . Daryl

Agreed, I guess I'm lucky to be in a band that's been gigging steadily since 2007. At this time we can be very selective about what gigs we will accept . Daryl

Thanks Pete, We did confirm 3 more summer dates this week that sound good. And I have an acoustic gig this Saturday at The Ziegler Winery. Very expensive and upscale. Daryl

I've been sober for decades. Depending on the venues available in your area you don't have to play late night gigs to drunk punters. Upscale Winery's, Brewerys and Farmers Market gigs can be really nice. Well behaved crowds and your home before 7:00. Daryl

Ok, it's official. I'm the only bass player here that's " hard up" for money. Lol Daryl

This just came in for Maple Road: " Hey everyone! Brian Anderson asked about Maple Road for an event in Mukwanago on Wed. 7/3, 2:30 slot. It's a larger amphitheater and production provided. Good money too." This sounds good. However I wonder what "larger" and "good" actually mean? Lol Daryl

Thanks AI, I'm just one of those guys that never recovered from Beatlemania. I'm 70 but I think I still have a shot at becoming rich and famous. I'm well suited for that type of lifestyle. I'd be good at it. Lol Daryl

Most of my gig money was used to pay my property taxes. Not much fun. Daryl

I feel the same way about winter gigs unless it's something really cool. I'll be busy enough in the summer. Daryl

Dang, Am I the only guy here where the money is vital? Daryl

I'm with you. I tried my hand at booking and it was an utter disaster. Daryl

Agreed, how much I want to gig depends on the type and quality of the gig. I'll definitely pass on " low end" offerings Daryl

Dave, I'm coming off two gigs in a row with low turn out. I need a good size crowd to redeem myself. Lol Daryl

For us, we always slow down in the winter. The real bread & butter comes in the summer, festival and fair season. And how much I gig now at 70 is a concern. I guess I'd rather play 2 really good gigs at a top notch venue than 4 run of the mill gigs. Daryl