[Dixielandjazz] Which Shakeys?

[Jim Kashishian]

Bob Ringwald wrote:
>I suspect that, one of these days the Shakeys concept type place will come
back.

We had a period of that sort of thing here in Madrid a few years back.
These opportunities do sort of "come around".  Ours wasn't "Shakeys", but
was a chain of American style family restaurants.  I dined at one one
evening, chatted with the boss, and we were "in".  Did Thursday nights at
about 10 different restaurants around the city.  We were more "background
music" than "in concert", which was fine with us.  Gave us a chance to try
new tunes, etc!  Pay was the same as in clubs we do, and it included dinner
for the band, and better hours than the clubs (meaning...earlier!).

Little by little, other bands started working their way in.  Most were of
the "pop music" style, with young kids just starting out.  They worked for
much less than us, and filled the restaurant with family.  

Money was what won out, not quality, so we no longer do those restaurants.
However, that lasted for over three years, then we had another two years of
a new fad:  hotels...playing in the hall (sweet & quiet Dixie!).

As long as one fad keeps following the other....  Waiting now for the cycle
to start over!  Meanwhile, we keep busy in local clubs.

Jim