[Dixielandjazz] The union question and weddings

[Rob Wright]

I joined the union in Tucson in 1977.  I never got a thing out of it.  I
joined Local 7 around 1979 in anticipation of working at Disneyland.  It
never happened, although I did work at the Hotel one summer.  The musicians
union helped me get one gig, The New Christy Minstrels.  I finally dropped
out because it was a waste of money and I made more than scale anyway.  I
think the unions became out dated when rock & roll took over from bands
(horns to guitars).  Reading charts became less important and the T.V.
reduced the value of live entertainment.  It is more an issue of demand than
politics or anything else.

I have to say, in most cases a DJ is a better choice for a wedding than a
band.  Few bands have the flexibility and repertoir to please such a diverse
group.  Today's weddings often require everything from rap and hip-hop to
big band.  Personally, I don't like to do weddings because unhappy brides
are no fun.