[Dixielandjazz] Special Thanks

Mon Feb 4 10:26:54 PST 2008

What you did was, at least in my thinking, a little different at least I 
think so.  These people approach me with a business deal and we strike a 
contract and I get paid.  They get to advertise that they have quality 
entertainment and make money off of it because their patrons will continue 
to live there.  It's a business deal.  I advertise to them and let them know 
that I am available 24/7.

The people that do it for free advertise, maybe by word of mouth or in some 
other way or make personal calls to compete with me.  The corporations then 
make money from their services and render nothing back to them.  I have been 
in a couple of groups where the leader would say "does anyone have any ideas 
about where we can play?"  Then members go out and beat the bushes and come 
up with something.

What I am saying is that these groups actively solicit the venues to 
perform.  The Shriner's band, for example, will call a bunch of nursing 
homes and in about an hour have an entire concert season filled.

The other thing is that the entertainment is more or less scheduled and at 
least minimally advertised as a part of the corporate business plan.

I am assuming that there was one or more of these conditions that didn't 
exist and there are other considerations.  Family happens to be one.  When 
my daughter, many years ago, lay dying in a hospital, over the weeks I 
played my guitar and sang.  Sometimes I played recorder flute for her.  She 
was in a ward with a dozen other children and I didn't tell them to not 
listen but I entertained the whole group.  This was for family and the 
hospital did not advertise entertainment nor did they solicit me and while 
they do have volunteers come in they do not hire musicians on any sort of 
regular basis.  There are just some things that rise above business.

What you do for your religion or family is of no professional concern to me 
nor should it be to anyone else.

I think what Steve, myself and others want is that we don't sell ourselves 
short, we don't unfairly compete with others and make a good return for our 
time and talent.  Many of the musicians that compete with me are retirees on 
fixed incomes that need the money.  Yes I charge more than most of them but 
I would think that this more than levels the playing field in their favor 
and at the same time pays me fairly.

There is another thing and that is that when I charge them X amount of 
dollars then others can charge them a higher rate and get it which in turn 
makes it easier to get what I want.  In that way I am doing them more 
service than all the unions stacked up.  I could, if I wished, cut anyone 
but I would rather try to improve the musician's lot as well as my own.
Larry
St.L
Larry
St.L
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "eupher dude" <eupher61 at hotmail.com>
To: "Larry Walton" <larrys.bands at charter.net>
Cc: "Dixieland Jazz Mailing List" <dixielandjazz at ml.islandnet.com>
Sent: Sunday, February 03, 2008 3:10 PM
Subject: [Dixielandjazz] Special Thanks

to Ginny Luetje for joining me in St Louis to play at my mom's living 
facility.  Yes, she did it for free.  And I am truly grateful!

Mom's been in 8 different living situations since May of 2006, and dad died 
3 weeks into #2.  So, it's been a rough couple of years for her, and I had a 
feeling this would help perk her up a bit.  And, given that this place she's 
in now (assisted living) is the best yet, I wanted to give a thanks to the 
staff, who is wonderful from top to bottom, and the other residents who have 
treated Mom with love, kindness, and true friendship.

So, my friend Elliot (a terrific tenor banjoist) agreed to do the trip and 
gig with me, for no more compensation than a trip to his old stomping 
grounds and a place to sleep overnight.  And Ginny agreed to do it as 
well...why, I don't really know, but it's wonderful that she did.  It turns 
out that Ginny and Elliot share a past life with a  specific B&D Symphonie 
model, and have many mutual friends in St Louis.  (Elliot's been gone from 
St L since the late '70s, with far too few visits back.)  So, it was win/win 
for Elliot and me, and I guess Ginny enjoyed herself too??? ;)

At least she got a decent meal out of it!!!!

Yes, it was free.  But, there's been a much higher payment to me, and it's a 
longterm contract--the care of my Mom.  And, since most of my family has 
rarely heard me playing jazz, this was a treat, to play for those who were 
able to be there.

I can't express to Ginny and Elliot my adequate thanks for their playing. 
Mom was absolutely thrilled!  And, I truly think everyone who was in the 
audience left with a smile and a little more energy in their step.  The 
number of people singing along with EVERY song, not just the ones we sang 
and invited participation, was staggering.  The smiles and the response were 
more than payment, to me at least.

Now, don't worry SB--we won't do it for free next time.  This was a special 
occasion.  And, Larry Walton, I'll be contacting you too!

steve 'thank God for Mitch Miller albums' hoog
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