[Dixielandjazz] Gigs

[Robert Ringwald]

Stephen G Barbone wrote:

> Dear Bob:
> 
> Oh, I thought you were bragging about your entire life. Sorry for the  
> error. 


Steve, I explained what I did for a living, which explained why I'd rather take a 13 day Jazz cruise completely paid for, including my wife's passage, rather than playing a few gigs in old people's homes.  I personally don't consider that bragging.  However, your the expert on bragging so if you say it is bragging then I'll bow to your expertise.  

BTW- Regarding money out of my pocket, yes, if I drink alcohol on the ship, purchase something at the ship's store or purchase something off of the ship, I do reach in my pocket.  For me, that is perfectly reasonable.  

All food including room service 24 hours a day is free.  The menu is really fantastic.  As you no doubt know, Being a cruise, you don't have to change rooms, pack and unpack every day in order to visit different towns and countries.  You don't have to do any house work.  You get up at 3:00 AM to pee -- When you come back, your bed is made...  

Besides the wonderful, paid for vacation, I have the privilege of playing with one of the finest Trad bands in the world, the Bob Schulz Frisco Jazz Band.  Playing with that band is a bonus.  Thus, I get a wonderful paid vacation for myself and my wife and get to play one or two sets a day of the kind of music I love, with really fine musicians, Bob Schulz, John Goodrich, Doug Finke, Jim Maihack and Larry Kostka.  Plus I did one jam set with your buddy Tex Wyndham.  

I'd rather be on the cruise and you'd rather stay home and play gigs.  Everyone to their own thing.  I was not trying to change your mind, I was simply explaining why I'd rather take the Jazz cruise.    

I made my living playing music.  Now at the age of 71, it is time that I do what I want to do.  

Best,

--Bob Ringwald