Beachinforever
On The Beach
New Member
Joined: 10/28/2008
View Profile
 Offline
|
polecatlarry wrote:Dave's wife...stick in there....Beachinforever..bah humbug....I've had good success the past 3 years playing for our site thruout the states by contacting RV parks managers/owners and setting up 2 to 4 week engagements for entertainment. Most managers can see the value in musical entertainment at their parks for such a small fee (site only).
After careful thought I have a change of heart. Yes, I would consider it if you promised to wear a "jesters hat" with a minimum of 12 small balls with 2" bells.
Thanks for waking me up on a strolling musician in a peacefully ran rv park. Just kidding. Lighten up. Good luck.
* This post was
edited 10/30/08 08:08am by Beachinforever *
|
jandshwd
Northern Illinois
Full Member
Joined: 01/08/2003
View Profile
Offline
|
I have seen several campgrounds that have building with stages that have entertainment. One is the KOA in Nashville and the other in central Illinois. Another way to make a living as a traveling musician is to look into rallies. We are Good Sam members and have attended rallies in our region and they almost always have paid musicians. I think once you get started more work will naturally come along traveling from state to state or region to region. I am sure that other organizations do the same. Good Luck, be safe and have fun.
Jim.
Jim
1999 Ford F150
2005 Jayco Jay Flight 25RKS
Illinois Good Sam State Treasurer (DW)
|
Dave's Wife
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Senior Member
Joined: 09/24/2002
View Profile
Offline
|
Thanks for the input.
I will start at the first of the year looking. I'm sure there are some who would appreciate some evenings of entertainment at their parks. Alot of people enjoy sing-a-longs or music that reminds them of their youth. John Denver, James Taylor, Waylon Jennings, Elvis Presley, Hank Williams Sr.
There are some who don't appreciate the music and I fully understand but alot of people just like having the entertainment close by not having to leave the park. I know that my husband has been offered a job in SW Colorado but.. we were looking into other places too.
This topic turned out to be an Abraham Lincoln discussion. "you can please some of the people some of the time ...."
That's the nice part about these discussions it that you can have your own opinions!
Sheila aka....
Dave's Wife
'98 Coachmen Royal
'03 Dodge Ram 3500 Dually
Dave & Me
|
Dirtman
South Dakota Fulltimer
Senior Member
Joined: 03/14/2001
View Profile
Offline
|
I've been busy in the Rio Grande Valley 'pickin' and grinnen' for about 7 years now. IMO, The best gig is to do a single, money divides better when it's one way. The Rio Grande Valley has over 500 RV parks, about 80-100 that have regular entertainment. The valley goes through a ton of entertainment. For shows, if they've heard you once or twice, they want to hear something else. Unless you're a pretty good dance band, or a darn good single, you'll probably be playing for tips, which CAN be a good deal, if conditions are right. The Valley is primarily country music with a very few 'grassers' groups, but they're not really making any money. Just too many free jam sessions that cost the parks nothing, every body knows at least one of the jammers, and they don't seem to care that the quality of music at the jams can be pretty sorry. Mostly people that bought a guitar and a capo, then learned 3 chords after they retired, practiced alone, so jumping timing and singing off key is the norm, but they're having a ball, so I say 'go for it gang'. Reminds me of when I started on guitar, but I was lucky enough to have someone to practice with, so timing was number ONE from the start, especially for dancing. Music is changing down here now as baby boomers retire, and want country rock. Don't know if I want to start playing that again or not. Had enough of that in the 70's-80's working with a five piece band.
There's always room down here for a GOOD musician, and it won't take long for you to catch on, but everyone books a year ahead down here, so it may take a while to get your foot in the door. Best of luck, and keep on picken'
Dirtman
2003 Newmar "D"Star 4050
Freightliner(Neway IFS) 330HP Cat
22'Haulmark V nose hauler
2004 Chev Silverado Z-71, 4X4 toad
BrakeBuddy
|
Dave's Wife
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Senior Member
Joined: 09/24/2002
View Profile
Offline
|
Thanks for the encouragement Dirtman. I know that there' not alot of money in Bluegrass. My husband's Bluegrass band made $100's of dollars but enjoyed it. My husband has played country, rhythm & blues, rock and roll. His band in '91 opened up for Garth Brooks here. He's played in variety bands even playing Ranchera's and Cumbia's. He does a variety of music so he should do fairly well. It sound's like you have a lot of fun and what's better having fun doing something you love.
Sheila aka....
|
|
|
Wingnusa
Scott and Brenda Albuquerque, NM
Senior Member
Joined: 02/05/2005
View Profile
Offline
|
I'd hire him Sheila....333 days!! I gotta get better so we can join you!!
Scott and Brenda Schnelle
Olivia and Jasmine, Mini Schnauzers
2006 KZ Escalade 36CKB
2006 GMC 3500 D/A(LLY), CC, LB
Fulltimer Class of '06
Lifetime Good Sam's members
Lifetime NRA member
USCCA Member
Amateur Treasure Hunter
Amateur Banjo Player
|
Dave's Wife
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Senior Member
Joined: 09/24/2002
View Profile
Offline
|
Hey Scott n Brenda!
That's cause you've heard him! 241 left for me but....who's counting right?
Sheila aka....
|
Dirtman
South Dakota Fulltimer
Senior Member
Joined: 03/14/2001
View Profile
Offline
|
Dave's Wife wrote:Thanks for the encouragement Dirtman. I know that there' not alot of money in Bluegrass. My husband's Bluegrass band made $100's of dollars but enjoyed it. My husband has played country, rhythm & blues, rock and roll. His band in '91 opened up for Garth Brooks here. He's played in variety bands even playing Ranchera's and Cumbia's. He does a variety of music so he should do fairly well. It sound's like you have a lot of fun and what's better having fun doing something you love.
Sheila aka....
With the credits you're citing, he'll do VERY well in the Rio Grande valley, especially with the versatility. You may not hit a gig as a workcamper, but you'll surely pick up work steadily. The fiddle is a plus in country, along with vocal and guitar. I'd definitely give the RGV a shot, well worth the try. The money isn't great for a 'band' down here, usually 80% of the gate, based on a $3.50 to $5.00 ticket. If you draw 200 people, you're considered HOT. I've seen five piece groups play to 30 or less people, often going home with less than $20 a nite each for a 3 hour gig.
As a rule, parks don't pay a set fee, unless you're super hot.
For a one hour "ice cream show", usually sunday nites, you can get from $150-$300. Doesn't matter if you're ten piece or a single, they look at bottom line cost, since those type of gigs are for the park people, and not a money maker for the park.
BUT, New years eve, you can make a 'killing', and the groups usually do, often $350 to $600 APIECE or more.
I sure would enjoy seeing y'all down here, sure can't beat the weather, and the people are the absolute greatest.
|
Dave's Wife
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Senior Member
Joined: 09/24/2002
View Profile
Offline
|
Thanks Dirtman,
I'm just anxious to be retired. Even if the economy goes belly up I'm still gonna do it and I won't regret it. The DH retired a year ago August and I've been counting my days since. Can't wait to see this great country of ours!
Sheila
|
Dirtman
South Dakota Fulltimer
Senior Member
Joined: 03/14/2001
View Profile
Offline
|
Dave's Wife wrote:Thanks Dirtman,
I'm just anxious to be retired. Even if the economy goes belly up I'm still gonna do it and I won't regret it. The DH retired a year ago August and I've been counting my days since. Can't wait to see this great country of ours!
Sheila
Good for you!!
9/11 was our deciding factor to travel and see the world, we don't regret it for a minute, even with the shaky economy, we're still going to travel and enjoy the time we have left. In our opinion, the time to sit home on the porch is when you can only sit home on the porch, and that time will come soon enough. Our only regret would be not having started sooner.
Good luck
|
|
|
|
