|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,074
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,074 |
This could be music related... or not, depending on who replies.
There are lots of forum members who are already retired, or who are sneaking up on it fast. Retirement can turn into one long web surfing session until you croak... or it can be a time for bucket list pursuits.
I'd like to use this thread to hear what others are doing with their retirement years. Or to kick crazy ideas around for low cost ways to experience life in new ways after retirement.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,074
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,074 |
here are some ideas I'm kicking around:
1) MUSIC FESTIVALS
They're cool, but pricey. It can cost upward to $500 to attend all 4 days of Merlefest with reserved seats and parking. Way more than that if you pay for platinum tickets that include back stage passes and other perks.
But most of these festivals need large numbers of volunteers. If you commit 3 hours of volunteered work time, you get free admission for the rest of the day. Depending on what work you do, it might include back stage access and opportunity to meet performers.
The internet makes it easy to find music festivals all over the country, contact the administrators well in advance, and get on the volunteer list. If travel isn't a problem you could literally attend every major music festival for free (excluding travel costs)
Merlefest offers low cost camping for volunteers, I would guess other festivals do something similar.
If you google the phrase MUSIC FESTIVAL, you'll probably see that most of 2015's festivals are just now gearing up and accepting applications for volunteers
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,074
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,074 |
2) You have a music act... is it good enough to play on a cruise ship?
Cancellations come unexpectedly, and working musicians would have a hard time responding to an opening if they had gigs booked (which most working bands would always have)
As a retiree you have several things going for you:
1) you're free to travel on the spur of the moment
2) you are less likely to have other commitments that would interfere with short notice of an opening
3) you have lots of time to prepare and practice
4) you have BIAB to create your backing trax
google the various cruise lines for information on available gigs.
Also, if you have other skills, cruise lines will often barter a cruise in exchange for some of your time as an instructor. For example, I know a woman who cruises several times each year in exchange for teaching bridge classes. I've heard they do this for other types of instruction too.
This type of gig is usually booked thru an agent who specifically handles talent for cruises. You'd have to research the details.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,074
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,074 |
3) NATIONAL PARKS
While camping in Yosemite last year, the guy who admitted me to the camp ground told me that he was retired, and he spent every summer working as a temp in national parks! He didn't make a lot of money, but he got to spend a LOT of time in some of the most beautiful places in the country... and got room and board. How much would a 3 month vacation like that cost if you had to pay for it?
No idea how this works, but I will definitely be looking into this. If you have insider info, please post it here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,074
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,074 |
4) TOURING
Not as glamorous as a Led Zep tour, but I've been reading a lot online lately about people using the power of the internet to find and book venues along an itinerary, then travel from gig to gig, letting the venues fund the travel.
If gas and food are your main expenses, you can travel quite inexpensively. Depending on what you drive (is it big enough to sleep in?) you can often pull over to sleep at rest stops and many WalMarts will allow overnights in the far reaches of their parking lots, assuming you don't do anything stupid like build a campfire to make breakfast. Depending on how much you get for the gigs, you'd probably do well to pay for real sleeping accommodations. I mention the other route in the spirit of adventure.
"An adventure is an inconvenience rightly considered"
Lots of places have WIFI, so you can stay in touch with the world as you travel. Or book gigs in real time as you go wherever the spirit leads you. A GPS, Cell phone, WIFI and spirit of adventure can open up some mighty big doors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,074
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,074 |
5) MOVING TO OTHER PLACES
Somebody recently mentioned that if you have resources to move away from the snow, and you fail to do so, it your own dang fault.
I tend to agree with the premise that we live with the results of our own set of possibilities.
Above and beyond the possibility of moving to warmer places in the USA is the possibility of moving to other countries where the cost of living is such that a reduced retirement income might not necessarily mean a reduced standard of living.
Google "offshore retirement", too many ideas to mention here
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 14,051
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 14,051 |
We've been retired 16 years. Janice happily quit work when I retired. Dunno where those years have gone but the bulk of it has been spent playing outdoors. We build, maintain and ride local mountain bike trails and that takes a lot of time. We enjoy hiking and flat water kayaking. For a while we spent 3-4 weeks out west (CO) every summer but haven't been in a while. We enjoy the occasional mountain bike race and we like our 2-3 day B&B getaways to the north GA or NC mountains. We often talked of relocating but although we aren't excited about our nearby town we do love our homestead. And two mothers at 90 and 93 need us reasonably close. Making and recording music is fun and very rewarding but it actually comprises a VERY small amount of our time. Maybe that shows 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,220
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,220 |
I'm the guilty party that suggested "that if you have resources to move away from the snow, and you fail to do so, it's your own dang fault".
I marked off the days on a calendar for FIVE YEARS prior to my retirement. In that time, I "made ready" for the lifestyle I knew I wanted to pursue, mainly in winter.
I reluctantly let go of my trusty truck and camper (both were long in the tooth), and kept my eye pealed for a couple of years for a good deal on a used Class C motorhome. Found one in the USA (I live in Canada) in 2009. Saved a bundle, even with jumping through the "immigration hoops".
We've been spending the winters in MX and AZ since my retirement date, Dec 1, 2011. Nary a regret.
You can find places to park a rig for $27 a month (boondocking) to over $1000/mo (full Resort amenities). We found that we can get what we like for $400-$600/mo.
As stated before, we leave after Hallowe'en and are home by Easter.
I do lots of "jam sessions" while we're on the road, to keep my hand in music.
LLOYD
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,074
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,074 |
Bud and Lloyd,
I was hoping you'd both chime in since you are both very interesting people who embrace life and make things happen! I think that kind of enthusiasm and planning is what it takes to make best use of retirement time.
Bud, can you shed light on how to spend 4 weeks in another state without going broke in the process?
Lloyd, I really like the fact that you took 5 years to plan your retirement! I missed that opportunity because I retired unexpectedly due to weird circumstances... but I'm trying to make those plans now.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,220
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,220 |
I've met quite a few people who have said they wished they had retired earlier. I don't fall into that category. I really liked my job and the people I worked with. But after 45 years working in the oil patch (without a layoff - almost unheard of), I was anxious to do something else.
I spend a great deal of time on music. Either with BIAB (or related projects) or going to Jam Sessions in the "winter" in AZ.
Life is too short to be doing things you'd rather not be doing. Some days I feel like doing nothing, and that's exactly what I do... all day <grin>.
LLOYD S
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 20,771
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 20,771 |
I've been retired for 11 years now and my wife for 9 years. We have done some long distance traveling and a lot of short trips around New York State.
I have taken up nature and landscape photography and we do a lot of walking around parks and shooting deer, chipmunks, flowers, and other stuff! We do a lot of fall traveling so I can shoot the leaves when they are in full color.
I do a lot music also but this winter we are having some serious family health problems so I'm not as active as I usually am this time of year. That coupled with all the snow, ice, and cold here makes it very hard to compose! But I do like the winters here.
I did work at a computer store as a tech for a while but it became a job so I quit. As LLoyd said "Life is too short to be doing things you'd rather not be doing". I do teach guitar, bass and music theory two nights a week. I do it because I like it.
Me, it's not about how many times you fail, it's about how many times you get back up.
Cop, that's not how field sobriety tests work.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 7,298
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 7,298 |
Mainly I am trying to keep up with a much younger girlfriend..... wow.
I am using the new 1040XTRAEZ form this year. It has just 2 lines.
1. How much did you make in 2023?
2. Send it to us.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 18,352
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 18,352 |
J & B
What a great way to be enjoying life. I don't agree about that bit that it shows. Your music is always way up there. Stay fit, and enjoy.
Whatever your doin' now appears to be working.
Trev
BIAB & RB2024 Win.(Audiophile), Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors, AKG K271 Studio H'phones
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 18,352
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 18,352 |
Fantastic outline Mario.
However, I did kinda wish that you stated 'photographing deer, chipmunks, flowers, and other stuff' instead of 'shooting deer, chipmunks, flowers, and other stuff'
(Flowers are a protected species, didn't you know? <grin>)
All the best to overcome any issues that might be troublesome. Your input to the forum is always highly regarded.
Trev
BIAB & RB2024 Win.(Audiophile), Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors, AKG K271 Studio H'phones
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 18,352
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 18,352 |
BIAB & RB2024 Win.(Audiophile), Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors, AKG K271 Studio H'phones
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,074
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,074 |
Mainly I am trying to keep up with a much younger girlfriend..... wow. I want that problem... ;-(
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 7,298
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 7,298 |
I want that problem...
;-(
Well, you can't have her..... I'm sure there's a young Tarheel down there for you!
I am using the new 1040XTRAEZ form this year. It has just 2 lines.
1. How much did you make in 2023?
2. Send it to us.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 358
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 358 |
I spend a lot of time flying largish R/C planes & I love my daily nap....Hank
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,074
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,074 |
I want that problem...
;-(
Well, you can't have her..... I'm sure there's a young Tarheel down there for you! Eddie, that's the only correct response... especially if she's looking over your shoulder as you type
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Update Your PowerTracks Pro Audio 2024 Today!
The Newest RealBand 2024 Update is Here!
The newest RealBand 2024 Build 5 update is now available!
Download and install this to your RealBand 2024 for updated print options, streamlined loading and saving of .SGU & MGU (BB) files, and to add a number of program adjustments that address user-reported bugs and concerns.
This free update is available to all RealBand 2024 users. To learn more about this update and download it, head to www.pgmusic.com/support.realband.htm#20245
The Band-in-a-Box® Flash Drive Backup Option
Today (April 5) is National Flash Drive Day!
Did you know... not only can you download your Band-in-a-Box® Pro, MegaPAK, or PlusPAK purchase - you can also choose to add a flash drive backup copy with the installation files for only $15? It even comes with a Band-in-a-Box® keychain!
For the larger Band-in-a-Box® packages (UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition), the hard drive backup copy is available for only $25. This will include a preinstalled and ready to use program, along with your installation files.
Backup copies are offered during the checkout process on our website.
Already purchased your e-delivery version, and now you wish you had a backup copy? It's not too late! If your purchase was for the current version of Band-in-a-Box®, you can still reach out to our team directly to place your backup copy order!
Note: the Band-in-a-Box® keychain is only included with flash drive backup copies, and cannot be purchased separately.
Handy flash drive tip: Always try plugging in a USB device the wrong way first? If your flash drive (or other USB plug) doesn't have a symbol to indicate which way is up, look for the side with a seam on the metal connector (it only has a line across one side) - that's the side that either faces down or to the left, depending on your port placement.
Update your Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows® Today!
Update your Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows for free with build 1111!
With this update, there's more control when saving images from the Print Preview window, we've added defaults to the MultiPicker for sorting and font size, updated printing options, updated RealTracks and other content, and addressed user-reported issues with the StylePicker, MIDI Soloists, key signature changes, and more!
Learn more about this free update for Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows at www.pgmusic.com/support_windowsupdates.htm#1111
Band-in-a-Box® 2024 Review: 4.75 out of 5 Stars!
If you're looking for a in-depth review of the newest Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows version, you'll definitely find it with Sound-Guy's latest review, Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows Review: Incredible new capabilities to experiment, compose, arrange and mix songs.
A few excerpts:
"The Tracks view is possibly the single most powerful addition in 2024 and opens up a new way to edit and generate accompaniments. Combined with the new MultiPicker Library Window, it makes BIAB nearly perfect as an 'intelligent' composer/arranger program."
"MIDI SuperTracks partial generation showing six variations – each time the section is generated it can be instantly auditioned, re-generated or backed out to a previous generation – and you can do this with any track type. This is MAJOR! This takes musical experimentation and honing an arrangement to a new level, and faster than ever."
"Band in a Box continues to be an expansive musical tool-set for both novice and experienced musicians to experiment, compose, arrange and mix songs, as well as an extensive educational resource. It is huge, with hundreds of functions, more than any one person is likely to ever use. Yet, so is any DAW that I have used. BIAB can do some things that no DAW does, and this year BIAB has more DAW-like functions than ever."
Convenient Ways to Listen to Band-in-a-Box® Songs Created by Program Users!
The User Showcase Forum is an excellent place to share your Band-in-a-Box® songs and listen to songs other program users are creating!
There are other places you can listen to these songs too! Visit our User Showcase page to sort by genre, artist (forum name), song title, and date - each listing will direct you to the forum post for that song.
If you'd rather listen to these songs in one place, head to our Band-in-a-Box® Radio, where you'll have the option to select the genre playlist for your listening pleasure. This page has SoundCloud built in, so it won't redirect you. We've also added the link to the Artists SoundCloud page here, and a link to their forum post.
We hope you find some inspiration from this amazing collection of User Showcase Songs!
Congratulations to the 2023 User Showcase Award Winners!
We've just announced the 2023 User Showcase Award Winners!
There are 45 winners, each receiving a Band-in-a-Box 2024 UltraPAK! Read the official announcement to see if you've won.
Our User Showcase Forum receives more than 50 posts per day, with people sharing their Band-in-a-Box songs and providing feedback for other songs posted.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums66
Topics81,577
Posts734,575
Members38,496
| |
Most Online2,537
Jan 19th, 2020
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean