I play for money, because I need to make the money to survive.

As a full-time musician, I can do a better job than most part-timers, because I have 16 hours a day to work at my craft, learn new songs, and so on.

I do play charity gigs, only if I believe in the charity, and I know that the other people are donating their time, too.

As a sax, flute, wind synth, guitar, bass, drum, and keyboard synth player, I was never asked to play "Taps". But every couple of years we go to the VA hospital, about 50 miles away, and play a free afternoon for the wheelchair bound vets who live in the nursing home facilities at the hospital.

It makes me feel good to give something to those who gave so much. I was classified 4F so I didn't serve. I've also met a lot of nice people and had some very nice conversations after the show.

But I won't play for free at a profitable venue. That includes open mic nights. I will go to a jam session if I know the house band is being paid and I know the musicians.

But that is just my personal choice. There is more than one right way to go through life.


Insights and incites by Notes ♫

Bob "Notes" Norton smile Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com

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