Here are a few steps that I take that help me book Two A-Days...

*Nothing beats great playing/signing/performance, this should be the bottom line in any situation.

*Great customer service, your business side needs to shine here, everything from contacts, call backs, emails,        price quotes, contracts, etc. have to be taken care of in a timely manner. Taking care of your client is very            important, be professional!

*Once landed the gigs you must have a game plan for the day, planning ahead will ensure the day goes                 relatively smoothly, you have two gigs in one day so prepare for anything. Have your gear bag packed and           ready to go, I like to pack the night before this helps me triple check anything I might have missed. Majority of     the time you will provide your own PA system so you have to really be on your game. Include food and                 water in this one as well you need your nutrition, packing a little lunch will help.

*Come professionally, you must look and act like a career musicians, from your appearance to your setup              everything counts. Plus you want to make an impression on your clients this is good for business.

These are some of the things I use that help me book, sustain and enjoy Two A-Day gigs, there's never one quick answer that will help my fellow musicians book these type of gigs however this is part of the road map that will lead you there.

It will be time, very soon that the melodies and improved lines will be committed to tape, which will lead to a whole new vibe that excites me so. I am already thinking about the next CD after this one and I might be getting ahead of myself but with all this fun I'm having I can't contain it. For me it boils down to the audiences reaction to the music and I have NEVER had this much attention. 

This season marked my fourth Christmas/Holiday performance which extends from Thanksgiving Weekend to Christmas Eve at Lincoln Center in Stockton Ca. Every year I look forward to performing there not just because of spreading holiday joy, but also the staff from the management all the way to the security are truly wonderful people which I can't say enough about.

Wrapping up the season is always bitter sweat, I look forward to the new year, but treasure the moments, the conversations and camaraderie at my time in Lincoln Center. This year was different in many ways and the most predominate change was scheduling, the ever so delicate balance of being at all places at one time. Some how and some way it ALL worked out and I am grateful. 

2012 will no doubt bring in more change but one thing is for certain is if I could get through this, I can get through anything..... I got this!

If you see me out performing these new compositions please feel free to let me know what you think!!!

Its a practice of how I live my life daily, to persevere through the challenges, make due while always moving forward. 

Leading up to this is preparation of everything, the music, weather (some of us play outside in the winter), merch, etc. In my quest to educating the public about The Career Musician, it's key to note that most of this prep and execution is mostly done by the individual (musician), so as you guest it, its a major undertaking. The only reason is truly the season, its again a wonderful time of year and as a Career Musician it gives me great pleasure to know that I am spreading Christmas joy. I hope to see many of you out during the holiday season. 

While working this past weekend the same question came up and instead of giving my normal response, I added that I also compose, play all recorded instruments, mix/master and produce CD's that are being played in the background, along with getting myself booked, working closely with clients, selling merchandise and on, on and on. Nothing less than any other business. After explaining this, it becomes apparent that not only does the general listening audience not know what it takes to be a career musician, its also apparent that unemployed musicians don't know as well..... oh and did I mention that I roadie all my own gear, including a full PA System.

Lately I have been getting phone calls from unemployed musicians and though I can't offer them work I do take the time to talk to them and to help shed some light as to why they are unemployed.  I give a full run down of how I conduct my own business, so this becomes over an hour phone conversation. After this talk I get the "I will send you my info via email" line and both knowing full well that the conversation was eye opening to them as stated with "what is publishing?". I never repeat never get an email or a call back to see how things are and they wonder why they are unemployed. 

One of my clients mentioned to me over the weekend that they get phone enquires everyday asking if they can perform there and its a very simple response, bring in your portfolio. What do you think happens next... you got it nothing, just like the email and phone call back line, they never respond. By no means am I boasting about how I do things, I am simply explaining to my listening audience that when they hear me or another career musician please take note that its a lot more than what you see and hear, this is pure passion for sure, but its also hard work. Tip your hat to someone who follows their dreams.

I see it three times a week, people in need of a release and when they step towards where I'm playing they get it, if even for a moment. My job is important to the community, to this nation and to this world, I provide your musical escape from everything negative that we face. We must keep music ever close to our hearts, we must keep music alive. Take your time to stop and listen to the music, you'll be happy with what you hear. 

Today the genre and the whole instrumental music genre needs working musicians with emphasis on WORKING. CD's are now you best business cards, fans are now supporters, venues are much smaller and your ego out the door. You can say now that you are in the service industry, both you and I are providing a service that on the business end works great; you provide music entertainment for said venue (winery, restaurant, corporate, private, etc.) You cater to your client (venue, employer) while creating the atmosphere for your listening audience, all while maintaining employment.

It's a new world, a new age and if you can't see this then please, please step out of the way because I'm coming through. This Career Musicians WORKS and understands the changed climate and is willing/able to give my clients the services needed. 

All questions are answered when put to the test and be it if you raised them right (or the way you see it fit) the world has the final say.... then the moment comes, the guest are enjoying a wonderful late afternoon with wine, food and conversation; then this Career Musicians introduces three new compositions (children), takes a big breath and begins. With chaos running through my mind throughout the song, glances from the guest catch my eye and the music is gone, part of this world, released from my clutches and into this life it goes. We never know who receives it or who respects its contributions, but we know it belongs and forever it stays.