What does that mean for us older folks, both performers and audience? In order to hear and/or perform the music we love, will we be relegated to Seniors Communities and the occasional small Performing Arts Center and small local theater? I can tell you firsthand how difficult it is for me to find any venues in which to perform. During my 41 years in The Kingston Trio I used to spend 99.99% of my time either performing or practicing the music. Now I spend probably 90% of my time trying to book the act. It’s a different occupation best left to agents and managers (and one I never wanted) but that’s where I find myself in my mid-70s.
I recognize the reluctance of venues, even when they know the individual talents and bios of Rick, Jerry and me to commit to us. They feel that they have to have a "name act" in order to sell tickets. In fact, here is a recent quote from a small theater in which I had performed several times to sold out audiences when with the KT: "We keep an eye on Pollstar and book hall of fame and grammy winners only at this point. Small theatre with high end acts. I am sure that FLT would be phenomenal but not workable for our stage. Our patrons need to know the act without us 'selling' them.” That’s from a theater that responded. There are others who, no matter how I’ve approached them, will not even give me the courtesy of a response.
So……if you bear a known name you have a chance to book five or six shows monthly. If you bear an unknown name, that which was once your career is now becoming a hobby.
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