You're probably wondering why I picked such a topic. It's always been interesting to me what people think an entertainer's life is like. For years people would ask me, "What else do you do?" After awhile I would answer with silly things like "I'm a brain surgeon" or "I really work for the CIA and this music stuff is just a cover." The reality of the situation is, if you are a self employed musician/entertainer enjoying any degree of success, you're working all the time. Not only are you doing the entertaining, but you are the booking agent, collection agency, equipment manager, tour director, marketing manager, wardrobe consultant, artistic director........................you get the idea. There are a lot of things that go into this "job."
My week looks something like this.
Monday: Monday is usually a day off which means I might not have a show booked. So I usually sleep in a little and spend the morning in my office on the phone handling bookings, contracts, and collections. I not only have to book my own jobs, but many times I often have to chase people down for the money. On Mondays I lay out my schedule for the week and any extra stuff I might have to do such as learn new songs, schedule appointments, ect. What time I have left I can enjoy myself.
Tuesday: When Senior Star Showcase is in session my day begins early. After spending the morning with them I usually have an afternoon show. Sometimes I also have an evening show. I try not to schedule myself into a triple, but sometimes it's unavoidable because the client really needs that date. And this is a people pleasing business.
Wednesday: Wednesday usually begins early with a church staff meeting and then an afternoon job. Once in awhile also an evening job.
Thursday: I can usually sleep in a little on Thursday, but I have to be up in time to plan my evening orchestra and choir rehearsals at church. Depending on the time of year, this can be a busy morning. Then an afternoon job, and two intense evening rehearsals.
Friday: Up early for Senior Star Showcase and an afternoon show. Many times I also have an evening show as well.
Saturday: Definitely a sleep in day. Saturday is a day for the longer and more demanding private parties.
Sunday: Up at the crack of dawn for two demanding church services. Although my body usually crashes in the afternoon, I very often have jobs. This past Sunday I had a large sold out concert at Temple Beth El.
This varies from week to week, but one way or the other, it's usually always busy. What keeps me going is the fact that I'm doing the work of my choosing and every part of it gives me great pleasure and personal satisfaction. As I've said many times. I'm very lucky.
