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Here is a quick shot before the shyatt hit the fan. (bottom) First shot 2 dance areas packed couldnt get full panorama. No singers just dancers. About 200+ guests. I am about done with all the hastles and crap of karaoke. If they do get the BS straightened out we might consider it again. The low pay does not warrant the BS.

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So, Ollie, tell us about the "shyatt hit the fan" comment..

A band played for a couple of hours and then when we cranked up we were hit with about 15 dance request slips with 4 songs on each one. Of course we had a few tech problems also. We had a 5 hour tiring gig prior and the cables were sort of messed up The announce mic cable was bad... I didnt bootup with the monitor hooked up for karaoke but blew karaoke off We didnt dare stop the music to reboot' It was a gig that I was pulling hair out at the start that I did for a long long time... I didnt dare have a drink cuz I had to drive home and then the liquor stores were closed.

Did I mention hauling in thru a foot of snow? Flippin COLD!!!! Maybe it was snow that hit the fan!!. By the time I paid everybody I only had $150 in my pocket... It least it was good exposure and we are friends with the event planner at the Hilton.

hilton

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Hmmm...still not sure if I can picture the scenario since you said, "By the time I paid everybody I only had $150 in my pocket". Did you hire the band? Were you using the band's sound or your own sound? Did you deal directly with the client or were you booked by the band?

I've played many gigs where there was also a live band. The key to things moving forward smoothly is communication. I will either have direct contact with the client, their party planning company/coordinator, or the hotel's banquet manager. In all cases we go over a timeline of the entertainment "sets". Usually the band plays 40 minutes, and I'll play during their 20 minute break. We'll trade sets until the band has done 3-4 sets, then I'll play continuously the rest of the night.

I always bring all my own gear, even on those occasions where we're both there all night, I take responsibility for the sound and quality of my gear and don't have to depend on others' shortcomings or gear failures.

You mention you had just come from a 5 hour gig, and I know the holiday season can bring days which you double book a day gig and a night gig. My private party prices usually allow me to only take one booking for the day, so I can be sure to arrive at least 2 hours before the gig - hopefully before the band arrives - so I will have first pick of where I want to set up. On those occasions I've arrived after the band, I've always found they'll only leave a small rear corner - if even that - for me to set up. I would prefer they set up around ME, rather than vice versa.

So where was the disconnect? With the band? The client? The hotel?

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Dan it was a gig which I didnt procure it was my host which I am still training. It was another training experience of many for 20 years. Please do not question my experience or professionalism. This is my main gripe about this forum.. I admit some faults and ego-maniacs jump my throat. I have 100 times the experience of most here.

Dan I wish you the best holidays and best gigs for them Ollie

I am 69 years old!! What is your excuse??

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Not doing either, sorry you interpreted it that way.

Any time you walk into a gig blind, it's more likely there will be problems.

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No problem.. I just would like to hear about KJ DJ problems and how we struggle instead of Sound Choice ASCAP BMI and others. I am broke too.. Bars are going out of business. Lets get real people and start promoting karaoke again. I have all but given up on it. I do live in the real world and I am aware of real problems. HELLO!!

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Ollie --even the best laid plans go crazy sometimes !

These tough economic times are hitting everyne - bar owners are not exempt
Karaoke is still a very affordable type of entertainment option. DON't GIVE UP ON IT !!!! - Keep training those hosts and I'm sure with your knowledge they'll be some of the areas best KJ's.

I know jam. Sometimes I get on a wild tear!! Karaoke isnt the attraction in this area like the good old days. Pirates are not taking my business but they are dragging the quality down it is becoming less attractive and getting a bad rap.

That is why I do not like all this publicity about SC lawsuits and such. It is not helping our recruiting or selling karaoke in any way shape or form. Everybody needs to come into and adapt to this century.

I do not buy new karaoke much anymore simply because they are not coming out with anything that is requested and if they were I couldnt afford it. If I cant rely on legal downloads I flat will not have karaoke in my format. It is simple as that......

I am fully retired now and the hastles are beginning to diminish my enthusiasm for gigs. I do hate to see my system sitting idle though.

Hopefully this spring we will see a better economy. You can blame pirates or anybody else, we are in a depression...

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