The Paul Vesco Influence On TV Entertainment

[jandbrare]

These are the December gigs for Paul Vesco and associates:

12/06/2011- Clark Barrios & Impulse, Market Square
12/12/2011- Paul Vesco Band, Town Square
12/18/2011- Clark Barrios & Pulse, Town Square
12/18/2011- Cathy Merkel Duo, Market Square
12/20/2011- Paul Vesco Band, Market Square
12/20/2011- Cathy Merkel Trio, Town Square
12/22/2011- Never Never Band, Market Square
12/26/2011- Clark Barrios Duo, Market Square
12/29/2011- Earth Beat, Market Square
12/31/2011- Never Never Band, Town Square


There may be more, but that's all I could confirm. That's 10 gigs in December. Vesco has still other entertainment associates that perform in The Villages, but not this month.

These are all excellent entertainers. But, if you are missing some of your favorites from the past, or would like to see some new entertainers, I think the Paul Vesco influence explains why you are not.

Barbara Vesco has been head of The Villages Entertainment for a long time. She married Paul Vesco a few years ago. And, now we are seeing his associates in seemingly increasing numbers. Somehow, that just doesn't seem ethical to me. :undecided: I don't think his influence is conducive to a "free market."

Never Never Band
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c150/jandbrare/PaulVescoNeverNeverBand.jpg

Earth Beat Band
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c150/jandbrare/PaulVescoEarthbeat.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c150/jandbrare/PaulVescoCathyMerkelClarkBarrios.jpg
L-R: Clark Barrios, unknown, Cathy Merkel, Paul Vesco

Be on the lookout for other Vesco bands (http://www.paulvesco.com/music/the-bands-florida):
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c150/jandbrare/Paul%20Vesco%20Entertainerment/TheVescoBands.jpg

[aln]

In my 40-50 years of employment, I can't remember ANY company or business where there was no nepotism.
Personally I don't see anything wrong with it.
The 'recommendee' bears all the responsibility.
All the entertainers you mention are good.
I wouldn't want to see versions of Norman Lee and the Boondock Saints 10 times a month.
Until the entertainment becomes dry and UNentertaining I say stick with it.
Besides there are new people from time to time and the good ones come back. Take DJ Indio............. PLEASE ...........TAKE HIM.

[KathieI]

Interesting observation by OP. Have been wondering why the quality and diversity of music at the squares has changed since I started to visit TV in '07. Didn't realize this might be the case. There was a time when my friends and I would frequent the squares every night because of the top quality entertainment performing, but of late, I barely go there. I've actually heard this from others as well.

Don't mind nepotism, aln, as I am used to it in business also, as long as it maintains quality and services the need. In this case, I'm not sure. Interesting to hear other points of view from those who are veterans of the entertainment at the squares. Just my opinion, of course.

[graciegirl]

The fact that there is danceable music somewhere...two somewheres in fact every night of the year here except Christmas and you DON'T have to buy drinks to enjoy it is a wonderful thing all in itself. You can sit and listen and watch the others dance, you can dance, you can line dance, you can talk, you can drink, you can pet dogs. You can people watch.

This is the very first time I have heard anyone say anything negative about the entertainment at the squares.

And the Morses don't pay me, honest. I can't help myself. Why do I have to defend this place? I love this place. I am so glad I am a frog. We have owned a home here almost four years now. Our frogdom started in July. I may change, who knows?

I can't dance. Don't ask me. Merci beaucoup.

[salpal]

You get what you pay for.

[ilovetv]

I sense this is another one of those "hate the rich developer" who hires/pays them thread.

If the music they provided were sloppy and off-key, then there would be reason to complain. But all these combos and soloists are top notch musicians, and they know how engage the audience.

Booking bands to play for 728 gigs per year at Spanish Springs and Lake Sumter town squares is a huge endeavor.

There's probably no other city in the nation that accomplishes such a feat.....for us who can go there for FREE and don't have to spend a penny if we don't want to.

Plus, during the Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years' season, most good bands are booked a year or years in advance, at a much higher rate than usual. They call the shots.

[784caroline]

You get what you pay for.

You have to be kidding me!!! The entertainers that Paul Vesco provides are very talented people and would be welcomed in any venue. I assume what you are trying to say by your quote..that these bands are worth nothing because we pay nothing is ridiculus....you are better off staying home and watching reality TV.

[DandyGirl]

I would much prefer the live bands than to have too many DJs. I enjoy Scooter the DJ alot but some of the others..not so much.

[DaleMN]

Is the Caribbean Chillers full band ever there any more? Probably the best group I have ever heard in The Villages.

[Skip]

Many months ago I spoke with - not one, but - two entertainers who were being pressured to have Paul Vesco be their sole "agent". Obviously Paul would take a cut of each gig BEFORE paying the musicians. These two entertainers refused to give up any part of their already low negotiated fees to play here.

Guess what? They are no longer being invited by Barbara to play in The Villages.

I say it's a shame that there exists such "conflict of interest".

And please don't say I got this third hand or it's a rumor. I knew and enjoyed the musical groups I heard this from.

So "jandbrare", you are very right. There's a problem here. Barbara gets paid by the entertainment department and her husband gets paid by the entertainment.

Skip

[jandbrare]

Skip, There's an old saying, "There's a fox in the hen house."

Some responses to this thread imply/presume I resent the Owner. Not true. And, I've lived in TV for 10 years and don't regret a minute.

But, this situation with Paul Vesco, just ain't right!

[graciegirl]

...

[njbchbum]

Is the Caribbean Chillers full band ever there any more? Probably the best group I have ever heard in The Villages.

i'm with you! i'd love to see them just 25% of the time that a vesco entertainer is presented!

[gatherer47]

I said many months ago that Clark Barios and his various bands were "overexposed" in the Villages.He of course is affiliated with the Vescos.I was told off,ridiculed,and told to stay home if I didn't like the music. I pointed out that these bands were talented and I enjoyed them.However I enjoy steak too but I don't want it every night.If anyone wants to put me down for my thoughts,I heard it all six months ago.

[eweissenbach]

I said many months ago that Clark Barios and his various bands were "overexposed" in the Villages.He of course is affiliated with the Vescos.I was told off,ridiculed,and told to stay home if I didn't like the music. I pointed out that these bands were talented and I enjoyed them.However I enjoy steak too but I don't want it every night.If anyone wants to put me down for my thoughts,I heard it all six months ago.

There is an unfortunate tendency for some people on this board to overreact to any criticism of the developer or management of TV. I have seen many people who posted seemingly legitimate concerns, told they should leave, or some such nonsense. Finding fault does not equate to disliking everything about the place folks. Lighten up and enjoy your piece of paradise and have a little empathy for those who don't love it as unconditionaly as you.

[Larry Wilson]

There is an unfortunate tendency for some people on this board to overreact to any criticism of the developer or management of TV. I have seen many people who posted seemingly legitimate concerns, told they should leave, or some such nonsense. Finding fault does not equate to disliking everything about the place folks. Lighten up and enjoy your piece of paradise and have a little empathy for those who don't love it as unconditionaly as you.

Very well said. Eweissenbach have a great Christmas.

[ilovetv]

Many months ago I spoke with - not one, but - two entertainers who were being pressured to have Paul Vesco be their sole "agent". Obviously Paul would take a cut of each gig BEFORE paying the musicians. These two entertainers refused to give up any part of their already low negotiated fees to play here.

Guess what? They are no longer being invited by Barbara to play in The Villages.

I say it's a shame that there exists such "conflict of interest".

And please don't say I got this third hand or it's a rumor. I knew and enjoyed the musical groups I heard this from.

So "jandbrare", you are very right. There's a problem here. Barbara gets paid by the entertainment department and her husband gets paid by the entertainment.

Skip

Seems like the union ought to help in situations like this.

http://www.afm.org/locals/info/number/389

[salpal]

Geez Caroline....seriously, take a chill pill. By "you get what you pay for" I meant that since we do not pay to hear music on the square, we do not get to choose it. Now, before you all attack me, I realize that we indirectly pay for it with our fees, etc. I was trying to be humorous, but will try to refrain from that in the future.

:ohdear:

[784caroline]

OK I took the pill.......I guess we just need to be careful on what we write especially if something can be taken a differnet way!

[eweissenbach]

Geez Caroline....seriously, take a chill pill. By "you get what you pay for" I meant that since we do not pay to hear music on the square, we do not get to choose it. Now, before you all attack me, I realize that we indirectly pay for it with our fees, etc. I was trying to be humorous, but will try to refrain from that in the future.

:ohdear:

Ha! I learned long ago that humor, especially irony or sarcasm, don't translate well to message boards. It is just too nuanced to register with some people, and they will take it the opposite way of which it was intended. I once posted something to the effect that I was sick of hearing "it's a beautiful day in the villages" because I had just gotten in from two hours of shoveling snow. Several people thought I shouldn't post on TOTV if I felt that way.

[jandbrare]

Must be the Christmas Season, but I'm softening. Paul Vesco is a prominent musician, band leader, and promoter. He has brought excellent talent to The Villages to perform on the squares, free to all who would attend. I listed 10 appearances of his band and his associates for the month of December, and I'm speculating that I missed one: Street Talk who got three gigs. I've not confirmed their association with Vesco, as yet, but three gigs makes it likely, to me.

The Villages developer pays for this entertainment to enhance the appeal of The Villages to existing residents and would-be residents. It's a great benefit: free live entertainment every night. It is just another facet of his genius. And, The Villages is a marketing marvel, a residential paradise, a heaven-before-heaven for those of us old timers who are lucky enough to have found our way here.

But, there's always a "but", and mine is that I resent Paul Vesco coming in, and influencing the bookings through his wife. His wife, Barbara, is head of Entertainment and has been for years. She works for the developer, not for the local governments,CDD's, but "the developer." So, it is up to the developer to make changes to this situation.

If you are not a Paul Vesco associate, your chances of getting a booking are reduced.

So, I should not worry abut this or that entertainer who is not getting bookings, anymore? And, if a friend is trying to get a gig and is a good entertainer, I should not be concerned that he can't? I should just go and enjoy the high-quality Vesco entertainment?

But, I've been here 10 years, and I DO resent the takeover by Paul Vesco.

[eweissenbach]

Must be the Christmas Season, but I'm softening. Paul Vesco is a prominent musician, band leader, and promoter. He has brought excellent talent to The Villages to perform on the squares, free to all who would attend. I listed 10 appearances of his band and his associates for the month of December, and I'm speculating that I missed one: Street Talk who got three gigs. I've not confirmed their association with Vesco, as yet, but three gigs makes it likely, to me.

The Villages developer pays for this entertainment to enhance the appeal of The Villages to existing residents and would-be residents. It's a great benefit: free live entertainment every night. It is just another facet of his genius. And, The Villages is a marketing marvel, a residential paradise, a heaven-before-heaven for those of us old timers who are lucky enough to have found our way here.

But, there's always a "but", and mine is that I resent Paul Vesco coming in, and influencing the bookings through his wife. His wife, Barbara, is head of Entertainment and has been for years. She works for the developer, not for the local governments,CDD's, but "the developer." So, it is up to the developer to make changes to this situation.

If you are not a Paul Vesco associate, your chances of getting a booking are reduced.

So, I should not worry abut this or that entertainer who is not getting bookings, anymore? And, if a friend is trying to get a gig and is a good entertainer, I should not be concerned that he can't? I should just go and enjoy the high-quality Vesco entertainment?

But, I've been here 10 years, and I DO resent the takeover by Paul Vesco.

Seems like a reasonable and thoughtful position to me.

[graciegirl]

Must be the Christmas Season, but I'm softening. Paul Vesco is a prominent musician, band leader, and promoter. He has brought excellent talent to The Villages to perform on the squares, free to all who would attend. I listed 10 appearances of his band and his associates for the month of December, and I'm speculating that I missed one: Street Talk who got three gigs. I've not confirmed their association with Vesco, as yet, but three gigs makes it likely, to me.

The Villages developer pays for this entertainment to enhance the appeal of The Villages to existing residents and would-be residents. It's a great benefit: free live entertainment every night. It is just another facet of his genius. And, The Villages is a marketing marvel, a residential paradise, a heaven-before-heaven for those of us old timers who are lucky enough to have found our way here.

But, there's always a "but", and mine is that I resent Paul Vesco coming in, and influencing the bookings through his wife. His wife, Barbara, is head of Entertainment and has been for years. She works for the developer, not for the local governments,CDD's, but "the developer." So, it is up to the developer to make changes to this situation.

If you are not a Paul Vesco associate, your chances of getting a booking are reduced.

So, I should not worry abut this or that entertainer who is not getting bookings, anymore? And, if a friend is trying to get a gig and is a good entertainer, I should not be concerned that he can't? I should just go and enjoy the high-quality Vesco entertainment?

But, I've been here 10 years, and I DO resent the takeover by Paul Vesco.

Thank you for this explanation. Your articulate and fair presentation of the problem and the diplomatic way it was laid out for us made me understand just what your frustration is.

Thank you for taking the time to help us see what is happening.

I hope the Morses read this forum. I would have to think that they do.

Your explanation will go far in defining the problem for them as it does for us readers and maybe a solution will be forthcoming.

[eweissenbach]

Thank you for this explanation. Your articulate and fair presentation of the problem and the diplomatic way it was laid out for us made me understand just what your frustration is.

Thank you for taking the time to help us see what is happening.

I hope the Morses read this forum. I would have to think that they do.

Your explanation will go far in defining the problem for them as it does for us readers and maybe a solution will be forthcoming.

I doubt any of the morses read the forum, but I would hope that they have employees that are assigned to monitor and report what they find. I am not sure this is a matter that would trouble them, unfortunately.

[jandbrare]

Thank you for this explanation. Your articulate and fair presentation of the problem and the diplomatic way it was laid out for us made me understand just what your frustration is.

Thank you for taking the time to help us see what is happening.

I hope the Morses read this forum. I would have to think that they do.

Your explanation will go far in defining the problem for them as it does for us readers and maybe a solution will be forthcoming.

And, thank you Gracie for "bumping up" this thread, a couple of time. FYI and all, I have written a letter to Mr. Morse, whom I've never met, but respect greatly for his business genius. If only I had been as wise. I would anticipate that he would not take time to respond and probably not even pass it on. It's his business, after all. I understand that. So, I've vented and hopefully made some allies. I'll let you know, of course, if I get a response from Mr. Morse. Life is still VERY good. I am thankful for my good fortune, and I wish you all a Merry Christmas. Jerry Lester

[graciegirl]

I doubt any of the morses read the forum, but I would hope that they have employees that are assigned to monitor and report what they find. I am not sure this is a matter that would trouble them, unfortunately.

Ed. You don't know them any better than I do. Or any of us....Well Maybe Larry Wilson because he had business dealings with them.

Even if they are pitifully cold hearted rich Republicans they certainly would like to know that we know that one of their employees is doin' this.

Let us not prejudge. They could be a cross between Mother Teresa and Mary Poppins.....or Attilla the Hun and Freddy Kreuger. NO one really knows on this forum.

And somehow I feel that they read this. I believe in my very soul that one of their motivating factors is the satisfaction of the people who live here. We are their best advertisement. If they are GREEDY as some folks think, after a certain level of financial success you don't need another airplane or another boat or more money. I think that they are proud of the town they built. Or they could just quit and count their money.

They certainly will have made enough to take care of everyone.

I believe they are nice people. AND I wasn't born yesterday.

[SunCity]

There is an unfortunate tendency for some people on this board to overreact to any criticism of the developer or management of TV. I have seen many people who posted seemingly legitimate concerns, told they should leave, or some such nonsense. Finding fault does not equate to disliking everything about the place folks. Lighten up and enjoy your piece of paradise and have a little empathy for those who don't love it as unconditionaly as you.

sometimes i read some of the posts on this forum and i think you guys in the villages don't know how good you have it.

[Mikeod]

sometimes i read some of the posts on this forum and i think you guys in the villages don't know how good you have it.

Oh, yes we do. But, like freedom, you have to watch out for threats to your way of life. The concern raised by the OP may seem trivial to you, but, to me, an attempt to monopolize and control access to the town square entertainment is a concern to me. As others have posted, there are some excellent groups that have appeared here in the past that don't seem to return. Perhaps they are more successful playing elsewhere. If so, fine. But I would not want them to be excluded because they don't happen to be represented by, or refuse to be represented by someone whose relative controls the bookings.

[jandbrare]

Oh, yes we do. But, like freedom, you have to watch out for threats to your way of life. The concern raised by the OP may seem trivial to you, but, to me, an attempt to monopolize and control access to the town square entertainment is a concern to me. As others have posted, there are some excellent groups that have appeared here in the past that don't seem to return. Perhaps they are more successful playing elsewhere. If so, fine. But I would not want them to be excluded because they don't happen to be represented by, or refuse to be represented by someone whose relative controls the bookings.

Mikeod, you said it more frankly...and concisely...than I, who started this thread. But, the Developer pays for the entertainment, and if they are satisfied with it, what's for us to do. Boycott? I don't think so. Not that big a deal. Besides, there are still a goodly number of non-Vesco entertainers. Heard one Thursday night: "Cross Fire (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5yu-YmfgLo&feature=youtu.be)". Very good entertainment.

I've not received a response to my letter to Mr. Morse, but I only mailed it on the 19th of this month. I'm still hopeful to hear from him.

Thanks for the sympathetic input.

[CaptJohn]

Thanks for that link to Cross Fire. If you get a chance sometime, would you post one to Uncle Bob's Rock Shop? I didn't find them on Utube. Being able to sample them from away helps in deciding on who to see when visiting. Looking at the calendar I only see Uncle Bob at Katie Belles on 7 Jan.
Thanks.

[784caroline]

jerry

I hear you and I also would enjoy a variety in entertainment but no one said life is fair especially in the entainment business. Do you know if what happens in the Villages Entertainment group, is it any different than how most booking agents work?? Paul Vesco is building his stable of quality entertainers who are then being employed by TV Entertainment Group.

In regards to someone monopolizing and controling access to the squares, Thats just not the case for I can name a number of other Good entertainers who play the squares that are NOT part of the Paul Vesco group ie Rocky and the Rollers, Norman Lee, Scooter as well as others....so there is no monopoly. We do have to realize (and jerry does admit this point) that without The Village entertainment group their would be no nightly entertainment. If the entertainment was BAD ..no one would come,,,but I dont think that is the problem. Can things improve of course they can......but its not that bad now! Now can we name other local talent who we would like to see but for whatever reason TV Enteratinment Group does not sign them...sure we can but as in any business, the fact that you are good is not the only reason people or groups are hired.....or not.

Now I saw in the paper today that a BIG anouncement was forth comming about the new square....BROWNWOOD. Once Brownwood comes alive, the demand for entertainment will incease by more than 30%. Most likely you will see less of the groups you see now in LSL or Spanish Springs, but I bet more of Paul Vesco newly formed groups.....and hopefully more outside groups!

[jandbrare]

Thanks for that link to Cross Fire. If you get a chance sometime, would you post one to Uncle Bob's Rock Shop? I didn't find them on Utube. Being able to sample them from away helps in deciding on who to see when visiting. Looking at the calendar I only see Uncle Bob at Katie Belles on 7 Jan.
Thanks.

Capt. John,

I record and publish a lot of The Villages entertainers, including Vesco's band. They are good. It's my hobby. Don't know that I will get down to Katie Belle's on Jan 7th, but I'll keep an eye out for Bob.

[CaptJohn]

Thanks, Jerry. That post will blow some minds! I get it. :laugh:

[jandbrare]

jerry

I hear you and I also would enjoy a variety in entertainment but no one said life is fair especially in the entainment business. Do you know if what happens in the Villages Entertainment group, is it any different than how most booking agents work?? Paul Vesco is building his stable of quality entertainers who are then being employed by TV Entertainment Group.

In regards to someone monopolizing and controling access to the squares, Thats just not the case for I can name a number of other Good entertainers who play the squares that are NOT part of the Paul Vesco group ie Rocky and the Rollers, Norman Lee, Scooter as well as others....so there is no monopoly. We do have to realize (and jerry does admit this point) that without The Village entertainment group their would be no nightly entertainment. If the entertainment was BAD ..no one would come,,,but I dont think that is the problem. Can things improve of course they can......but its not that bad now! Now can we name other local talent who we would like to see but for whatever reason TV Enteratinment Group does not sign them...sure we can but as in any business, the fact that you are good is not the only reason people or groups are hired.....or not.

Now I saw in the paper today that a BIG anouncement was forth comming about the new square....BROWNWOOD. Once Brownwood comes alive, the demand for entertainment will incease by more than 30%. Most likely you will see less of the groups you see now in LSL or Spanish Springs, but I bet more of Paul Vesco newly formed groups.....and hopefully more outside groups!

Yep, I agree with you, Caroline. I just don't like the idea of the Entertainment Director's wife responding to her husband's wishes to employ "his" entertainers, however good they are, and they are.

But, I miss Karen and Stan Hall and Margo and the Rodeo, not Vesco clients. No one does "Bad Romance" better than Karen. Not even Cathy Merkel with Vesco, although I like Cathy doing it. I want to see Karen and Margo, more often.

[Pturner]

Must be the Christmas Season, but I'm softening. Paul Vesco is a prominent musician, band leader, and promoter. He has brought excellent talent to The Villages to perform on the squares, free to all who would attend. I listed 10 appearances of his band and his associates for the month of December, and I'm speculating that I missed one: Street Talk who got three gigs. I've not confirmed their association with Vesco, as yet, but three gigs makes it likely, to me.

The Villages developer pays for this entertainment to enhance the appeal of The Villages to existing residents and would-be residents. It's a great benefit: free live entertainment every night. It is just another facet of his genius. And, The Villages is a marketing marvel, a residential paradise, a heaven-before-heaven for those of us old timers who are lucky enough to have found our way here.

But, there's always a "but", and mine is that I resent Paul Vesco coming in, and influencing the bookings through his wife. His wife, Barbara, is head of Entertainment and has been for years. She works for the developer, not for the local governments,CDD's, but "the developer." So, it is up to the developer to make changes to this situation.

If you are not a Paul Vesco associate, your chances of getting a booking are reduced.

So, I should not worry abut this or that entertainer who is not getting bookings, anymore? And, if a friend is trying to get a gig and is a good entertainer, I should not be concerned that he can't? I should just go and enjoy the high-quality Vesco entertainment?

But, I've been here 10 years, and I DO resent the takeover by Paul Vesco.

Oh, yes we do. But, like freedom, you have to watch out for threats to your way of life. The concern raised by the OP may seem trivial to you, but, to me, an attempt to monopolize and control access to the town square entertainment is a concern to me. As others have posted, there are some excellent groups that have appeared here in the past that don't seem to return. Perhaps they are more successful playing elsewhere. If so, fine. But I would not want them to be excluded because they don't happen to be represented by, or refuse to be represented by someone whose relative controls the bookings.

Jerry and Mike,
Good points, well stated. Thankfully, Vesco does provide quality entertainment. It's a shame if other quality talent is being squeezed out by "insider" dealing.

[jandbrare]

Jerry and Mike,
Good points, well stated. Thankfully, Vesco does provide quality entertainment. It's a shame if other quality talent is being squeezed out by "insider" dealing.

Succinctly said. That's the whole issue. I suspect that the Vesco talent has to pay to be promoted. How else? If so, that isn't right. Especially if his wife is the one that books the acts. C'mon, guys. How difficult is this to see the conflict. Is Vesco the Entertainment Director, or is his wife, Barbara? Again, the Owner, The Villages, Inc., probable doesn't care as long as the entertainment is good. But, it's not fair. But, what is? I'll keep hammering until I get some satisfaction.

Hard Head

PS: Thanks for this forum.

[gatherer47]

I agree 100%.The entertainers are good and i enjoy them but something is just not right about this policy.

[spk7951]

Thanks for that link to Cross Fire. If you get a chance sometime, would you post one to Uncle Bob's Rock Shop? I didn't find them on Utube. Being able to sample them from away helps in deciding on who to see when visiting. Looking at the calendar I only see Uncle Bob at Katie Belles on 7 Jan.
Thanks.


The January entertainment schedule arrived with the Daily Sun today. Uncle Bob's Rock Shop has the following schedule:

January 3rd at Lake Sumter Landing
January 6th at Katie Belle's
January 7th at Katie Belle's

[jandbrare]

And, thank you Gracie for "bumping up" this thread, a couple of time. FYI and all, I have written a letter to Mr. Morse, whom I've never met, but respect greatly for his business genius. If only I had been as wise. I would anticipate that he would not take time to respond and probably not even pass it on. It's his business, after all. I understand that. So, I've vented and hopefully made some allies. I'll let you know, of course, if I get a response from Mr. Morse. Life is still VERY good. I am thankful for my good fortune, and I wish you all a Merry Christmas. Jerry Lester
I sent the letter (not email) to Mr. Morse on December 19. Still no reply on this, Jan 2. Didn't really expect one. The owners are paying and they can hire anyone they want to and if the Entertainment Director, Barbara Vesco, chooses to book her husbands associates to the disadvantage of other non-Vesco entertainers, it is not surprising. And if Mr. Morse is satisfied with the quality of entertainment and doesn't care about the ethics involved, it is surely his prerogative. Most visitors to the nightly entertainment are only concerned with the quality of the entertainers and their experience at The Villages, so they are not aware of what is working behind the scene.

I am disappointed, however, that this blatant nepotism is not repudiated and restricted by the owner.

[Mallory]

Margo and Rodeo Drive just played and had a big write-up in the Daily Sun. As for Karen Hall, if I never have to see or hear her perform again it will be too soon. She's terrible IMHO.

[paulandjean]

I have no problem with the entertainment.Everything is fine with me. Do not know the facts and really do not care. Seems like a lot of nothing here. Enjoy, move on.

[golfnut]

:agree: i couldn't agree more paulandjean, i think the vesco bands are among the best we have, if they had 13 bookings in December that's 20%, that leaves 80% for everyone else, and someone thinks this is an issue, ???????? not for me....gn

[Number 6]

Come on. This is a bladent conflict of interest, pure and simple. How can this couple possibly deal at an "arm's length"?