[Paddygirl]

Why is it so difficult for "varied, successful musicians" to get gigs in The Villages? I have played music most of my life with well known bands and I cannot get the powers that be to return my calls or e-mails. Hell, I can't even find out who to contact.
Very frustrating.

[John_W]

Originally Posted by Paddygirl

Why is it so difficult for "varied, successful musicians" to get gigs in The Villages? I have played music most of my life with well known bands and I cannot get the powers that be to return my calls or e-mails. Hell, I can't even find out who to contact.
Very frustrating.

As a solo artist, have you tried City Fire, the country clubs and some of the other local establishments?

Here's a lady that has been here a dozen years and played all the squares as a solo artist. The last couple of years I've only seen her at the country clubs and restaurants. Maybe she can lend advice.

The Villages, Entertainer Entertainment - Petrina

[pqrstar]

Originally Posted by Paddygirl

Why is it so difficult for "varied, successful musicians" to get gigs in The Villages? I have played music most of my life with well known bands and I cannot get the powers that be to return my calls or e-mails. Hell, I can't even find out who to contact.
Very frustrating.

The application is online
Performer Application - The Villages Entertainment : The Villages Entertainment

This is the contact number for the Villages Entertainment Office
Administrative Office
1070 Canal Street, The Villages, FL 32162
By Appointment Only
(352) 750-5411

[sail33or]

Just an added Note: Probably 25% of folks retiring to The Villages want to be Entertainers. Every single street, neighborhood and Village has their share of DJ's, Driveway Performers, Magicians, Karaoke Singers, Etc.

I provided music once to one of my social clubs and 20 people said they could do that and some even gave themselves "stage" names.

So I now just stick to home parties and home Karaoke where Everyone is the Star of The Show.

(PS) if you can do something that involves "LINE DANCING" you jump to the HEAD of the List.

[bandsdavis]

When we moved here a little over 8 years ago, it was not at all unusual to see single singers with recording track accompaniment at the Squares quite a few times every week. I don't think that happens at all anymore, or if it does, it's rare. With the exception of Scooter the DJ, all of the acts are live music bands, and for my 2 cents, that's a good thing. Still plenty of opportunity to play at the country clubs and restaurants and parties for social clubs. Remember please that many of the people playing in those venues have been here for years and have established audiences, so it can be hard to break in. But if you are willing to be on the less expensive side as you start out, and build up your own audience, you can succeed. I have some experience with this having been one of the original members of 3 for the Road, although I no longer perform with them. We also had a very hard working booking manager who really helped us get going, and her efforts opened a lot of doors. Good luck!

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Originally Posted by bandsdavis

When we moved here a little over 8 years ago, it was not at all unusual to see single singers with recording track accompaniment at the Squares quite a few times every week. I don't think that happens at all anymore, or if it does, it's rare. With the exception of Scooter the DJ, all of the acts are live music bands, and for my 2 cents, that's a good thing. Still plenty of opportunity to play at the country clubs and restaurants and parties for social clubs. Remember please that many of the people playing in those venues have been here for years and have established audiences, so it can be hard to break in. But if you are willing to be on the less expensive side as you start out, and build up your own audience, you can succeed. I have some experience with this having been one of the original members of 3 for the Road, although I no longer perform with them. We also had a very hard working booking manager who really helped us get going, and her efforts opened a lot of doors. Good luck!

It seems that most of the people singing to tracks have moved to the restaurants and country clubs Bill. However I did see Carol Ann at one of the squares a few weeks ago.

[pqrstar]

The Savannah Center presents "The Show Case of Music" every year.

This is an all day affair with performances in every room of the center.
Musicians change every hour and the audience is free to roam from room to room.

I don't think you get paid for the performance here as the audience attends for free.

However your performance may lead to bookings, especially from clubs for their entertainment.

Bring business cards or flyers for your contact information.

Contact the Savannah Center for more information.

Here is a link to portions of the show
Variety of acts converge on Savannah Center for ‘Music Lover’s Showcase’ - YouTube

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Originally Posted by pqrstar

The application is online
Performer Application - The Villages Entertainment : The Villages Entertainment

This is the contact number for the Villages Entertainment Office
Administrative Office
1070 Canal Street, The Villages, FL 32162
By Appointment Only
(352) 750-5411

And they require a DVD so you have to go out and spend a bunch of money to have a professional video done in order to work here.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Originally Posted by pqrstar

The Savannah Center presents "The Show Case of Music" every year.

This is an all day affair with performances in every room of the center.
Musicians change every hour and the audience is free to roam from room to room.

I don't think you get paid for the performance here as the audience attends for free.

However your performance may lead to bookings, especially from clubs for their entertainment.

Bring business cards or flyers for your contact information.

Contact the Savannah Center for more information.

Here is a link to portions of the show
Variety of acts converge on Savannah Center for ‘Music Lover’s Showcase’ - YouTube

I've done that we four different bands and never got a gig out of it. Most of the musicians that I know will tell you the same thing.

[44Apple]

Off topic, but there seems to be a large turnover in groups at the squares. Certain groups appear three-four times a month, others seem to do a few shows then are never heard from again. Others might be here for a season then disappear. Any ideas why?

[Hape2Bhr]

Originally Posted by Dr Winston O Boogie jr

I've done that we four different bands and never got a gig out of it. Most of the musicians that I know will tell you the same thing.

Were you in any bands around the Brockton area?