[jandbrare]

These are the December gigs for Paul Vesco and associates:

1. 12/06/2011- Clark Barrios & Impulse, Market Square
2. 12/12/2011- Paul Vesco Band, Town Square
3. 12/18/2011- Clark Barrios & Pulse, Town Square
4. 12/18/2011- Cathy Merkel Duo, Market Square
5. 12/20/2011- Paul Vesco Band, Market Square
6. 12/20/2011- Cathy Merkel Trio, Town Square
7. 12/22/2011- Never Never Band, Market Square
8. 12/26/2011- Clark Barrios Duo, Market Square
9. 12/29/2011- Earth Beat, Market Square
10. 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. I don't think his influence is conducive to a "free market."

Never Never Band


Earth Beat Band



L-R: Clark Barrios, unknown, Cathy Merkel, Paul Vesco

Be on the lookout for other Vesco bands:

[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]

Originally Posted by salpal

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]

Originally Posted by DaleMN

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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.