I don't think any of us hate our jobs by the sound of it. I certainly don't. Polite audience members certainly outnumber the other ones. I know I love to play for people.

Many people aren't pro musicians, so they often don't understand the root of what the musician is trying to communicate through sharing his or her talents.

Like the young Tom Waits who knew the old hat classics and played them as a lounge singer, sneaking in his original stuff when the situation permitted, I think that a sort of dispassionate and lighthearted relationship with the annoyances of public performing is far more productive in the long run.

But one can enjoy a crusty bit of halfhearted complaining without missing out on the fun. I might get nauseous on a roller coaster but it doesn't mean I don't love the loop-de-loops.

alliekatt