OK, questions will be answered in order. Susan, booking agents are not, generally exclusive representatives of a particular artist, at least they aren't at my level. The agents who handle senior facilities, for example, advertise their service to the facilities and use the performers as their "product". They may charge a straight fee or, as is more common, a percentage of the performer's fee. They provide jobs for the performers and some protection against non-payments and late payments. They provide, for the facility, pre-tested performers, replacements if needed and relief from the tedium of looking and booking acts. Agents, if they are wise, concentrate on a few markets, building a reputation for reliability and taste. Clients are creatures of habit. If they are satisfied with an agents acts, they will continue to use that agent. Word of mouth, in the industry, can make or break an agent (it can do the same for a performer). Genie, a power solo is just what you described, a keyboard player who has enhanced his sound with various electronic goodies which I neither understand or appreciate. These folks play clubs, restaurants, parties and the like. They also do nursing homes because nursing home gigs are usually scheduled mornings or afternoons, times when their other jobs are not. But dont think that they have an advantage over you because they have all that expensive eqiptment. I work with a guitar and a banjo and I do lots of these jobs. If you have a good act, and you dress properly, and you're dependable, the facilities will want you back. Plus, when they ask for you specificly, you can get more money. It's all supply and demand. When I'm wider awake, I'll cover how to find agents. It aint real dificult. Booking agents, especially in the seniors field, are always looking for new acts to sell.

Mike