I have been paying attention. Thank you for your thoughtful insights.

Some of you have very smartly zeroed in on my resentment of the way the gig was booked. Everything else has become fruit of the poisoned tree.

I have no illusions about the abilties of my fellow players. They are extraordinarily gifted musicians who have very evolved styles. We are just heading in different directions (different paths, same mountain). As we diverge in musical tastes the compromises we make to play together become more numerous and extreme.

I will show my wife all of your posts. It is (Annamill please note) her decision alone. I could no more prevent her from coming than I could prevent the sun from rising.

Rana: Thanks for your fellow feeling about time. I also am a early-to-bed kind of person. What is the etiquette about bugging out before the headliner appears? I always feel srange striking my equipment during the break after our set. It seems obvious that I am waiting for an opportune moment to escape.

King Brilliant seems to have particular insight into my dilemma. To fill in the context this trio was playing together for about 4 years gigging 3-4 times a year. I left the group after a gig in a new and as yet unknown restaurant. We played for a measly amount ($150 Canadian among three musicans for three sets). My fresh strings cost more than I made after renting the P.A. The 10 people who came, ate and drank were all there specifically at the band's behest. The owner and his wife sat at the back of the restaurant, ignored the music all night and, at the end of the evening, came up and asked us if "we had ever played together before". Insult piled upon injury (the money). We had a second night scheduled there (the two were booked at once) and I couldn't do it. I gave my money for the first gig back to the (now) duo saying I wouldn't touch it considered the circumstances under which it was given. They played the gig as a duo and we never played together again. We all remained friends. (Prayers were answered when the For Lease sign went up on the restaurant.)

I will fill you in after the gig. You deserve it.

Michael

I am going to start a new thread regarding who you play for specifically who the really tough stuff is for.