Florida Music Scene

[sanwin17]

Hey
I know you're in the sunshine state. Looks like I'm going to be moving to FL shortly. I have no idea what part or where I should be looking. Just want to know where the best live music scenes are. I'm a well seasoned pro in classic rock blues and jazz. I'm not looking to make a living playing bass just looking for opportunities to join a good band and play a few gigs.
Any advice would be appreciated.

[johny martin]

I moved up from the atmpa bay area a few years ago , good music there just everthing else sux

[Low Class]

Don't look for anything good in Jacksonville.

[DeltaPhoenix]

Gainesville is alright.

[JxBass]

The Villages is great for "oldies"

[VJBASST]

Florida has two major markets,,tourists and seniors, If you want to cater to seniors there is alot of work in the central and northern parts of the state. South florida is still a hot bed for retirees in places like west plam beach. Tourisim is more wide spread and in my opinion a better market. Orlando has most of the convention work,, It pays well but hard to break into. The pay scale here is usually $100-$125 per man for a 4hr show in the clubs and $200-$400 for convention work depending on the act. If your looking at the seniors gigs they usually pay between $150 and $200 for a 2 to 3 hour show. If you don't want to be so serious there are lots of local bars and pubs that hire bands for between $150 and $300 for a night. Those gigs usually pay between $50 and $100 per night. As a freelancer(musical prostitute) I end up playing all these types of venues. I have made my living playing music here but it was comercial rock covers for tourists. People are really picky about your "look" or your "image" so it helps to have those before you get here. It also helps to have top notch equipment as you will be judged by that before they even hear you. The south florida scene seems to be more latin influenced as well so bars have more dj's and karoke and solo acts. Florida as a whole has more solo acts per capita than any other state! Thanks jimmy buffett!!

[JBFLA]

Originally Posted by VJBASST

Florida has two major markets,,tourists and seniors, If you want to cater to seniors there is alot of work in the central and northern parts of the state. South florida is still a hot bed for retirees in places like west plam beach...

I'd agree with all of this and add that in Palm Beach and Broward counties you can include snowbirds as a third market combination. This is still "the season" for Society gigs, Arts Festival concerts and Country Club parties now and work is good. Once June/July rolls around and the 'birds go back up north, things slow waaaaay down.

And, sanwin17: if indeed you are an excellent driver, you will find yourself in the minority!

[Dr Stankface]

Originally Posted by Low Class

Don't look for anything good in Jacksonville.

Jacksonville is a gold mine compared to where I'm from. There's plenty of good bands around here and a lot of groovy places to play.