A couple months ago I got a call from a retirement community big band saying they needed a practice drummer. Their regular drummer lives about 90 miles north, and only makes it down for their shows. They talked me into playing for free, with the caveat that I wouldn't do it if I got a paying gig that night.
So twice a month go play with the old folks for kicks (and kickers) and they've given me a big-time education in how to move a big band. I ain't that good, I don't know the songs, but they give me plenty of room to mess up -- as long as I keep them swinging.
Turns out the leader of the band is father-in-law to a local producer, and I've been referred to him for some sessions coming up in April. Said I was 'solid' (which is simply not true according to his experience) and especially easy to work with (read: I work cheap).
There's no gig too small. There's never a good time to mail it in or stop acting professional. More importantly, old people are really cool.
