A pretty good summer for Bubble Man

[John Allo]

Labor Day marks the end of summer and looking back on 2005, my children's entertainment program had a pretty good season.

I booked 40 gigs at $125, which resulted in 7 private parties at $250 each, for a gross of $6750, not too shabby for a gig that, outside of gas for the minivan, had itemized expenses of about $400 for a bubble machine, the bubbles, a few bubble toys, a postcard mailing and some laminating of cartoon characters for the front of my table.

I have a postcard mailing going out this week as schools start all over my area, with the urging to have the Bubble Man welcome the kids back to school with a performance. Hopefully, this will bring in a few extra bookings between now and November when I'll be wrapping up for the year.

On another board, Matt Cohen says that I have "resorted to doing Day Care Centers and Nursing Homes as weekday gigs to make ends meet!"

First up, I haven't as yet started up the Nursing Home market, but hope to look at it again next year and second, I don't do these Day Care Center gigs to make ends meet, but to supplement my regular weekend income. The Bubble Man gigs are weekday morning, with a couple taking place in the afternoon/early evening. The private parties were all weekday afternoon.

To all those who contacted me about starting something similar in their markets, I hope you found the chat helpful and you were able to see some income out of it.

And with this post, I bid a fond farewell to DJ Source Online.

In the last couple of years, I've become burdened with a serious heart condition, (the same that afflicted and claimed my mother and her mother), one that combines the worst elements of cardiomyopathy, congestive heart failure and cardiac arrhythmia and requires me to have heart surgery in November. I will be retiring from the wedding and party business after my last wedding this season, which is scheduled for the first weekend of November, to devote myself to the necessary surgery, recovery, rehab and lifestyle change recommended by my cardiologist.

I'm not walking away totally, because in the spring, I plan to take another look at the Nursing Home market and to once again return as the Bubble Man, and to be able to book the weekend birthday parties I was forced to turn down this year. The midweek Day Care gigs are fun and easy, and the weekend private parties will be over by mid-afternoon, allowing me to make at least something on the weekends, without the late night hours, physical demands, and overall wear and tear our industry places on our bodies (well, at least what it placed on mine.)

In the 15 years I've been doing this full-time, I've played at over 900 weddings and over 1100 other non-wedding events and have, for the most part, greatly enjoyed them all. I actually started in the early 80's doing high school dances with my college partner, gave it up after graduation and returned to it part-time in 1987, leaving my last full-time corporate job in 1990 to see if I could make my DJ business work. Over 2000 gigs later, I'd say that the chance I took proved to be a good one.

There are many people on this board who offered musical, computer and equipment and life advice over the years and rather than list them all and forget someone, permit me to say that to anyone who's ever lifted a finger in my direction, your assistance has been greatly appreciated.

To those I've pissed off over the years, be it over a political or musical or whatever subject, well, to paraphrase Dick Nixon, you won't have Allo to kick around anymore.

This business has been such a blessing and joy that it pains me to have to arrive at this decision, but if I continue at this pace with one set of hours and lifestyle during the week and another completely different set on the weekend, there won't be much of a future for me. It's consistency I need and it's consistency I've decided to seek. If I didn't become afflicted with this wonderfull illness, I'd still be gigging and posting. And rather than wait until November to stop, this is as good a time as any to bid farewell to DJ Source Online and to the friends and foes alike who've allowed me to be a part of this community.

God Bless.

[karaokeshalexis]

Sorry to hear about your condition, I hope everything turns out ok. Take care of yourself, and get yourself healthy k :tup

[Glen Millar]

I'm speechless.

Sorry to read about your health John. I hope your surgery is a success and by this time next year you will be back.

All my best wishes John.

[djron1]

John,

Your Bubble Man gig has inspired me to purchase my first bubble machine this past summer with the hopes of next spring doing more gigs such as you. I did a few this year just to test the waters. I thank you for the inspiration.

Also to one who has a heart conditions himself I understand. Having open heart surgery as a child, and a pacemaker 3 years ago, I've been lucky in my life. I was able to have a 16 year career as a full time firefighter and a continued career as an EMT. I have also been DJing since 1978 with slow growth that has now put me into full time status and a new career change. With a beautiful wife of 22 years and 4 wonder daughters I am truly blessed. I have met many interesting people on this board and at the last three Ideas Sharing.

I share this with you because with so many life changes recently it has been because of people like you John who were willing to share with a stranger, trade secrets and a kind word.

Although we have never met it has been my pleasure reading your posts and conversing with you. I wish you and your family well and hope for the best for you in the future.

Until I read your posts again, and I'm sure I will, be good brother.

All My Best
Ron Auger

[Wolfie]

Cheers, John.

Over the years I've know you on these forums, you've provided me with assistance every time I needed it. For that, I thank you a million times over. I honestly hope you are not leaving the forums for good. You have an immense amount of experience and music knowlege to share. To not share it would be a waste.

As I understand, you may not be able to do the lifting after your surgery. In a way, that could be a good thing for you. Get a nice, lightweight system and a helper and enjoy the life you love without the ball-busting work.

We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers, my friend. If you need anything, you know how to get in touch with us. [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif[/img]

[pjlowe]

John,
please accept my prayers and thoughts to you for a speedy recovery.
Your input to this business has helped me grow mine. I wish you nothing but a bright and healthy future. god bless :heart

[Bill Hollick]

John,

You have my best wishes for a successful surgery and a rapid recovery.

... and you know I'm just up the road if you need a hand.

[musical1]

Hi!
I wish you well in your recovery. I hope that is not in my future, although, my dad was a heart patient as well. So was his father and his brother. I'm a girl, so I kinda hope it will skip me! I really do hope all goes well and that you'll return to being the Bubble Man. What does your show consist of? I am a music teacher so I get to be with little people all day, but what do you do specifically for the schools?
Take care,
Jeanie