...I did a piano bar thing.
My former jazz coach had a regular Saturday night/Sunday afternoon gig at this Italian joint.
In the summers, he'd head to Vegas to play in house bands while regular piano players were on vacation. A week in each casino for 10 weeks.
The prior 2 years the replacement guy did not get along with the owner, so he was a "no way".
My former coach recommended me, as I was now 17 going on 18. The owner liked me, so I got it.
Had 4 or 5 fake books and played there for 10 weeks for each year.
It was a true piano bar. People sitting right there at the piano drinking while waiting on their table or having an after dinner cocktail. I was only getting paid sub-minimum wage, but probably made $45 or $50 in tips each day. So, about $13/hour, which wasn't bad in the mid 70s.
I tamed my jazz instincts a bit, but I still wouldn't say I played the songs straight. 
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