Rene, I spot meter and bracket ... in fact, when I get a nostril above the waterline I will be setting the bracketing to five exposures rather than three used by default and will likely use 2/3 and 4/3 over and under exposures. I also chimp constantly and use the exposure compensation even with the bracketing based on the histogram and burnout warning areas.
Thanks, Bottom, and yes, most of the performers I get to shoot are "old" and most have mellowed at least a little. 
Mike, I have a long list yet to shoot! I'm doing Seal on Friday night. But the rest of the month only includes a poker tournament and a boxing match. Next month I only know about Merle Haggard and Marco Antonio Sais at this point.
Also, unfortunately cameras are a HUGE issue at the casino and there is no way. I get accosted almost every time I shoot there by guards who don't know me or people trying to "warn" me about how tense the casino is about cameras. HOWEVER, I also shoot at the Maverick Saloon(s) [Under the Maverick Saloon Project on my website] and I'd love to take you there ... although the lighting is that marginal intimate club style! Great news about that 24mm ... was it a one item deal or from a store with a bunch? Getting the price under $1000 would be a real winner. I just realized that I bought the 85mm f1.8 but there is an f1.2 version that I wish I had gotten instead ... I may try to exchange it as it is from B&H ... I'll have to see if there are any opinions about the f1.2 version.