I missed this when first posted.
I am a pianist (casual, hobby) and trombonist (freelance/second income) and mostly play with pit orchestras in theatres for musicals.
I play for around 6/7 shows a year and generally many of the musicians are the same for several of the shows, so it's a real second family and it's been tough not seeing them this year or getting to work with all the singers/actors/stage workers etc
Inspiration wise, I am bit unusual in that I never really got inspired by musicians - I couldn't even name many professional trombonists - I just played because I could and was reasonably good at it. I suppose, if I was a composer or lyricist, I'd have (and probably need) more influences.
In a way, the venues I play at and the people I'm with inspire me to play well for them.
I get inspired by the team effort - what I love about playing for live theatre is that it's different every night and you have to respond to the cast and they have to respond to you. It's almost two live performances going on at once and they are in dialogue, complimenting each other. I enjoy that more than a formulaic performance of an orchestral score.
My favourite shows to play for are Oliver, Sister Act, Legally Blonde and Oklahoma.
Gear / Equipment - I'm unusual again... I just don't find it that interesting.. my fellow brass players will talk about their mouthpiece size, manufacturer, dimensions/materials and what model trumpet/trombone they use, which size mute they use... I'm afraid I just settle for what I have and play it.
Perhaps that means I don't aspire to be better...or limit my potential... I don't know, but it means I save money for sure and as long as I get booked and do a good job, I'm happy.
Musically otherwise, the musical hero I wish I'd discovered much sooner - David Bowie. I think Joan Armatrading is pretty special too. I'd love to have either of them sat in the Green Room with me.