I knew that would draw fire from some. Let's just say ..... The crowd sees it as a more legit form of accompaniment because they recognise the arrangement more. I'm all for spontinaety, and I was reluctant to switch over to smf ..... but the proof is in the pudding....or rather, on the dance floor. They respond better to a more authentic backing version, and no one cares if you add a verse or stretch out a solo as long as they can dance to it.
I suppose your nursing homes are more concert-like than my dances, but the seniors wouldn't care if you played a zither with bongos between your knees. They just want the company and something to do till Jeapordy comes on. It's hardly a concert venue, really. It's more like musical babysitting.

Don't get me wrong - it's good work, and very well appreciated. It's just not at the same point on the food chain compared to a more demanding audience.

I don't expect to come to any conclusions on this topic. We'll all do it our way. I don't mean to second guess anyone's methods. Let's just all keep puttin' out the best product we can and keep the folks happy.

I'm not going to whine like those psuedo-patriot Americans that are threatening to run out of the country because of election results. Anyone that want's to leave ..... good riddance! This place (USA)is a slice of heaven, and anyone that can't see that doesn't deserve to live here.

(That just snuck in there ... sorry!) Whew!

It's obvious by your statements here that you think YOUR audiences are more demanding (and discriminating) than mine.

Well UD, you're totally WRONG! When I was referring to my concert venue performances, I "wasn't" specifically refering to my nursing home gigs. That is only one aspect of my gig work, of which I incidently, do appreciate & enjoy in their way, just as much as I do my other gigs.

Mr Boyd: You obviously 'don't know' the clientle I perform for. In addition to the nursing home gigs, my venues also include concert performances for exclusive senior 'independent' living communities (not nursing homes) as well as Private Country Clubs whose residents are in the 35+ age group which incidently INCLUDES a lot of folks in YOUR age group (50) as well. Both the 'Independent Living' & 'Country Club' residential Communities I work for have particularly discrimating listeners (many retired or p/t pro musicians themselves) who appreciate the classic standards (from Gerhwin to contemporary standards) performed live by leading pro musicians in the San Francisco Bay Area, and they aren't not just some guy found down the street, who 'as you state' play a zither with a bongo between their legs.

Geez, I thought we were supposed to LEAVE politics out of our discussions on this forum.

Sorry, but I don't believe that statement for a second.

UD, I found your above vicious statement both ARROGANT & OFFENSIVE. Our Country (USA) was founded on freedom of speech, and whether I agree (or not) with what they say, all Americans have the right to express their view & feelings (including frustrations) without fear of the kind of ridicule you espoused. Uncle Dave, I don't know what's suddenly tripped your ego (again?!) tonight, but I find it most inappropriate. Shame on you.

Before this thread turns any uglier, I'm going to sign off for now. Goodnight.

Scott