"The best way to lose your a$$ is to play for free for others who can otherwise buy Fort Knox." (SemiLiveMusic)

Sorry, I truly could not resist. Congrats on your new baby, Taike, and I actually understand and respect the Gandhi quote.



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Bill
SmallGig.com
:::
As a songwriter, I need feedback on songs posted! Thanks!

Some of the best advice Gary ever gave me. I had this preconceived notion a short time ago that the assisted living residents wanted mellow music. WRONG!! At last Saturday's assisted living gig I had a 92 year old up dancing with his walker while I played the upbeat tunes.

Last month at a corporate Christmas party there was a couple in their late 60s who sat in front of me. They acknowledged every tune I played with applause. At my break I asked if there was anything I could play for them. They both responded anything Jimmy Buffet, then said how 'bout Margaritaville ? I would have never guessed that



[This message has been edited by Stephenm52 (edited 01-24-2007).]

HEY YOUNGSTER I'll be 66 in April ( OHMYGAWD, DID I SAY THAT?!?!?) and I really enjoy playing Buffet's stuff ...
Damn snotty kids........
t.

Gary nailed it, upbeat, fun, happy music all the way. And these people love to boogie. The funiest thing I've seen was a few years ago. I was playing Old Time Rock n Roll and a guy got up and started dancing. He was wearing sunglasses and a shirt that said, "I've fallen and I can't reach my beer." That said it all. These are some of the most fun gigs I have ever played.

Joe

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Songman55
Joe Ayala

Good comments gang...

I'd like to throw out that I usually do 2-3 ballads in an hour show at Nursing Homes and other places like that. I can't ever recall ballads hurting a show or anything like that.

It comes down to pacing. I'll usually start a set with a medium tempo song or two then follow it up with a faster one. Then I'll do a slow tune...and start the cycle again. Nothing written in stone here...alot of it is by feel.

This type audience does enjoy the older ballads and waltzes. It's on us as performers to read the room and control our crowds. Also, I think many of us do ourselves a dis-service by eliminating an entire style of songs. (Gary-having heard your work-I'm sure your crowds would like your slower stuff too.)

Also, in my opinion, we've been hired in the first place to stimulate these people for :45 to an hour. The faster, upbeat tunes touch them in one way...more physically, if you will. Its perfectly fine to stimulate these people emotionally as well...usually with ballads. You certainly don't want your audience weeping through your whole show, but if you can keep them engaged for the time you're with them, you're doing great.

A proper balance is required...that's all. If we keep their toes tapping, get a few of them up and dancing, have a few of them think about a loved one they've lost or something from their past that evokes a tear...we're put on a quality show and made their day better.

What other single person that they see during their entire day can have such an effect on them? Probably no one but musicians...

I have the BEST job in the world, lol...

Bill in Dayton

[This message has been edited by Bill in Dayton (edited 01-24-2007).]

Tony I turned 55 on Monday........you know what that means? I qualify for living in a senior/retirement community So much for being a youngster.

Happy Birthday ... you're still a kid !
t.