I've seen many wannabes come and go because they just sit there, look at the music & play, never sing or look up at the audience or make eye contact, never talk to them in between songs or during the show just sit there for an hour and expect to get paid because they think being they're are in a NH no one cares. Well they couldn't be more wrong. Although NH gigs are about 50% of my yearly gig schedule when I perform at these facilities it's done with the same intensity as when I'm on stage in from of 400 people at a dance gig.....they deserve all you have & more. And when your done go give out a few hugs too.....it'll make ya feel good especially now with the holidays approaching!



[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 11-24-2008).]

Another thing you can do is to call a few AD's ask them when their top performers will be entertaining at the facility & make it a point to go see them.....sit there and absorb intently, I'm sure you will get some tips & tricks for watching the Pros do their thing...hopefully you can take a little bit & introduce it into your act. We all learn from each other at any level. Never think you know it all because you don't, there is ALWAYS room for improvement.
Only YOU can make it happen on stage. And the same goes for acts in your area in any venues......Follow the big boyz....you'll be surprised at what you'll learn. I'm sure when we go to the Shreveport Louisiana Jam in January 18,19,20,21....besides the great camaraderie & musicianship we will all learn for sure from watching each other play, sing, and jam for sure in may ways.....I can't wait & I hope many here will consider coming also either 1 day or for all 4.!.

[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 11-24-2008).]

Scott,

Do your usual routine--that's why they keep bringing you back. Good advice above as well. Avoid ballads, slow songs that make reference to death, dying, home, etc.., all of which are depressing to those who have been warehoused to await the Grim Reaper.

One of the things I pride myself in is I know the names of many of the individuals I perform for in the nursing homes, assisted living centers and retirement communities. I shake their hands, give them hugs and have a wonderful relationship with my audiences.

The sincerest form of flattery is when the AD comes up and asks if another performer can sit in the audience and watch the performance. This has happened to me on numerous occasions during the past few years. Those same ADs also book me a year in advance and have given me pay increases regularly.

Good Luck,

Gary