Well I made it thru my first NH gig with flying colors, but not with the music I expected. I got there early and began setting up. Just as I was finishing, a young volunteer came up to me and told me that I was going to play “upstairs” instead of in the main room. Seems they were doing Bingo downstairs. So I repacked the equipment and took the elevator up and re-set my stuff. As time approached, the dining area got pretty crowded, about 60 people.

I started with Spanish Eyes, but made a critical mistake. I decided to add vocals, which I’ve never done. I limped thru it and started looking at my list for another song I could use my styles with. I froze. So I quickly went to the SMF list and found Put Your Head on My Shoulder. Played and sang it strongly, so now I was more comfortable. I had about 50% of my songlist as SMF and the other half as styles. As I ran down the list my mind went style-blank.

Luckily, I have a ton of SMF at my disposal, so I started looking for my SMF songs. I played: Can’t Help Falling In Love, Runaround Sue, Here We Go Again, 3x a Lady, Blue Eyes Cryin’ in the Rain (an almost disaster), My Girl, Under the Boardwalk, Sweet Caroline, You Were Always on My Mind, Margaritaville, My Girl, Before You Accuse Me, Amazing Grace, Awesome God and Happy Trails. I’m sure there were more, but offhand I don’t remember them – and I didn’t play them in the order I listed them.

I think I mixed tempos very well and the crowd seemed to recognize and certainly enjoyed the music, especially the up tempo stuff. I only played two instrumentals and two songs with styles. I kind of choked. I had the songs prepared, but I didn’t do a good enough job expressing style names and tempos. Because I was trying to keep the music flowing, I felt uncomfortable trying to find styles and thinking of songs. That will improve next time.

What I didn’t play from my worksheet were: 5ft Two, Alley Cat, Sentimental Journey, My Way, Satin Doll, Great Balls of Fire, The Nearness of You, My Happiness, Brown Eyed Girl, It’s 5 o’clock Somewhere, YMCA and God Bless America.

Half way thru the hour a couple residents shouted to me – when are you coming back? That was a good sign. I got lots of applause and many people were singing along. Once I decided to stick with the SMF, the job got much simpler. I tried to talk with the crowd, but I think I was a little stiff – first time jitters. I was actually nervous, but this was fun. The PT on duty said she would give the AD a shining report and even speak to the AD at the facility next door about me. So, hopefully I’ll be back. My son came out and took some pics and video. Once I have the chance to look at it and scream, I’ll try to add some of it to my demo disks. This next week will be busy, but once I return I will peddle myself to more local facilities.

I used my G70 with two CM-30 monitor cubes. I was pleased with the overall sound; the room was crowded but the sound filled the room comfortably. Bass response was pretty decent, in fact I had to up the treble a little more than I expected to get the right balance. I didn’t use any of my harmonizer. I tried it early on, but didn’t get a good response from it IMO, so I left it off.

I really enjoyed myself. I couldn't believe how nervous I got playing this one-hour gig. The apprehension of what to play and if the audience would appreciate & respond really did a job on me. I'm open to more song suggestions; I know I need to become more familiar and knowledgeable of my keyboard. I'm also aware of the weight and size issue with the G70. I may start looking for a S900 or a PA500 if things continue positively. Thanks for reading.

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Cass P Online
Lovin' my G70 and XK-1

I have nothing but admiration for those with the skills to do a NH gig.

I don't have them, I'm more of an instrumental, background type player, not a front man...that's why I like doing restaurant gigs...nice and laid back.




Great to see you giving these people some happiness and connecting them with old memories...it must give you a lot of personal satisfaction.

Thanks for sharing that experience, Cassp.

Ian

If Cass stays with the NH's for a few months, he'll make leaps and bounds in finding his comfort zone.

A big thing he has going for him is a great personality and a tenderness that will resonate quite well with this audience.

This may become a new fresh way for him to enjoy his music. He's got all the tools, he just has to put forth the effort and it will come together for him.

I'm also in his ear on a regular basis pushing him towards these type accounts, and I can be pretty persuasive, lol...



Go Pens!!!!

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Bill in Dayton

Cass
Thanks for the honest gut appraisal of your NH gig. I do NH a lot and use the CM30's with a KN7000. I use my G70 on longer gigs with the Bose. I found early on to have my songs with reg's already set up, likewise for SMF's.

NH's are such a joy to do when you become accustomed to it. Yes, they like the lively tunes, and don't think you have to stay in the 30's and 40's. I charge $100 an hour for those with a budget, but do several gratus jobs for the poorer ones.

Way to go Cass, you are on your way.
Bernie

Well, Cassp, I'm sure you know my feelings about the S900...it sure works for me...I prefer it over a T3.

I haven't tried a Korg arranger, because the dealers in my area don't carry them, but I'm sure Zuki will give you the details on how good his PA-800 works for him, so I imagine the PA-500 can't be far behind in features.

Just think...an S900 (or PA-500) and the two CM-30 Monitors...pretty easy to move and set up...would make these type of gigs a whole lot easier on the back.

What about a Roland E-50? Maybe you could use the styles from the G70?

Ian

Ian, you've read my mind. I'm presently scouring the net for info about all three keyboards - S900, PA500 and E50. I have owned relatives of all of these and feel I could easily step in WHEN the finance gods align with the stars. Right now I'd have to steal one from somewhere, but maybe later this summer... If anyone really needs to unload one of the above, don't hesitate to contact me.

Cass, When I had the G70 I enjoyed it, problem was most of what I play are 1 hr. NH gigs. G70 despite it's quality was a bit much in the weight department. Good luck with your search and congratulations of having a successful gig.

Cassp congratulations on your new NH venture.It sounds like your enjoying performing for the audience. I can understand why you want to use a much lighter keyboard then the G70. I saw one in a music store on a third tier display. When I asked if I could play it they needed two sales men to lower it on to KB stand.
Right there I knew I would never be able to carry it anywhere, it's just way to big, bulky & heavy for me. It struct me as more of a good studio piece. The S900 is just right for my needs. Isn't the G70 a bit old in technology now compared to the new Yamaha & Korg, arranger units regarding SA, Mega, RX features & lightweight?

Good Luck to you Cass

[This message has been edited by John DiLeo (edited 06-15-2009).]

I also love to do nursing homes. I don't do many now since I'm working just about every night, but I feel they are by far the easiest jobs in the world. 50s and 60s music are what a great majority of the residents remember and love.
I've been using the Roland E50 far longer than I intended, in fact close to a year now. It's a really good keyboard and very light in weight. I think that even after if and when I get an Audya, I will keep the E50.
DonM

Cass call some NH Ad's ....ask them when their TOP entertainers will be performing.....then go and see them do their thing at the facilities, maybe even take a few videos to watch l8tr on,....absorb & learn....before you know it you will grab different things/tips to use in your own shows for sure.....have fun.

[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 06-15-2009).]