I ran across these tips on another forum and thought that they might be of interest to my fellow SZ members that are as Donny often says “out in the trenches” playing gigs. Although these tips are directed toward original rock band’s playing in clubs, I think his advice can carry over to us OMB guys too.

I hope we can use this as a springboard to discuss how we select our first song of the gig, pacing our show, and interacting with our audience. I look forward to hearing from y’all. Thanks!

http://blog.discmakers.com/2012/12/seven...campaign=EA1302

I look at the audience and thru years of on stage experience know what style song to open up with, .....I also use it as a test song for eQ levels, vocals, etc, to get a feel for the room acoustics. There are no rules just experienced choices.

We have a fairly 'pat' intro routine. It's not set in stone, but it follows along certain lines. Usually, it's Buddy Holly's 'It Doesn't Matter any More'. I kick it off on a four-chord trick pattern singing a doo-wop harmony over top (we're playing for seniors, remember), the missus does some intro patter over the top introducing us, then a quick change-up and we're into the song proper.

It's a nice structured intro and sets up the audience nicely.

That first song will vary significantly with the audience composition. Learn to read the audience and you'll immediately know which song to do first, second, third, etc..., and of course the last is among the most important, providing a lasting impression.

Good Luck,

Gary

My audience doesn't change much, usually one of a half dozen NH locales, but the first song varies. It is usually one of the older songs in my bag, as I try to work myself thru the 40s to the 70s. As Gary says, the last song is most important. Mine is "Happy Trails." People are usually standing from singing "God Bless America" and they remain and sing along with me now because they know it's time to go. I get so many compliments on that song that I can't not play it.

Most of my nursing home shows (which isn't many right now) I start with Blue Suede Shoes--you know "One for the money, two for the show. . .) They ALWAYS sing along right from the first line.
My theme for nursing homes and retirement centers is "Old Time Rock 'n Roll and Classic Country".
For a few years I did a song I wrote for the opening song. It went something like this:
"Hello friends, how you feeling tonight?
I'm feeling good, hope you're doin' all right.
You can dance, or just listen for a while,
And I hope that what you hear will make you smile."
There was another verse, and it was just as corny, but it worked!
Dinner jobs I start with a medium speed song that might appeal to a broad spectrum of people. I often use A Fool Such As I to a swing style. Then I follow with a Latin style like Spanish Eyes, then a belly-rubber, such as Wonderful Tonight. After that it's mostly requests, but I try to alternate slow/fast songs.
For years, when I played in "smoky old bars" my opening song was "Swingin' Doors".
DonM

Absolutely, Gary. We end the show with the McGuire Sisters' 'Goodnight Sweetheart'. A couple of verses, then I drop the volume back as the missus says the goodbyes, thank-you's, see you next time, and such, then we're back in with the final verse and a proper ending.

Don, I didn't think anyone but I open senior gigs with "Blue Suede Shoes".....I get the same reaction...foot tapping and singing along with "Blue, blue, blue suede shoes"...No need for the harmonizer..

I end with "Goodnight Sweetheart Goodnight"...without Bowzer

Now you know why we get the big bucks!

Gary

No big bucks in nursing homes, but a lot of big smiles!
DonM

The help can always tell what's up with me. They know if the first song is the theme from Mash (Suicide is Painless) it's gonna be a looooooong night)!

Russ (Take me now, lord) Lay

Russ,

I don't think you could beat "If Tomorrow Never Comes"
for a starter and it would be all downhill from there

Maybe no big bucks, but consistent bucks and more appreciation than you would get just about anywhere else.

Joe

Thanks for sharing guys. It's interesting to not that some you pro have a standard first and final song while other "read the crowd". Whatever works!

For my first song I try to play something that I know very will, that I dont have really even think about. No chart or lyrics. I want to be free to main eye contact with the audience, observe if the feel comfortable with the volume, how they are reacting, make any adjustments with the sound/eq... I also like to play something that I can have some fun improvising a solo on. That kind of get my fingers loose.

For NH I try to start off something fun and up beat. Maybe some big band like "In The Mood" or some old time rock n roll like "Blue Shuede Shoes" or "Rock Around The Clock" Then I'll slow things down a bit with some Great American SongBook Standards, 50's 12/8 ballads, some more big band, classic country, Mowtown, and then finish with some upbeat old time rock n roll.

For restaurants or small parties I usually start off with something soft but slighly up beat- bossas are great.

With my Latin Act we usually start the set with some nice boleros. We like to give the crwod sometime to "alcamate" to the sound before we hit them with the harding driving salsa, cumbias, merengue... But it all depends. Sometimes people ready to party right away.