Jerry, love the jump-jive style, and you did a great job with it.

Gary

Opening songs vary, always up tempo. I most often use;
NH’s – WHEN YOU’RE SMILIN/SHIEK OF ARABY ala Prima, or IT’S NOT UNUSUAL, Tom Jones, or SO WHAT’S NEW
SENIOR OLDIES AND R&B performances – BE MY GUEST, Fats
ITALIAN FESTAS – a TARANTELLA with HEY CUMPARI medley
Then according to the theme, Irish, Oktoberfest etc.
Ciao,
Jerry

The opening song is the only chance you get to make a
FIRST Impression on the audience,....they will make their opinion about you in a few minutes after you start..make it count 100%

Thanks Gary.
Appreciate the comments.

The style is ModBigBandShfl on the T3.

This song usually gets there attention,and gets the dancers on the floor.

Regards,

Jerryghr

I was told when I was very young that the only thing the audience remembers is the first and last song. And the first song should start with a bang.

For some time now when I play solo I've been using Things Ain't What They Used To Be by Ellington. I use the horn sections and different instruments soloing used in a big band to get things rolling, check my sound and let the audience know what is possible on an arranger keyboard before I start any of the other genres of music.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyIVFPxzO5g

Also, when playing in a duo we've been using a take off of Pinetop Boogie where we jam on that a bit and get to hear a bunch of different horn section and solo instruments to set the tone.

The idea behind opening with these songs is to get everybody's adrenaline flowing and to set the mood for the rest of the performance.

ScottL

Well, depends on the gig, is not the same for me to start playing a song in a Casino than in a Senior Dance, or in an Assisted living place....I observe the general age group, also the ethnic mix.....that gives me a clue what should song style I should play. The "New" seniors, Baby Boomers like more oldies, 60's some 50's and also some 70's, very different than older Seniors.

Also, here in the Phoenix, AZ area, there are places on the East side that like more Polkas, Old time Waltzes, and on the West side, they prefer some Rock & Roll, Night club 2 step, as well even further West, they like Salsa, Merengue, Cumbia, etc...seems like certain areas have the tendency for certain music type too.

In some local Casinos, at least on the Arizona area, there are lots of Latinos(50/50), so, I have to "shuffle" the repertoire, that is very different than lets say a Senior dance, witch in some have a "Board", with categories like Foxtrot, Waltz, Latin set, Swing, West Coast Swing, etc...you play what you want as long is from that category. Senior dancers, are picky about the tempo, so, you have to really be on top of that too.