What I can change and what I cannot change.

Rules:
1-You can’t change them.
2_All you can change is you. So, if you can’t accept what is happening go.

These things only become an issue when the other parties are not doing what YOU want them to do.

Did I preach again? Sorry.
John C.

In all the locations I've performed over these many years, I've never encountered this problem more than a handful of times. Sure, some of the ladies at the tables are talking, but most of the time it's not often, or ever loud.

I do recall a couple times when I was performing the nite club circuit when a few drunks got loud and obnoxious. When it happened, I did my best to just ignore it, but there were a few occasions when it just rubbed my the wrong way. Once, I stopped playing, set the vocal processor to talk, and said "Hey, you two guys over in the corner. If you think that all that yelling you are doing is more important than the rest of the audience being musically entertained and dancing, then why don't you come up here and tell them why? At that point, 100 people were staring at them, and they kept quiet the remainder of the night.

Unfortunately, the younger audiences, and some older individuals, can't seem to exist without their cellular telephones firmly in their hand and staring at it. Those people drive me insane. Maybe it's just me, but I sincerely believe that while I'm on stage playing and singing my heart out, there is nothing more inconsiderate to the entertainer than sitting there staring and texting on that damned, stupid phone as if nothing in the world was more important. It really pisses me off. (another good reason to retire!)

Yes, the dress code seems to have fallen by the wayside, but MY dress code has never faltered. And, I get lots of positive comments on this everyplace I've ever performed. When I see entertainers walking in wearing ragged-assed jeans, Tee-shirts and work boots, I often wonder to myself "What ever happened to pride of appearance?" I see youngsters dressed like this to attend funerals and wakes. If I had even thought of doing something like this, my father would have kicked my butt, while my mother held me down.

I still have three tuxedos, two black and one white jacket/black slacks. Yes, I still have some bow ties and matching vests to go with them, but unfortunately, since the introduction of green coconut Margarettas, they no longer fit well. And, yes, I have patten leather shoes to go with the outfits.

Right now, it's 95 degrees with a humidity of 100 percent, so walking out the front door is akin to stepping into a steam bath. However, even under these circumstances, I will be wearing a freshly pressed guyabera shirt, black slacks, and shined shoes. I take a lot of pride in my appearance, both on the job and off. (gotta look good for the ladies!)

Good luck,

Gary

I think what Mark is talking about is not the residents. It's the staff--mentality and commitment. They are showing no respect to him or the residents.
I think if it were me, and I didn't really need the money, I would discuss with the Administrator. If he takes their side, then kindly thank him for the years you've been there and ask him to call if things change for the better.

I agree, Don. Fortunately, I don't have that problem up here in the mid-Atlantic region. The staffers here have been very, very considerate, of both myself and the residents.

All the best,

Gary

I don't have that problem either .....
when I perform the staff is all dancing with the residents...always a good time for all.

Maybe it's also a difference whether you just play the piano or accordeon like Mark or an arranger. Most of the answers were related to arranger playing, and using a PA system talking staff probably doesn't strike as much compared to pure piano, which is not as loud. Maybe it's also a different style of music if you play pure piano, so you can't expect the staff to "dance" with the residents like DNJ says. Some good piano music is not for dancing.

Most facilities here won't even book piano players anymore as they say it puts the residents to sleep when they want to PARTY lol!! One AD told me " Why should we pay some guy who comes in sits at our piano, back facing the audience, no singing, and plays piano songs that put the whole place to sleep?" I just shook my head and told her I couldn't answer that but I know one thing when I am here it's party time!

Ditto, Donny. They don't hire piano players here, but we have one guy who plays accordion named Al The Accordion Guy, but he also sings and so does his wife, whom accompanies him most of the time.

The vast majority of the NH entertainers here are arranger keyboard players, and they all sing very well. They have all the work they can handle, both on the NH and nite club/restaurant circuits. However, if you don't sing, around here at least, you will find it very, very difficult to find employment.

All the best,

Gary

Yeah, we've had that discussion before. Some people don't find anything in good, high-quality music unless it's party music including vocals.
As a pianist, you have to find the right places where the audience cherishes good instrumental music, and hope staff grasps the taste of their residence, too. I know some old people's residences which organize both plain party music events and classical concerts, and both types of events draw a lot of interest. And, in between, decent background live piano music for a nice restaurant/café atmosphere. Without automatic styles and singing.

Europeans might have a bit of different way of thinking about this .....