The first of it's kind but certainly not the last...The Performer's Circle livestream begins tomorrow at 10am EST. Who has questions? Who has concerns? How can we encourage and motivate each other to bring more music to senior communities and make our elders happy with music?!? See you there👍

So some good news today first call and I booked my first gig in about 2 weeks time going to call a couple more places in morning.

I am struggling with my need to be patient with myself as I improve my skills to the point where I can perform and play my guitar. I sing well, but my playing ability is still "in development." I regret all the years I tinkered with the guitar, got frustrated and stopped playing. Had I kept going then, I would be so much further along now. Today I tell myself to have faith in the process. Even though it might not seem like I'm improving, hopefully I actually am. I see all the wonderful things that I could do with my guitar, all the beautiful songs I could share with others and the positive energy and joy I could bring, and I just sigh. I know I have to keep plugging along and one day I'll get there. I'm so inspired by Chris and so many others in this community who are actively playing, and I'm grateful to Chris for making a space for us all. I wonder if, out of the 50 or so other members here, is there anyone else who can relate? I would love to hear what you have to say. 💕

Grouping a series of songs and stories together helps me arrange the show in a way that's similar to a book-this helps me remember the songs. Think of your show as a book and each 'Song Block' is a chapter in that book. My 'Song Block' looks something like this: 3 Songs A Story 1 Song A Joke I'll string together 6 or song blocks and that's the whole show.The songs I select are themed. For example, I'll play 'Here Comes the Sun, Sunshine on my Shoulders, You are my sunshine' Then I'll talk about my Swedish heritage and how my skin is so white it actually reflects the sun! Then I'll say, "If I even THINK about the sun I'll get sunburned!" ...Then I'll talk about relaxing on a beach in the shade sipping a Mai Thai and slowly go into the Beach Boys song 'Kokomo' , when that song is finishing I'll ask if anyone go sunburned or bit by a crab while singing that song with me... A 'Song Block' can help you with remembering the songs your going to play. Think of your setlist and what might work together 'back to back'. Are there any 'Song Blocks' you can arrange? Share a personal story and a joke with your song block and you might find it interesting how this can add richness to your program AND make you an authentic performer. Keep shining your love and light on seniors and have fun!

I'm curious what everyone uses when referencing a setlist during shows? I go completely from memory and don't rely on anything and I'm wondering if anyone else does this?