Here's a heads up for all of us to consider (yes me too)... Senior Communities are quickly aging out from nostalgic songs of 1940's - 60's UP TO the 1970's and 80's. The day is coming fast when the Baby Boomers are going to have to share space with the early Gen Xrs in Assisted Living and even Memory Care. These Facebook Videos (below) are examples from the largest retirement community in the World called "The Villages" in Florida. (83,000 residents) They have live music 7 nights a week year round in 4 different town squares. (that's 28 different bands per week) The average age in the Villages is 74 years old and they are demanding to have the music of their youth played by live performers. These reels (below) are "average" level bands. They have other groups that are so much better than these guys you would swear you were listening to the original performances of Aerosmith, Queen, Led Zeppelin, Boston, and John Cougar Mellencamp. I'm just sayin'... I'm already mixing The Eagles, Steve Miller and Bruce Springsteen into my senior shows and seeing people singing along to every word. I would encourage us all to open our minds and songlists to newer songs because time is quickly running out on Rock Around The Clock. I agree that the Memory Care shows need some special kid gloves but with many Assisted Living and Independent Living situations we shouldn't be afraid to "Let'Er Rip". (just ask the Activities Director for permission to stretch your style - the one's I've asked have said "Please Please Please") https://www.facebook.com/reel/1082933464369169 https://www.facebook.com/reel/1646077297175778 https://www.facebook.com/reel/1087145053801513

Howdy. I've noted several times that Chris has used the moniker "The Monadnock Storyteller", including on a sample invoice he shared with us. I am entertaining the idea of calling myself and my act "Big Jim and The Sands of Time." My question to Chris and All: Have you seen any downside to using an act name, which is not legal, nor binding, but simply an artful and fun 'nickname' to use and share with directors and residents? Any thoughts are most welcome. Best and Thanks, -Jim

This group's member Joe Dusel found this information on Facebook for those of us who wanted to see a "Fees" list of real world performers actually doing what we are pursuing. It would appear that the average high side of the "Sweet Spot" is exactly what Chris has suggested for a professional presentation... $150. However... here's my observation... just like playing a bar - It's not always what you "Gross per gig" it's far more efficient to look at what you can "Net" out of 1 client in a 12 month period. I'm just getting started in this Senior arena and have only played 3 Senior homes. All 3 are within 14 miles of my home and each have booked me for the next year at $150 per show. That's $1800 per client per year. (Heck of a lot more desirable than milking a place for $300 for one show and that's all you ever get out of them because you busted their budget). I'm not looking to make a killing, I just want some consistent cash to fund my retirement travel. Once I get to 12 clients my plate will be full. Different performers will have different goals. All I want to do is hop in my motorcoach and roll around the country with my wife during my off months. This part time musical work can easily finance some conservative tourism. Tom Skidmore · $150-200 depending on the area - Reply - Edited Sandy Cook

https://www.facebook.com/100094605968129/videos/pcb.951239828039541/2150536262561261 https://www.facebook.com/100094605968129/videos/pcb.951239828039541/2503557830122252

Chris, thank you for sharing your valuable time and for your heart for our beloved seniors. I would be happy to connect with your members to help in their journey. Senior living is a growing part of my performance schedule but I also do other venues where perform yacht rock and some smooth jazz songs. Here are some examples. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcSxa47_1G8 https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/404399804 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWqenu4voZo