Hi, Gang. I've seen videos on the topic, but was wondering if I might get a quick comparison from any of you already gigging with seniors... Among these four types of senior audiences: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing—what are, simply, the biggest differences among these audiences with regard to 1) song selection, and 2) banter/stories/song setups/jokes, etc. 3) anything else? eg: chat pacing, music tempo, subject matter... Any experience and insight you might share is much appreciated. I don't need a whole book on the subject—just a few tips, as I am getting ever closer to reaching out to ADs—next few weeks.

Here comes the deluge of last minute requests for NOV 11th. Some LED's are more organized than others, thankfully. But here at Music We Remember, we seem to bail folks out quite frequently who are a little, shall we say "disorganized?" Or maybe new to the field? SURPRISE! Veteran's Day is happening NEXT month. And here come the emails... Now, a decade or so ago, demand was high for the female vocal trios with tracks, singing about Boogie Woogie Bugle Boys in Company B. But as The Greatest Generation fades away, and their children are populating the communities where we serve, we find a mix of Vietnam veterans, and also the flower children and hippies who may have very mixed feelings about seeing anyone honored for military service. It's getting to be an interesting blend... And some veterans were likely in both camps themselves. Who's got a Veteran's Day Program lined up that always goes over well? What do you include and what do you leave out? "Give war a chance!" - The Smothers Brothers (Perhaps this is mis-attributed to them...)

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

... and found that in NZ there are around 700–900 unique facilities around the country, offering everything from independent living through to full memory care. Within a two-hour drive from where I live - reaching Auckland, our biggest city of 1.8m, Hamilton, a population of 235k, and several towns - there are around 220–250 locations. Even if I halve that number to account for those with tiny entertainment budgets, it gives me an idea of what a full calendar of gigs might look like. Keep in mind NZ has a population of just 5.4 million and the country is actually a little larger than the UK, so yep, it’s not a quick drive to anywhere ;) But it does look like there’s plenty of opportunity to build a regular circuit.

I found myself in a bit of a jam at my show. It was 5 minutes till showtime but I couldn't find an extra thumb pick. This has never happened before. I usually have a spare one in every case and always keep extras but I seemed to be out. The residents noticed I was becoming frantic as I shuffled through my guitar case and my gear case searching. I rushed to find the director and told her I had forgotten something in my truck and so I ran to the truck and searched for a thumbpick because I ALWAYS have extras.....nope. Not here nor there or anywhere did I find one of my most important pieces of gear! And so I went back inside-at this point it was EXACTLY showtime and I tried to compose myself but they could tell I was frantic and nervous. My mood carried over to them and made them a bit uncomfortable. I noticed this and I took a mental step back and paused.... I looked at my audience of elderly residents and could tell in their eyes they wanted me to do well. I took a deep breath and said a silent prayer and then played with my fingers-I had no other option. And you know what? It worked out just fine. Let me pass along my lesson from this experience. Even if I had found an extra thumbpick, my audience watched me rushing around here and there and stressing out. What I should have done was just accept that the show must go on and stop searching and just do the show instead of giving them extra anxiety watching me fumble. Your audience will feel what you feel. Do the best you can with what you have....and when you get home order a BUNCH more picks🙃❤️