The performance room was HOT. I mean it was steaming. Residents were just finishing up their yoga for the morning and I was set to play directly afterward in the same room with about 30 residents in there already. The windows were even opened a crack and it was STILL hot...For the first time at this community, I commented on the astoundingly hot room and jokingly requested (to the staff) that I sit by the cracked window. I looked at the activity director and spoke in a whisper so residents couldn't hear me , "Holy cow it's a sauna in there". (big smile on my face) "I'm pretty sure I'll melt if I sit down anywhere other than next to that window I see is opened. (big smile on my face) She agreed that it was hot and wheeled some residents and shuffled around a few chairs quickly to accommodate my request.The show went well and I sat comfortably next to the big window and sang and played and everyone had a great time. When you find yourself in a room that feels uncomfortable, talk to the staff and mention a solution with your comment. Be kind and smile and ask with sincerity. Sometimes there isn't any other option and you need to deal with it. What you DON'T want to do is call attention to this in front of the residents during the show. Don't EVER complain about the environment to the residents-even in joking. Don't complain about anything to the residents. Always go to the staff if you have concerns about the room or about anything at all☀️😃❤️

My Pop pop was always saying these things to my brothers and I while growing up. These bits of wisdom have always helped me throughout my life. Maybe they can help you too❤️ "Slow down, sit still, listen" "When you have a song you love in your heart, home isn't that far away" "The songs we sing say a lot about us" "Music brings family and friends together" "Family and friends are the most important things" "Be the love you wish to see in the world" "Share the songs you love with those you love" What advice about life or music do you keep with you?

Most of my shows for senior communities are in the mornings and afternoons. It's rare that I should find myself setting up for a 6pm show and this past week, I did exactly that. Evening shows are typically for independent living communities and I find this kind of event EXTRA special. The mood is a little calmer. The atmosphere is a little quieter. Hardly any other activity is happening. There are no leafblowers or lawnmowers outside to compete with. It's just me and a room full of residents who just finished their dinner and looking for a nice musical evening before heading their rooms for the night... It's a Tuesday evening and it's completely dark outside. Lamplights illuminate the big living room with a soft enchanting glow. This is a completely different vibe. I play Beatles songs like 'Something in the Way she Moves', 'While My Guitar Gently Weeps', and 'Let it Be'. I play a Johnny Cash version of 'Ghost Riders in the Sky'. I play Patsy Cline's 'Crazy'.....Each song I extend a little longer with singing then I repeat the whole thing as an instrumental and let my audience relax into the melodies.... What's different about an evening show is that this is the last 'activity' of the day and residents are typically winding down. I almost treat the show as a lullaby. Everything is soft and gentle and I tell stories to match this vibe as well. If you find the opportunity to play for seniors in the evening, start with softer and slower songs to make a smooth impression. Be sensitive and treat them with 'kid gloves' as they settle in for a quiet evening of music. This show must be done with careful attention, gentleness, and EXTRA love❤️❤️

Sometimes just listening to the stories the residents tell each other can be material for you to share at your next senior community gig. Yesterday, after my show, a couple old ladies were talking to each other about the scenery behind me. She had seen something outside while I played in front of several large picture windows ... "That rabbit didn't move. Not once during the whole show. I thought, my God he's so adorable but can he actually hear the music and listen?" The lady next to her replied, "Sure they're adorable. I see him all the time in that one spot. I don't know what he does all day." "I know what he does all day. That's why you see so many rabbits..." 😅 I listened to them banter with each other as I packed up my gear and looked outside myself and chuckled because it was a statue of a rabbit sitting under the bird bath.

There are some songs I play better than others and I try to spread them out throughout the show. The same goes with singing. You might find yourself wanting to open up with all your best stuff first and this might be a mistake... Firstly, when we play for senior audiences and start at showtime, not everyone is there yet. As I begin my show I notice residents will continue arriving until about 20 minutes into the set. It's about that time I throw in one of my BEST songs-Rocky Mountain High. Then I'll slow it down a little bit and play something like 'King of the Road'. Then I'll play some Kenny Rogers and Patsy Cline.... After about 3 songs I'll play another one of my BEST songs-'I'll see you in my Dreams'...you're getting the idea. Staggering your best stuff helps you balance your program and avoid giving your audience all of it at once. Think of sitting at a table for dinner at a nice restaurant and the waiter placing a perfectly cooked T-Bone Steak in front of you- then immediately after that he brings you a perfectly cooked Ribeye...I mean, I love ribeye but I just had a T-Bone. Shouldn't I get a salad or something before another steak?... Play a song you do well. Then a song you play BEST. Then another song you know well and maybe a singalong next, then....you're getting the idea... Have a variety planned for your senior audience to enjoy and make it more interesting for them and yourself! ❤️👍