When I play my guitar, I think about my grandfather. He taught me that music brings family and friends together and that's the most important thing. I feel he is in my heart and helping me through the songs and helping me remember that home is where the heart is. As performers, I think it helps us to remember that we are presenting music AND we are conveying a 'feeling' that the music brings. We want our audience to experience the music and not just be listening to us play and sing. We must take them on a journey... When I was growing up, I remember my mother teaching piano lessons in my house in Pennsylvania. I also remember a piano being in every one of my cousin's and grandparent's houses. The sight of a piano makes me think about home. The sight of a guitar makes me think of my grandfather. Before the music is even played I am remembering Thanksgivings when the house was too hot and I had too many deserts and my grandmother was playing the piano with my mother-side by side. Relatives from across the state whom I see once year playing cards on the dinner table and drinking coffee while my cousins and I played football in tee shirts under the ally streetlight... Music helps these stories come to life again for us and for the residents we play for. Together we are transported away to a time and a place long ago... Let your next show become an experience that helps residents feel a little closer to home. Travel with them and be their guide. Put your whole heart into this performance and let it bring happiness and joy into their hearts.❤️

I serenaded residents amidst beautiful views of the outdoor walking path and bird feeders. Residents gathered in chairs in front of me and settled in for the program. As they arrived single file and sat down, I noticed the mood was a bit quiet and sluggish so I played brighter songs to balance everything out. 'Side by Side' , 'Here Comes the Sun', 'Ain't She Sweet'...the mood started to pick up. Then, I noticed colorful birds landing in the bird feeders and then a squirrel jumped up and scared all the birds away. I thought it was funny so I mentioned it to the residents.. Big mistake. I turned my audience's attention away from me and to something else. The moment I mentioned something happening outside, all the residents turned to look at the squirrel. Some couldn't see. Others wondered what we were looking at. Then the nursing staff was explaining why we were looking outside and that it was funny that a squirrel jumped into the bird feeder... My squirrel comment disrupted the flow of the show and it became harder to get their attention back. Anything that happens outside or down the hall or anywhere else but that room can hinder your ability to keep residents engaged with the show. Give your love and energy to the residents, not distractions.

Besides playing music I spend a lot of time behind a camera, or a few cameras like today. I volunteered at our local senior center to photograph folks at a party for VIP seniors, that is, seniors over 90. This nice lady named Mary was born in 1925. She is almost 102! (LOL, she said she is 101 1/2.) I did not get to play music today, but I did get to know my audience a bit better for future shows at this senior center. I also made the activities director happy as well!

I don't take myself that seriously at my shows. My mannerisms, gestures, and tone combine to make me look and act as though I'm just a happy guy who loves what he does. This takes the pressure off and helps me feel more relaxed and focus on being present and having fun with the residents. I used to rehearse my jokes and what I was going to say before I got to the show. Then I learned that being spontaneous helps me build rapport. And that makes for a great show. "Hey, I didn't know you were baking cookies today, this makes for an even sweeter show!" "Mary, did you know you're wearing my favorite color sweater?! How thoughtful of you to welcome me like that!" "This crowd looks happy and ready for music, let me ask my guitar if he's ready too..(knocks on guitar case)." "It smells like a Hallmark store in this living room, did you know that's one of my favorite stores to shop?" Commenting on the present moment and letting it inspire you to play or sing or tell a story can create a meaningful connection with your audience before you even begin to play. If you're anxious about your next gig, here's something that's always helped me. Greet the residents as if you are seeing a best friend that you haven't seen in years. Give them a wholesome smile and tell them how good it is to see them and how much fun we are going to have together. Lead with love. Bring your whole heart into the community and open it up to them. Be present and enjoy this special time together ❤️❤️❤️

When I walked into my memory care show this afternoon, one of the residents greeted me warmly and with a great big hug because she thought I was her son. I smiled warmly and went along with it and told her how happy I was to be there to share music and sing to everybody. This community was full of advanced dementia residents and when I come into an environment like this I act as if I'm visiting my Mom or Dad and smile warmly at everyone like they are my family. One thing I've learned about residents who have dementia is to never correct them. One resident can't stay for the show because her Dad is picking her up soon. Another resident is anxious to get home because she has something cooking in the oven.....I just go with it. "Well, that sounds important and I won't keep you but if you decide to stay a little while longer I'll be playing music for everyone. It's so good to see you!" Once I begin, everyone settles into the show and all their worries melt away and we are singing together for one special moment. Sometimes a moment is all we have. Let's keep creating these wonderful moments with light and love and music!❤️🎵❤️🎵