So last night I was looking at Face book page of a care home about 15 miles from me they had had an seasonal flower arrangement activity I left a nice comment about and the Activity director read it and called me today to ask what I did and has booked me for next month 3rd time I have gotten a booking like this it is important to comment for you FB business page as for me that's where my contact info is it worth a shot

So Xmas will soon be here and I was looking at some seasonal song there loads that we all know most of the words too and I defiantly want to add some, but if I wanted to do a full hour 15 to 20 songs would it be ok to take a song book to the show or would this not be a good look for a pro ?

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.❤️

So I have been looking up the local care homes on Facebook and following them when the have a activity that's different I leave a like and sometimes a comment " wow this looks really fun I bet everyone enjoyed that" for example my idea is they AD see my comment and who left it so that when I do contact them about a gig the might recognise me or even check my Facebook business page is this a good strategy what's everyone think?

There is a community I visit that gives me the keys to the castle. I walk in and am greeted warmly by the receptionist who gives me a wristband key and waves me past the sign in process. I wheel my gear cart through several doors , using the wristband to unlock each one, and then finding the elevator to the lower level. Another few waves of my wrist and I'm in the heart of the building for my memory care show. It smells like snickerdoodles. Residents are lounging in comfy sleepy looking chairs , one staff member is painting the nails of a resident. I set up in my usual spot and sing and play and match the vibe with soft soothing songs.... Sunshine on my shoulders Somewhere over the rainbow I'll see you in my dreams.. The whole show is soft, easy, and flowing from one song into the other as I don't get much of a reaction EVER from this crowd. I end with a few favorites including 'Puff the Magic Dragon' and 'I can see clearly now'. Then I pack up my gear and give everyone a warm goodbye to each resident. Then I make my way back through locked doors, up the elevator, and back out the door to my truck. I never once saw the director or had any staff member talk to me except the receptionist. This is a good sign. This means that a community knows you well and knows you do a great show that doesn't need supervision. When you find yourself doing a show without much interaction with staff-don't worry. They TRUST you. Do your best for them and lead with love❤️❤️❤️