I knew that would draw fire from some. Let's just say ..... The crowd sees it as a more legit form of accompaniment because they recognise the arrangement more. I'm all for spontinaety, and I was reluctant to switch over to smf ..... but the proof is in the pudding....or rather, on the dance floor. They respond better to a more authentic backing version, and no one cares if you add a verse or stretch out a solo as long as they can dance to it.
I suppose your nursing homes are more concert-like than my dances, but the seniors wouldn't care if you played a zither with bongos between your knees. They just want the company and something to do till Jeapordy comes on. It's hardly a concert venue, really. It's more like musical babysitting.

Don't get me wrong - it's good work, and very well appreciated. It's just not at the same point on the food chain compared to a more demanding audience.

I don't expect to come to any conclusions on this topic. We'll all do it our way. I don't mean to second guess anyone's methods. Let's just all keep puttin' out the best product we can and keep the folks happy.

I'm not going to whine like those psuedo-patriot Americans that are threatening to run out of the country because of election results. Anyone that want's to leave ..... good riddance! This place (USA)is a slice of heaven, and anyone that can't see that doesn't deserve to live here.

(That just snuck in there ... sorry!) Whew!