Don's list is right up there some of the songs I do as well. Keep everything upbeat, no balads, no slow blues songs. Some upbeat gospels such as "Will The Circle Be Unbroken" done with a bluegrass style, and a medley beginning "This Old House" ending with "When The Saints Come Marching In" using a Dixieland style with a tempo of 200 will get them up clapping and singing as well. Slow, bluesy stuff at any nursing home, even one that is predominately black, just doesn't cut it. The last things that folks standing on the edge of the grave need is a slow, moody song.

As for the Sinatra stuff, most of the predominately black nursing homes I perform at love Sinatra songs, just as long as they're upbeat. They love New York--New York, I've Got You Under My Skin, Lady Is A Tramp, and dozens of others with similar tempos and styles. They sure don't need to hear My Way.

Good Luck,

Gary

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Travlin' Easy