Good comments gang...

I'd like to throw out that I usually do 2-3 ballads in an hour show at Nursing Homes and other places like that. I can't ever recall ballads hurting a show or anything like that.

It comes down to pacing. I'll usually start a set with a medium tempo song or two then follow it up with a faster one. Then I'll do a slow tune...and start the cycle again. Nothing written in stone here...alot of it is by feel.

This type audience does enjoy the older ballads and waltzes. It's on us as performers to read the room and control our crowds. Also, I think many of us do ourselves a dis-service by eliminating an entire style of songs. (Gary-having heard your work-I'm sure your crowds would like your slower stuff too.)

Also, in my opinion, we've been hired in the first place to stimulate these people for :45 to an hour. The faster, upbeat tunes touch them in one way...more physically, if you will. Its perfectly fine to stimulate these people emotionally as well...usually with ballads. You certainly don't want your audience weeping through your whole show, but if you can keep them engaged for the time you're with them, you're doing great.

A proper balance is required...that's all. If we keep their toes tapping, get a few of them up and dancing, have a few of them think about a loved one they've lost or something from their past that evokes a tear...we're put on a quality show and made their day better.

What other single person that they see during their entire day can have such an effect on them? Probably no one but musicians...

I have the BEST job in the world, lol...

Bill in Dayton

[This message has been edited by Bill in Dayton (edited 01-24-2007).]