Thank you for the thoughtful replies. I believe an adult audience will appreciate most musical styles that are performed well and sincerely. As far as big band swing, I think it holds a special place in American history and I often associate it with Americas “greatest generation”

I’m still quite “green” when it comes to performing for senior groups, but I try to have a diverse set of music, I try to select from very popular music (rock, R&B, country, Latin, standards, big band) Later maybe I’ll add show tunes, gospel, and patriotic.

I had read from a forum member that nobody these days wants to hear big band music. This comment made me reflect a bit on my repertoire.

I would hate to be condescending to these older people that I play for. I realize most of these folks are indeed too young to have really come of age during the height big band era. At the same time, I’m sure most people in the 65-80 age range heard their parents, older friends, and family playing that music.

I was teen in the 80’s but I still love 60’s-70’s music just like many others in my age group. I also love standards and big band swing which is not too typical of people my age. I would think most people would agree that big band swing is quality music, maybe not timeless, but it is definitely nostalgic. Also, for us arranger keyboard players, big band swing can really show off the capacities of not only our instruments but also our playing skills.