Tony, I'm not an entertainer in the sense that I will NOT concentrate on meaningless banter and have the selection of tunes I play restricted by my inability to play the more challenging materials.

I believe those who are in other ares and who play nursing homes are probably players of an acceptable (not embarrassing) level, but around here, those who do that kind of work are literally the bottom of the barrel, talent-wise. Most NEVER had enough ability to work lounges, restaurants,
organizational functions, etc. At first, when I was a caregiver for two family members, I thought it was neat that several really weak amateurs volunteered at the nursing homes I visited. Then I found out that they were paid and I could not believe it. When I became involved in Nursing Home reform, I was shocked to find out that there were no talented people in the rotation.

It's kind of like these folk excuse their lack of ability by
believing that they bring so much pleasure to the audience and talk about their sincerity. Believe me, that's a poor justification for what these people do.

I think in Lexington, the residents of nursing homers deserve better. To a person, the folks who entertain in this venue are AWFUL!

I certainly hope this is not the case in other parts of the country.

I prefer to work in the area of Nursing Home Reform and to raise money for the Habitat Project in New Orleans for older, displaced musicians.


Russ