Really depends on the vibe I pick up in the room, any circumstances that may come to my attention, is it a holiday, etc?

I'm in a the same boat as Gary, more or less...

Quick story:

Played a client a few weeks ago, where I play about 18 times a year. This is a younger audience, they really love 70's stuff. "Linda" was fighting poor health on multiple fronts and she hadn't made it to the performance for a month or two.

As I was about to start, I asked, "Where's Linda?"

The answer came back from the group. "Oh, she passed a couple weeks ago..."

You do what we do and hearing of someone's passing becomes a regular occurrence. Usually, I move right along without missing a beat. For whatever reason, hearing of her death caused me to just take a moment and reflect. Spontaneous, heartfelt, genuine. This group and I are very close, and they knew immediately this had touched a nerve.

After about ten seconds, I let out a big sigh that everyone heard. I told a story of how Linda always came down to the shows, always asked for a hug afterwards, always treated me like gold. I said "Linda only ever had one request. Tonight, we'll start with it in her memory. Cool?"

"Yes, yes...do it, Bill..."

I then played an acoustic version with piano and some light background strings of Elton John's "Your Song." It was pretty cool...

We then went immediately into Everyday People by Sly & the Family Stone and the party was on.

Sigh...

Best. Job. Ever.