Opening songs vary, always up tempo. I most often use;
NH’s – WHEN YOU’RE SMILIN/SHIEK OF ARABY ala Prima, or IT’S NOT UNUSUAL, Tom Jones, or SO WHAT’S NEW
SENIOR OLDIES AND R&B performances – BE MY GUEST, Fats
ITALIAN FESTAS – a TARANTELLA with HEY CUMPARI medley
Then according to the theme, Irish, Oktoberfest etc.
Ciao,
Jerry