Biil from Dayton says - "Why don't they have a string quartet come in every week? How about a harpist or a strolling operatic singer. Boy, that would have them running through walls, wouldn't it? Nothing says "happy hour" like a guy and a dulcimer, lol... "

Wow, Bill. I think those are some great ideas, to a certain extent. I'm sure a NH budget can't afford a string quartet, but a harpist or a strolling musician might work. I'm not knockin' your post, just reinforcing what else you said, "There is no ONE THING that only matters. Quality, professionalism, variety, and an ability to relate on a genuine level to these audiences is what, over time usually spells success. "

I also agree with the idea of not repeating yourself too often. My audiences know that when I play I will have something different for them along with the rest of my great repertoire.

I do the same thing. I keep a log of every NH and what I play when. If I go back to a set, it is 6 mos old, at least. The exceptions are the opening patriotic numbers and polkas which I rotate more often.

Thanks guys, I just got done with the job and things went well. They liked the old rock 'n roll stuff too. I don't consider myself a singer at all but the vocals stuff seems to go over better than the instrumental. I'll keep working on the voice and adding some more tunes to my list.

This was our set at a NH last week, and they loved it:

Jambalaya
When Will I be Loved - Everly's
Come See About Me - Supremes
I Should Have Known Better - Beatles
Obladi Oblada - Beatles
Jackson - Nancy Sinatra/Lee Hazlewood
Daddy's Home - Shep & The Limelights
Tell Him - The Exciters
I Can't Help Myself - Four Tops
The No No Song - Ringo Starr
Lay Down Sally - Eric Clapton
When You Say Nothing At All-Ronan Keating
Just One Look - Doris Troy
Red Hot Women - New Riders of the Purple Sage
Mamma Mia - Abba

So, there's a fair old mix of stuff there. Oh, and I had to jam a request for Tennessee Waltz - hadn't played that one in many many moons. Bottom line is: 'tain't what you do, it's the way that you do it.

That's awesome...

To be able to perform tunes that other acts probably aren't playing is a huge feather in your cap.

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Bill in Dayton

Thanks "124" for posting your set list. I would be very interested in what others here are playing at nursing homes too.

I guess I firgured the older folks would a smiller tastes in music as my parents (who are in there mid 70's) My folks have most always listened to big band, standards, and show music. Not that they hate oldies(rock)

I guess the elderly have much more diverse tastes in music than I thought.

Played two shows yesterday. Off the top of my head ...

1st show:

Kansas City
What A Wonderful World (Sam Cooke)
Rocky Top
Just A Closer Walk with Thee
It Had To Be You
Inammarota
When You're Smiling
Make The World Go Away
In The Mood
Dock of the bay
Hello Mary Lou
All of me
Look At Us
Cherry Pink/Apple Blossum white
Are You Lonesome tonight
Fools rush in
Just Because Polka
God bless america

2nd show:

Red Sails in the sunset
Blueberry hill
In the garden
Never on a Sunday
You don't mess around with Jim
Blue skirt waltz
Please don't talk about me
In the mood
Together
How great thou art
Ruby
Your mama don't dance
GBA

...most of the 1st job was all requests, just a few for the 2nd show...

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Bill in Dayton

[This message has been edited by Bill in Dayton (edited 04-28-2010).]

First of all do not think of them as old seniors.

Second don’t have a list that is played without seeing how they are accepting the songs that you are playing. In short don’t limit the music by what you are feeling, it s where they are at in their lives and what they are feeling. The same group may be very different on a different day.

I have always formed a relationship with a few people so that I can relate to them when I am at my instrument. Keep changing the person you relate to, they love to be part of and noticed. Do not allow them to own you.

Sometimes talking about the song before playing it (Romancing the song) adds a great deal. “Do you remember this one”.

The most successful performer is the performer with a friendly personality, but it must be one that they can feel, just having one does not say much. How well you play the song comes second. From all that I here about Gary I am certain that he has a great relationship with the people he plays for.

There some great ideas that have been posted here, love it.

John C.

I do know a lot of them personally, I know their names, have met some of their families, and when they're not at a performance, I always ask the AD or someone in attendance where they are and inquire about their wellbeing. The vast majority of them are wonderful people that have been beset with various health issues. In all the years I have been a performer I can honestly say the nursing home circuit is the most satisfying job I've ever had.

Gary

Call some AD's and go see some of what they consider their top entertainers and maybe you can absorb from watching what they do at NH facilities it could help you get ideas for your own act.