I usually open with
Carolina In The Morning & Shanty Town..

Lets me check room sound levels and puts smiles on peoples faces as they sing along.

I usually open with a patriotic song like God Bless America,Tie A Yellow Ribbon, or My Land Is Your Land, as well as service songs. It varies on the occasion and venue.

It is always snappy.

How Can I Get Over You til You Get Out From Under Him . . .

There was a time when I played the same opener - the same one DonM used to play, Swingin Doors A Jukebox And A Barstool, but those days are long gone. Now, I look at the crowd, make an assessment, and go to work. Rarely play the same opener twice in a month. However, I always play the same closer - Show Me The Way To Go Home. Everyone knows it, I use an upbeat Jive style, and more often than not, they're still singing the song when I'm packing up to leave the building. Gotta keep em smiling!

Gary

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.

Bill would love to hear you do "Everyday People" by Sly..especially on a Arranger KB..

I have a recording (albeit a rough one, lol) from this same account.

Crossroads Gig Crossroads

Everyday is a 5th tune, I think....

Bill nice job....enjoyed listening the only thing which is a pet peeve of mine is the "long time in between your songs" I usually have 0 to 5 seconds tops,.......
this is to keep people on the dance floor and keep the energy & program moving at a steady pace throughout the set.
thanx for sharing.

Thanks Don, Keep in mind this is a nursing home, not a "dance" per se. The pacing I use at NH's is different than what I use for my dance gigs...

Ah ok without video it sounded like a dance setting.....
I stand corrected..that explains it carry on!