Playing for Nursing Homes, etc.

Robert Thomas · Post by **Robert Thomas** » 16 Nov 2006 1:50 am

Some have asked about how I do my program of entertainment. Here is a typical program. I used this Wednesday for an Alzheimer unit.
Started with a rousing rendition of “Under the Double Eagle”, then played and sang “Walking in the Sunshine”, then to get there participation I played and sang “You are My Sunshine” and “Red River Valley”. Next played “On Top of the World”, then played and sang “Tennessee Waltz” and “Hawaiian Wedding Song”. Now another instrumental called, “Tuxedo Junction” and “I Don’t Want to Set the World on Fire”. Next Played and sang “Side by Side”, most of them will sing along on that one. Did one inspirational number, played and sang, “It is No Secret”. Played and sang “It’s a Small World”; they will participate on the small world part. Played and sang “A Legend in My Time”, and “Just Because”. Played “Blue Spanish Eyes”. Then played and sang “Sweet Georgia Brown”, “Bill Bailey”, “Five Foot Two”, then played “Bud’s Bounce”, then played and sang “Bye, Bye Blackbird”. Finished the program playing and singing “Walking in the Sunshine’ and “Pennsylvania Polka”. The program will generally take one hour to one hour and fifteen minutes. Needless to say I have a blast every time and every program is different.
I know there are a lot of you steel players who would also enjoy sharing your music and love for the steel guitar.

Robert Thomas · Post by **Robert Thomas** » 16 Nov 2006 3:31 am

I inadvertly left out three intrumentals from the program I did. They were: "Bye, Bye Blues", "On the Beach at Waikiki", "The Waltz You Saved for Me" and "The One Rose".

David Collins · Post by **David Collins** » 16 Nov 2006 4:20 am

Hi Robert,

I play nursing homes and retirement homes every chance that I get. There is no more appreciative audience anywhere on earth.

My sets are almost always gospel. The hands down favorite is Amazing Grace, instrumental or with vocals. Even if we do it instrumental, the "crowd" always sings along.

The residents seem to get soooo much out of someone caring enough to come by and play a few songs, and I ALWAYS get more out of it than anyone else. No money, but WHAT A BLESSING!

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David Collins
www.alpinesoap.com

David Collins · Post by **David Collins** » 16 Nov 2006 4:22 am

PS, certainly not complaining about the money!

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David Collins
www.alpinesoap.com

Michael Douchette · Post by **Michael Douchette** » 16 Nov 2006 4:33 am

Stu Basore has the funniest nursing home gig story... but he's gonna have to tell it...

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Mikey D...

Mike Archer · Post by **Mike Archer** » 16 Nov 2006 5:32 am

my hats of to you robert
and others like you who go and play
for the older folks
i just started playing chruch services
with our gospel band and just steel
it is going well
with gods help im gonna keep it up
god bless you my friend and may your cup of blessings run over the top

James Morehead · Post by **James Morehead** » 16 Nov 2006 6:24 am

I play with a band of retired folks that have a "route" they play every month. Every week we are at at least one or two nursing homes/assisted living centers. Those folks sure look forward to when we return! We play the old country standards they grew up with, all the Hank Williams you can do. Last night, we got paid better than you guys did, though. We got all the pizza and cookies we could eat! The other benefits I would like to mention is you don't come home wreeking with smoke, we are never more than 30 minutes from the house, and the look on peoples faces show they appreciate that we care enough to come play for them.

Robert Thomas · Post by **Robert Thomas** » 16 Nov 2006 7:02 am

You all have made my day. It is so encouraging to find that there are others who take the time to share their God given talent with others who truly appreciate it more then we will ever know. Keep up the good works, this work is called pure religion. Read James 1:27.

Bob Hickish · Post by **Bob Hickish** » 16 Nov 2006 7:41 am

Our Trio has a once a month schedule
for playing rest homes .

As a member
of the " Old Time Fiddlers " we did a
lot of playing for the old folk ! There
was a gentleman at one of the places
we played , that loved the Dobro I played ,
so He got a Fender biscuit cone Reso &
tried to learn to play . He would always
ask me to play his !
I did just that ! he never learned , but
the joy he got from seeing his guitar
making music was worth it ! He passed
never playing a lick , but had a love for
the old fiddle tunes .
Its a joy to give of your time & Music
for these folks ! but it can be tuff on you
too .

Hick

Paul King · Post by **Paul King** » 16 Nov 2006 6:12 pm

I just happen to do the maintenance at a nursing home here in town. No one ever brings a full band to play for these folks. They have a flute player who plays with tapes,an accordian and guitar player that are elderly and a couple of church groups. I have went four times this year with a full band and they really enjoy the show. I am in the process of lining up some very good musicians for a gig that I know they will enjoy. When you see those people smile and clap their hands it is worth the time. I wish that I could do more for them.

Don Barnhardt · Post by **Don Barnhardt** » 16 Nov 2006 7:46 pm

I play bass with a gospel group and we play four nursing homes on a monthly basis. I can say that it's the most satisfying playing I've ever done. I'm trying to work up an act that I can use my steel.

Del Ray Grace · Post by **Del Ray Grace** » 16 Nov 2006 9:25 pm

May God bless you Robert and everyone like you for giving of yourselves to our older generation.Many in these types of facilities are forgotten about but you remembered them.

We (Amazing Grace Praise Band)have done this in the past and plan to do much more going into the newyear.I have a soft spot for the seniors and enjoy putting joy in their hearts and a smile on there faces with our music. www.sacredstrings.com

Bill Myrick · Post by **Bill Myrick** » 17 Nov 2006 5:00 am

In this part of the country, there are several of what I call "pot luck" shows where there is a house band but also anyone who wants to get up and sing can sign up and are allowed two songs each with the band backing them. Not a "jam session" as such but a chance for folks to perform and enjoy them selves. Mostly retired and senior citizens and good crowd attendance and they are very apprecitive. I play the third and fourth tuesday nights at such a gathering called "Country Your Way" and enjoy it far more than the old days of paying gigs. My steel usually stays in the case except the twice a month shows and nobody cares and I'm happy with it. How much better can you get for an old man ??-

Lane Vifinkle · Post by **Lane Vifinkle** » 17 Nov 2006 5:47 am

My wife (the singer) and I do weekly music for hospice. Since we have to go from room to room,
she sings end I play guitar and sing harmony sometimes.In the beginning we were abviously
in expierienced, because we were informed that we had just sang for a person that had passed
away.
It,s a shure way to not get any complainds.
Lane

Farris Currie · Post by **Farris Currie** » 17 Nov 2006 9:52 am

What i love about the nursing homes and Prisons is you don't have to be a pro, they appreciate everything you do.

They not looking for professionals, and at the prisons, WOW DON;T ask what they in for
sometimes will scare you to death!!!!

farris