The Steel Guitar Forum

It is great to see so many giving their time and and fine picking and I'm sure it's greatly appreciated.

Our guys volunteer a once per month session for the four old folks homes in our area. The old folks love it to no end. You had better be prepared to play the oldies and, if you are playing a waltz or two step in the wrong tempo, they will let you know without hesitation and in great indignation.

We have also learned that if you have an after supper session at these places, you are pretty much wrapped up by 8:00 - 8:30 PM.

i play bass and six string guitar(some vocals) about onve a month at two different long term care facilities. just getting started on steel guitar, bought a rickenbacker lap..if you haven;t played at one of these venues, istrongly recommend it.you will enjoy it and the smiles and tapping feet of your audiences may be the best pay you'll ever receive,,johnny

A turning point in my musical "career" happened at a retirement home. We were playing for a small group of retirees one weekend and I found it harder and harder to watch this one sweet lady cry as we played. At the end of the evening I went straight over to her and apologized for what had happened. "NO" she said, "I wasn't crying because I was sad, the song reminded me of when I was young and went out dancing on weekends." They were happy tears!!! She went on to tell about her Dad telling her to take off her shoes and not wear them out dancing. I made a friend that night. These are good places to play music because going out is not an option for them.

Jerry, you just brought back a situation I ran into playing in a local senior home last year. While playing a song I noticed, not far from me a elderly gentleman in tears. After we were done he approached me thanked me for playing a song that made his memory open to his good days as a farmer and a lost love of the past. For me it was a real turning point also. Music is a powerfull and important tool.

Terry