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Geriatric Gigs
Just completed my second year of playing guitar and singing at a number of extended care facilities. Did several with holiday season songs in the last couple of weeks. If you’re looking for a very appreciative (and easy to please) audience, try it yourself. These facilities are always looking for activities for their residents.
The more I play for them, the more relaxed I have become. Do I perform flawlessly, hardly. They just enjoy my being there. I enjoy being there too. Been a number of senior guitarists in attendance. Some have told me about their vintage guitars and how they plan to pass them along to grandchildren. Had a 103 and 104-year-old ladies attend. Both mentally shape. My favorite part of these “gigs” is talking to those attending to hear their life stories. One lady told me she had dated teen idol Bobby Vinton of “Blue Velvet” fame. Many have had amazing lives.
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2 Replies
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Hey @Guitargeezer-Jack ;
I’m really happy to hear you have been doing this regularly for 2 years now.
We learn guitar… ok, that’s cool, but why? What’s the point? We must find a “point” at some point in time. 😁
I have done a search for “elderly care” facilities in my area, but never followed through. I do the VOMs on a regular basis, both as a participant and a host and even the coordinator of a weekly VOM. And I write original songs, which gives me quite a bit of musical activities, since there are a number of different phases involved in this process. So, that’s my purpose. I feel like there is a sufficient reason for what I do to keep me motivated.
But it looks like a big part of your purpose is in playing for the elderly. That’s perfect since it is an new extension of what you did in the first place. And, you also did family before learning guitar, but now you have a new way to interact with family. So you obviously have a “full” musical life. That’s so cool.
I’m a little sad I never got back down there to visit you, but you have a great acoustic life, and I have a great acoustic life, so it is what it is. I know much more about you because I visited you in real life than if I just knew you through TAC.
But here’s a thought. I might be motivated to come for another visit if the purpose was to play with you for one of your elderly care gigs. What do you think? Would you be willing to learn a few of my original songs? I have some that could be very appropriate. And of course, I’d have to learn some of your cover songs. But the good news is, one of us can just sing and play our song. The other one would just have to play some back up harmony. Or, figure out a solo to play which would be another cool challenge.
Let me know.
MG 😀
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Thanks for your thoughts and comments Mike. I’ll send you a private message in response in the next few days.
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