Full Circle

I really like that repertoire, Kevin and God bless your entertainment!

Bill

It's on the bucket list.

I've got the PA.  Just need some talent.

Kev - I'm curious how you set this up?  Did you just call around to retirement communities and ask if they'd like you to come in and play?  How did the conversation go?  I've thought a million times about doing this.  We have a lot of them around, and remember as a teen going into some with our girls choir as well as when I was a little one singing Christmas Carols with the Girl Scouts.  They were (almost) always so overjoyed to see us.  As I homeschool one of my children, I've thought a few times about possibly putting a few songs together with her and doing something like this.  It would be a nice community service type of thing for her (for her girls scouts badges), and a good learning experience and lesson on paying it forward as well as empathy.  Plus, as Roger can attest to, I think the people would fall in love with her and... I know to the older folks, a smiling child is something that is simply priceless.

Amy, all I did was get a little push from a friend of mine who does one man bad gigs (www.bensoneband.com). He told me its how he got his start. So, knowing I was about to retire soon, I stopped at most all of the retirement homes in the town where I worked and asked for the Activities Director. Most of them have one. I informed them that I would like to play for their residents and that the first time I played it would be free of charge. Like most all people would react, they were enthusiastic about getting some entertainment for their people and that "free of charge" fit their budgets rather nicely. Fortunately for me, they were trusting my abilities, probably something I may or may not have done in their situation. But I made sure that I was clean and well groomed before going to speak with them, which likely  went a long way to putting them in the trusting light. I told them all that if they liked my act and wanted me to return I would have to charge a small fee (and I've kept it as small as possible, remembering that I am doing this to feel like I'm making a contribution and not trying to find a quick and easy way to glean some open pockets!). Most have been very receptive to my performances and want me to return, agreeing to my fee requirements. Of course, the first couple were hard for me; jitters and trying to make things go smoothly and not like my practice sessions. But I've surprised myself. I can sing out the right melodies, strum the right chords, and smile real big for those good people. Good luck if you decide to play. And I'd be willing to bet that most, if not all, would get a real charge out of having you and your family bless them with your small part of the world!