In a message dated 11/24/2008 3:30:06 PM Pacific Standard Time, news@musicianscontact.com writes:
Ken Harris said: Live music is not as special as it used to be for the masses so one has to create his/her own opportunities as much as possible. I work in elder care facilities playing older songs. It’s the best appreciative audience for live music. These people are at the end of their lives and my musical performance is the high point of their week, but I have to learn some older songs from their past. It’s more satisfying than playing a smoky bar. Get a solo or duo act together because there are a lot of gigs that can only afford to pay 1 or 2 players.
Actually not all of these people are at the end of their lives. There can be a broad range of ages and not all may be elderly as some facilities accept younger disabled people. Furthermore, whether it is the high point of their week depends on the individual.
Inasmuch as I was railroaded into one of these homes I can attest to the fact that many of the musicians who came in to perform seemed like they were either at the beginning of their careers or at the end.
Part of the reason the residents may be so enthralled during the music could be because life in those places is not fun and games, many people have despair and fear and the people who run some of these places act like the residents are disobedient children or pets. Visitors to a home have no concept what it’s really like. It’s the differenc between watching ater boil and being side a pot of boiling water.
