Good Samaritans

[keymandoguy]

How many others on here are playing at nursing homes ? I am now playing at least one sometimes 2 a week. (talk about a captive audience ) Just kidding . Playing with 2 different bands but its a good chance to get to play and for at least an hour a month give the shutins something to look forward to. I find it rewarding http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[Blind_Cowboy]

Never really thought about it. Captive audience, and probably some excellent stories that can transgress into songs. Not to mention the mutual benefit. I may look into this.

[smilnJackB]

My wife and I played last night for 2 combined medical support groups (diabetes and heart. 65 people, mostly 65 and older. What a great audience and very willing to sing along! We used, guitar, mando, harmonica and Irish Whistle.
We had chorus lyrics copied of for Swing Low Sweet Chariot, Amazing Grace, Glory Glory and You Are My Sunshine. This was a fun deal and they will want us back!
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif Jack

PS: We are learning! We played through a mistake or two and restarted one song. No problem!

[mandoryan]

Our band does occasionally. Whoever can get together will go and entertain and mingle. They love it. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[Tim Smith]

While my wife was hospitalised this year on two different occasions there was a guitar player who came to the room and played a couple of songs. The second time he came she asked him about it and he said he came every Monday evening. He was very quiet but would ask if she would like to hear a song and then he would play a couple and leave and go to the next room. He was also very good and played beautifully.

[tiltman]

My band played a few last year as a "warm up" before playing at small festivals/band contests. Had a lot of fun and the inmates seemed to really enjoy it. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif
Kirk

[Hoovetone]

Rest home/Assisted Care Homes favorites:

Left over Biscuits
Always Marry An Ugly Girl
Ole Joe Clark (words from Sam Bush's version)

We play at least once a month.

[Gail Hester]

This is the picture I promised to never show anyone, oh well. Last December I was asked by a friend to bring my mandolin and help him accompany his church choir for some Christmas caroling. When I got to the meeting place I was filled in on exactly what we were doing which amounted to driving all over, in and around Tacoma, for hours, playing for various shut-ins and nursing homes for church members who due to illness or immobility were not able to leave their homes. The weather was cold and miserable but it would be hard to find a more appreciative audience. Can’t wait to do it again this year!

-Chuck

[John Flynn]

My band has played a few times at the same assisted living facility. It's a nice thing to do. Two things that caught us up short, though, were: The assisted living facility provided a bar and bartender when we played. The bar was as popular as the band! Also, We learned not to play past 4:25 in the afternoon. The cafeteria opens at 4:30 and no matter how much the audience likes the entertainment, they are outta there at 4:25!