A New Gig!

Kurt Graber · From: Wichita, KS, USA

If you ever get in a rut where you are tired of playing the bar scene do what I did this past weekend. I took some rythym tracks that I have practiced to for years and went to a nursing home and played for these people. I played for about an hour to just a CD player. The response and the look on these peoples faces really made me feel like a million bucks. Just to see somebody smile and say "Thankyou for playing for us" is worth so much more than the pay at the end of the night at some bar. I know some of you guys do this all the time but those of you who haven't, take a Sunday afternoon and try this gig out. I'll definately be doing this again.

Webb Kline · From: Orangeville, PA

God Bless you! The Bible tells us that when we minister to the poor, the sick, the elderly, etc, that we are actually ministering to Jesus himself. That's a pretty big gig if you ask me. Is it any wonder we come away from sessions like that wondering who was blessed the most--us or them?

Jim Harper · From: Comanche, Oklahoma, USA * R.I.P.

My younger brother and i went to Lawton,Okla and played for the American Cancer program there and i tell you it made us feel like a million dollar,s. The folk,s were so grateful and we were very proud to help. God Bless==Jim-Peg Harper

Robert Thomas · From: Mehama, Oregon, USA

I have posted on this subject several times, but have never heard whether anyone else tried it on a regular basis.
I gave up the bar scene many years ago and have been playing strictly nursing homes and alzheimer units for over 7 years. I play 2 and 3 times per week. I used to do it 3 and 4 times a week, but at over 70 I had to slow down a little bit.
I know that if you would take and set a little time aside to give of your talent to others, free of charge, that you will be rewarded beyond measure.
If you question what I said, try it just once and then set yourself up to do it on a regular basis, just to be giving freely of yourself.
It is also a wonderful way to practice playing melody all the way through.

John Daugherty · From: Rolla, Missouri, USA

In my neck of the woods it is a common practice to have a benefit show for a worthy cause. Someone will offer to coordinate the show by obtaining a hall, inviting musicians, arranging an auction of donated items,advertising, etc..
The benefits are normally scheduled on sunday afternoon when musicians are free to perform.
I, along with with several good musicians, set up as a house band and play for anyone who wants to perform. We do this one to two times per month.
It can be very gratifying, and fun, compared to working a job. I have played many of these where I worked 8 hours and never had any regrets..........JD

Les Anderson · From: The Great White North

It's also amazing how many musicians one comes across in these old folks homes.

I still do the retirement homes now and then and have come across more than one 80+ old codger who can still burn up the strings. Their fingers may be a little stiff; however, after a few bars, you know whether or not you have come across a real talent from the past.

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(I am not right all of the time but I sure like to think I am!)

[This message was edited by Les Anderson on 08 February 2005 at 10:06 AM.]

Bob Carlucci · From: Candor, New York, USA

I have done it... It IS a blessing .. the old, sick,infirm souls DO love and appreciate the effort,and are VERY HAPPY you have come to minister to them,but I think the performers get an even bigger kick out of it!!. God WILL honor the time and effort put forth bring a brief joy to these aging folks in declining health...I am ashamed I have not done it more.... bob

Leland Ogle · From: Baxter Springs, Kansas, USA

Kurt, that's sounds like a great thing you did. Very rewarding for you as well as the enjoyment those people received. Maybe you can come pick with us at one of our monthly meetings.
Lee

Leon Grizzard · From: Austin, Texas, USA

I regularly play old folks' homes, from nursing homes to upscale assisted living, when my day job permits. I join a fiddler and an accoustic guitarist (I play electric six string and sing), and we play mostly old swing and country. Its a not-much paying gig, but the real reward is the appreciation of these fine old mostly ladies in attendance. Plus, they really know the tunes. Beer barrel polka, Gorilla my Dreams, Please Don't Talk About Me When I,m Gone, Chinatown. Really a blast. Like playing for my parents (but not so snobby).

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