I sang in Walnut Creek Friday afternoon at a large, beautifully decorated senior living facility. I performed in the lobby part of their establishment which consists of a check-in desk, large gathering area sounded by full wall windows and a grand piano near the far end of the room. I set up my equipment near the piano and was happy to have people greet me by name as they remembered my performance from last month!
After I had everything set up, I ventured into their large dining room nearby. They have a full bar with granite counters and dark wood that was all arranged with snacks and drinks ready to be either picked up or delivered to the audience waiting in the lobby. After all, this was happy- hour...and the residents were ready for some "happy" and entertainment! The first time I saw this bar area I smiled as I noticed that there were no bar stools...almost everyone standing around the bar was propped up with a walker. It's a strange site at first, but it has grown me.
It was about four months ago I noticed one spry gentleman maneuvering up to the bar in his wheelchair. He had a large wooden tray arranged with a napkin on his lap and he was well prepared to get his drink and snack. I remarked to him, "You must have been a Boy Scout, because it looks like you've thought this all out!" He replied back, "I'm an Eagle Scout, and yes, this makes it all much easier for me to manage." We then exchanged a fun conversation about his Boy Scout days and I shared that my son was also an Eagle Scout. I always look forward to seeing him each time I perform.
I returned to the lobby and got ready to start the show. Most people sit in the same places for each show so it's easy to start discovering the personalities. There were the women on the sofa along the back wall who love a cocktail, especially the olives. The few who stay in the library-game room off to the side of the lobby, and the ones who like the seats up front.
I sang "My Funny Valentine", and made reference to Valentine's Day as it was three days before the event and they had many decorations up for the festivities. I included "Papa Loves Mambo", "Chattanooga Choo Choo" and several other fast numbers, I can tell they really enjoy them just as much as the slow love songs. They all sang along when "I'll Be Loving You,Always" came up. There's something magical that happens when we all connect in a song.
After an hour of singing, I always make my rounds to say hello and thank them for coming out to share their happy-hour with me. I had to laugh as I greeted the cocktail ladies along the back wall. With their empty glasses and all smiles the one sweet woman in the middle declared, "You know what we really like about you? You don't talk too much, you get down to the business of singing!" I thanked them for their compliment and made a note to myself, to not talk too much in the future! As I made my way around the room, most audience members shared kind comments and I felt we had all had a good time!
After I had everything set up, I ventured into their large dining room nearby. They have a full bar with granite counters and dark wood that was all arranged with snacks and drinks ready to be either picked up or delivered to the audience waiting in the lobby. After all, this was happy- hour...and the residents were ready for some "happy" and entertainment! The first time I saw this bar area I smiled as I noticed that there were no bar stools...almost everyone standing around the bar was propped up with a walker. It's a strange site at first, but it has grown me.
It was about four months ago I noticed one spry gentleman maneuvering up to the bar in his wheelchair. He had a large wooden tray arranged with a napkin on his lap and he was well prepared to get his drink and snack. I remarked to him, "You must have been a Boy Scout, because it looks like you've thought this all out!" He replied back, "I'm an Eagle Scout, and yes, this makes it all much easier for me to manage." We then exchanged a fun conversation about his Boy Scout days and I shared that my son was also an Eagle Scout. I always look forward to seeing him each time I perform.
I returned to the lobby and got ready to start the show. Most people sit in the same places for each show so it's easy to start discovering the personalities. There were the women on the sofa along the back wall who love a cocktail, especially the olives. The few who stay in the library-game room off to the side of the lobby, and the ones who like the seats up front.
I sang "My Funny Valentine", and made reference to Valentine's Day as it was three days before the event and they had many decorations up for the festivities. I included "Papa Loves Mambo", "Chattanooga Choo Choo" and several other fast numbers, I can tell they really enjoy them just as much as the slow love songs. They all sang along when "I'll Be Loving You,Always" came up. There's something magical that happens when we all connect in a song.
After an hour of singing, I always make my rounds to say hello and thank them for coming out to share their happy-hour with me. I had to laugh as I greeted the cocktail ladies along the back wall. With their empty glasses and all smiles the one sweet woman in the middle declared, "You know what we really like about you? You don't talk too much, you get down to the business of singing!" I thanked them for their compliment and made a note to myself, to not talk too much in the future! As I made my way around the room, most audience members shared kind comments and I felt we had all had a good time!
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