Craving an audience? Most musicians, despite the skill level, are among a group that love to share. We find music enlightening, invigorating, calming or stimulating. After learning new songs or a new lick we want to share the delight with someone else. There is nothing better than sharing with a care facility. No matter what type of music you play or how you play it you are no less than a star at the Grand Ole Opry.
My specific favorite is an elderly care home in Redding. There is a woman who sits right in the front and makes sure everyone is quiet, telling others to shut up! There is another who requests Jingle Bells every few minutes – causing the other to yell shut up. Then there’s the guy who gives every song a thumbs up and smiles constantly. They may not remember the small things day to day but play a song like “I’ll Fly Away” and they sing along, remembering every word.
We played to a full house at a senior housing facility last night and were treated to homemade pizza, chips and dips and dessert. They love everything and applaud and cheer! We played an extra hour on order not to eat and run… Each week we either play or practice in the great room of the Vets home. There is always a gathering here, including the staff.
My point being… Music makes us happy. Those playing and those listening. We get to share our joy of music with all who will listen, hopefully providing a happy hour or two to those who need it and at the same time fulfilling our need for the audience.
At the end of each session, bandmate George sings “Happy Trails” which inevitably brings a tear to those in the audience and most of the time, to me. “Happy Trails” is the kind of song that sticks in your head for days. I know, I hum it and sing it all the way home and I hope the music lasts for them too.
