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Post by NikGnashers on Jul 8, 2024 19:26:56 GMT
Aside from playing at singarounds, folk jam sessions, and open mic stuff, I have never played to anyone else.
Last week, I thought about who I could play to, aside from busking, and came up with the idea of emailing a few local nursing homes.
One replied within the hour, and asked if I could play on Saturday (last Saturday), and I said yes I'd certainly like to play (for free).
I wasn't quite sure how it would work, and just took a stool and footrest, playing unamplified.
What a fantastic experience !
I stuck to fingerpicking folk songs, like simon & garfunkel for example, and after a couple of songs had some singing along.
I made it as relaxed and informal as possible, and chatted to them, leaving space for them to tell stories, share memories, etc, and it was actually brilliant.
One lady I assumed was asleep, but halfway through a carer took her hand and said "Pat, can you hear Nik singing" and she replied "yes it's wonderful" .... I felt so blessed.
So, I'm playing at a couple more in the next month, and looking forward to it.
I know many on here have played real gigs to larger audiences, but I thought I'd share my experience, because it does seem a really good way to get started, and gain confidence playing to an audience.
I'm not looking to make any money, and merely do it for pleasure, and I really enjoyed it.
On to the next one !
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Post by newdave on Jul 8, 2024 20:15:19 GMT
That sounds brilliant.
Well done mate!!
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Post by Vinny on Jul 8, 2024 20:17:34 GMT
Sounds like you and your audience enjoyed it. That’s the best kind of gig. Well done.
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Post by ocarolan on Jul 8, 2024 21:02:23 GMT
NikGnashers - Brilliant!  Sounds wonderful, and it's not actually an easy thing to perform in such close contact with your audience. Nor is being able to connect with them and have them not only sing along but chat between songs and share memories - just amazing - I'm sure it was a meaningful experience for everyone. Do lots more! 
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delb0y
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Post by delb0y on Jul 8, 2024 21:44:07 GMT
Absolutely brilliant! Well done, Nik. It's not easy, and to go out and do that on your own is tremendous. Well done indeed!
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leoroberts
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Post by leoroberts on Jul 9, 2024 5:52:29 GMT
An audience is an audience - the very idea scares the crap out of me, so I am in awe of your bravery and achievement, NikGnashers. |
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Post by jonte on Jul 9, 2024 8:20:53 GMT
That's brilliant, I love it.
I'm involved with a local drama group and we've took short extracts of plays, poems, songs, etc in to a few local care homes. Like you say it's always been a rewarding experience.
Even if they don't all look like they're awake and enjoying it, they probably are!
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colins
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Post by colins on Jul 9, 2024 8:33:22 GMT
NikGnashers That is a brilliant thing to do. You provided joy to people who may not get as much out of their circumstances as many of us do. Plus, you obviously had a great and very rewarding time yourself. A great example of human kindness in an otherwise crap world. Thankyou. Oh, and always be nice to your children, they are the ones that will choose your care home. Colin
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Post by brianr2 on Jul 9, 2024 9:44:27 GMT
This is truly uplifting. I can think of few more deserving audiences and your playing clearly made them happy. That you got so much out of the experience too only adds to the quantum of joy. Well done indeed Nik.
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Post by earthbalm on Jul 9, 2024 10:53:06 GMT
Fantastic, well done that's a great way to share your music.
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Post by scorpiodog on Jul 9, 2024 12:45:22 GMT
Fantastic, Nik. What a great way to cut your performing teeth and do some good as well.  |
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Post by fatfingerjohn on Jul 9, 2024 12:53:18 GMT
Well done Nik.
I agree with you that finding an audience-based outlet for your playing can scare the cr*p out of you. But you've found a wonderful way of doing it. I've done this a few and what amazes me is how people with little ability to do daily tasks and remember even who they are, their birthday, family etc can still be uplifted by songs they knew 50 years ago and can even sing along word-perfect. Keep it up and you will reward yourself as well as lots of others.
FFJ
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Post by NikGnashers on Jul 9, 2024 15:25:00 GMT
Blimey !
I'm a bit overwhelmed with all the kind comments and thumbs up's.
Really appreciate everyone who has replied and given me such kind words.
I have the next two nursing home gigs booked for the 20th and 21st of this month, can't wait to be honest.
If anyone else reading this has even slightly considered doing this for a moment, I'd say just email a few places and see what happens. It's a win-win for all !
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Post by Phil Taylor on Jul 9, 2024 16:13:20 GMT
Absolutely brilliant Nik I'm really chuffed for you. Well done Phil |
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Post by NikGnashers on Jul 21, 2024 14:51:22 GMT
Just to update this,
I played yesterday at quite a posh old folks home, it was pretty good, but really REALLY warm, my hands were sticking to the neck, quite difficult to play.
Today I played at a different place, and it was 18c temp so fine, and I played much better. I'd say it's the best I have played out so far.
They were smiling, chatting, clapping and singing along, and at the end a couple of them actually kind of cheered !
Maybe it was because I had finished and I was on my way out, but I'll take that !!
Really enjoyed it, sang as well as I have ever done, played pretty well too, and they insisted I come back again.
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Jo whoever he is.
