It’s not often that we play at retirement homes or assisted communities for senior citizens. It’s not that we don’t enjoy it. In fact, we have a blast. But we are less often approached for this kind of entertainment, and we are usually playing at weddings and corporate events.
With that said, when we do get that call, it usually goes one of two ways.
1. “Let’s keep it quiet. You know, maybe some jazz standards from their era?”
Oh geez, the word ‘era’ makes it feel so ancient. And while there is a time and place for light jazz from the 30’s and 40’s, it is not necessarily at a retirement home.
The other way I have seen this go, starts off like this…
2. “Our group is lively. They want to have some fun, so feel free to rock and roll, get them singing and dancing!”
More often than not, the latter turns out to be the more successful event.
Singing And Dancing Does Not End At 70
What I have found is that people don’t want to be approached as if they are ‘fragile.’ Case in point, even when our pianist, Michael Sherman, was in a leg cast, he wanted to stand up and sing. And he did! Certainly, there are cases that require extra sensitivity. But for the most part, assuming that singing and dancing is out of the question does not generally lift one’s spirits. And even if someone is unable to perform the task, they always enjoy watching others do it. Who doesn’t like to be around happy people?
As for that wheelchair… It’s not always a sign of complete debilitation. I have seen several people stand up to let loose for a song. And even if it is just a few minutes, it’s a great moment.
What Do Elderly People Enjoy?
The SAME thing as YOU! They like to have fun. The mentality that they can’t is unhealthy and shows how out of touch some of us are with society. Remember, I am talking about assisted living communities – not emergency rooms.
It’s a two-way street. Many of the younger audiences today love to sing and dance to Dion, Elvis, Del Shannon. And while they might not recognize all of the artist names, they always recognize those hit songs like “Runaround Sue,” “Jailhouse Rock,” “Runaway,” “Great Balls Of Fire,” and so many others. Vice versa, many senior citizens are well versed in current pop music. If not completely current, I can certainly rock out some Billy Joel, and never get one of those “Turn it down!” looks.
That time of year is approaching. We usually have several Christmas shows. But instead of playing “Silent Night,” which they can hear during church service, I think I will stick to “Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer”, because aside from being able to sing and dance, senior citizens have a great sense of humor, too!
Contact us today, and learn more about what we offer!
Be the first to leave a review.
