Every few months I get to sing in a duo at a retirement home. It is a very short gig but I absolutely love it. It often coincides with the home's birthday party or some kind of holiday, and our set list consists mostly of tunes dating back to the 20s and beyond. Some Doris Day, Frank Sinatra, songs like Tennessee Waltz, Blue Moon, Around The World, Sentimental Journey - all amazing oldies for easy listening.
For these I get to sit on a stool and sing while my duo partner, Marc, plays the keys. He has this amazing talent for jazz, blues, and improvisation at a level that I may likely never reach in that style. Just hearing his piano playing is incredible.
This particular 'performance' will be themed for Valentine's Day. As so, our set list is chalk-ful of lovey-dovey tunes and love songs we don't always perform, and I fully plan on dressing in something pink and/or red to match. I also get to learn two new tunes for it:
My Funny Valentine
Tea for Two
I am super pumped to learn a couple new tunes - especially one that has been on my list for years to learn and the other another easy listening oldie.
It may not seem glamorous or particularly exciting to sing for such an audience, but it is a pretty incredible experience and I wish that more musicians would take the time to perform at these places. These folks just appreciate music in general, and many do not have the physical capabilities of going 'out' to watch live bands or live music anywhere. They rely on others to come to their home in order to listen to music. It may not be glamorous, but it truly is rewarding, especially when people sing along to their favourite tunes.
I love #MyMusicalLife
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