My Pop pop was always saying these things to my brothers and I while growing up. These bits of wisdom have always helped me throughout my life. Maybe they can help you too❤️ "Slow down, sit still, listen" "When you have a song you love in your heart, home isn't that far away" "The songs we sing say a lot about us" "Music brings family and friends together" "Family and friends are the most important things" "Be the love you wish to see in the world" "Share the songs you love with those you love" What advice about life or music do you keep with you?

Today, while singing “God Bless the USA” during a Veterans Day patriotic program, I witnessed a special moment. During the first chorus of the song, an older man in the back row stood to his feet. I acknowledged him with a small gesture of appreciation. When the second verse began, he sat back down. As I continued, I noticed a young nurse, probably in his late twenties, helping a lady on the other side of the room. He had noticed the man standing during the first chorus. When the chorus came around again, he stood once more. This time, the young nurse turned toward him and saluted him from across the room. The two men stood facing one another at attention until the song ended. It was such a powerful moment. Here was a young man taking the time to honor an older gentleman who had served our country. The respect exchanged between them was louder than words. I only wish I had a photo to capture that moment, but it’s a great memory 🫡🇺🇸 To all of you who are singing, playing for Veterans Day shows, I wish you well!

Does anybody worry about taking an expensive Guitar to the gig? The Guitar I usually play at home is a fairly expensive Guitar and I worry about taking it to the gig because I have seen videos where a resident, who perhaps played Guitar when they were younger, asked if they could play the guitar. I would want to accommodate them, because I am there to serve them, but at the same time, I would be worried about them possibly dropping or otherwise damaging the instrument. I know that the solution, given my concerns, would be to take a less expensive Guitar to the senior community. Is this a real concern, or am I just paranoid? (or perhaps both. 😍).

I have started putting together a list of Christmas songs. Any suggestions for must-play songs? If you are playing a show at Christmastime how much of your set should be Christmas related, or is the audience already tired of Christmas songs by the U.S. Thanksgiving Day? Here is my list, so far: Elvis Presley - Blue Christmas Bing Crosby - White Christmas Judy Garland - Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas Wham! - Last Christmas (not sure) John Lennon - Happy Xmas War Is Over Nat King Cole - The Christmas Song Paul McCartney - Wonderful Christmastime Santa Claus Is Coming To Town

I'm known among senior communities as 'the guy who talks about his grandfather'. I didn't market myself this way-it just happened. Overtime, as my confidence grew, I began to share my music roots and why I'm happy to be with the residents and how my grandfather's guitar changed my life. When I shared my 'why' with the residents, the show became more than the music and started transforming into something else. In between songs, I'd say something like, "...Pop pop told me if you have a song you love you need to share it with others, they will feel the love even if they don't know the song.." Then I'd start playing 'Yesterday' or 'What a wonderful world'. The show was becoming more like an 'experience' as I shared the stories and reasons behind the songs I play. Music became almost secondary. As if one were admiring the intricately designed framing before ever noticing the beautiful painting. As I grew as a performer, so did my recollections of being with my grandfather and his lessons. I'd sit at the kitchen table and practice a song and Pop pop would say, "..you're playing too damn fast. Imagine you are eating a piece of you're grandmother's cheesecake..the goal isn't to eat as fast as you can-savor every bite and make it last." Every time I play a song on the guitar I think of that. Mmmmm cheesecake! I think this is why my show is different than others. Why did you begin playing music? How does this shape the life you live? These are a few good questions to answer and share with residents at your next show. They want to know you, not just listen to your music. The more you share about yourself and the love you have for your music, the more you will connect with your senior communities. What do you want to be known for?