... and found that in NZ there are around 700–900 unique facilities around the country, offering everything from independent living through to full memory care. Within a two-hour drive from where I live - reaching Auckland, our biggest city of 1.8m, Hamilton, a population of 235k, and several towns - there are around 220–250 locations. Even if I halve that number to account for those with tiny entertainment budgets, it gives me an idea of what a full calendar of gigs might look like. Keep in mind NZ has a population of just 5.4 million and the country is actually a little larger than the UK, so yep, it’s not a quick drive to anywhere ;) But it does look like there’s plenty of opportunity to build a regular circuit.

Before starting my week of shows, usually on a Sunday, I'll confirm every show via email and say something like this: Hi Sandy, Looking forward to sharing music with your residents this week! Confirming the show THIS Tuesday, October 20th, at 2pm. Do I have this date and time correct? Please find an invoice attached to this email and let me know if you need anything else:) Cheers, Chris If I don't get a confirmation back by the day of the show, I call the community and confirm I am indeed on their calendar for that date and time. Additionally, I will confirm my contact information for the activities director is correct and whether anything has changed since my last visit. (Because I hadn't gotten a response from my email) The secretary usually knows what's going on and can check the calendar to confirm the show and times. ALWAYS confirm and have.a digital record of the converstaion-not just a phone call. Get the secretary's email and send the confirmation to her. This helps when checking on late payments if that happens in the future.

I found myself in a bit of a jam at my show. It was 5 minutes till showtime but I couldn't find an extra thumb pick. This has never happened before. I usually have a spare one in every case and always keep extras but I seemed to be out. The residents noticed I was becoming frantic as I shuffled through my guitar case and my gear case searching. I rushed to find the director and told her I had forgotten something in my truck and so I ran to the truck and searched for a thumbpick because I ALWAYS have extras.....nope. Not here nor there or anywhere did I find one of my most important pieces of gear! And so I went back inside-at this point it was EXACTLY showtime and I tried to compose myself but they could tell I was frantic and nervous. My mood carried over to them and made them a bit uncomfortable. I noticed this and I took a mental step back and paused.... I looked at my audience of elderly residents and could tell in their eyes they wanted me to do well. I took a deep breath and said a silent prayer and then played with my fingers-I had no other option. And you know what? It worked out just fine. Let me pass along my lesson from this experience. Even if I had found an extra thumbpick, my audience watched me rushing around here and there and stressing out. What I should have done was just accept that the show must go on and stop searching and just do the show instead of giving them extra anxiety watching me fumble. Your audience will feel what you feel. Do the best you can with what you have....and when you get home order a BUNCH more picks🙃❤️

I would love to see a sample of someone's Invoice to use as a template. Also any tips about the process of delivery/follow up/timing would help greatly. Thanks

Does anyone provide lyric sheets for singalongs? One home asked me if I could help lead singing (NOT my strong point by a long shot). I’m willing to try 😁 I thought about providing words to at least half the songs and hope they sing louder than me. Anyone?