i've played a few dozen nursing home gigs. usually i play harp and sing old irish and scottish songs with a few maritimes ones as well. it goes over great. many more of the patrons know the lyrics than at a normal celtic gig and although you see some veryill people, many are both gratefull and enthusiastic.

it's more women than men--i guess the statistics are right that women live longer.

the pay is also good and they don't want you at prime hours. tuesday or wednesday afternoon is when i usually play and i'm not likely to make much money then anywhere else. i do usually take one other instrument and alternate it to add a little spice, like mandolin, cittern, bouzouki, or guitar. and occasionally fiddle.

i enjoy the gigs. i got them by being seen busking but i've never solocited a nursing home gig, but i suspect if you just phone up and perhaps send a tape it shouldn't be too hard.