My buddy (fiddle) and I (piano) have been playing at several nursing homes on a fairly regular basis for about a year now, and it's been one of the best things we've ever done. My hope is that the more time we spend in those places now, the less we'll have to spend in 'em later....

My favorites are the old ladies whose fathers were fiddlers or dance callers.

But, of course, that's a pretty different audience and environment than you'll be playing for, Kat, and I wish you all the best luck and good cheer. How lucky those folks will be to have you there as they take their long journey.

Annie