In earlier threads on nursing homes, Genie and musicmic both said they bring their own amps. Being a total ignoramus on the subject, I would like to get more info.

F'rinstance, what about speakers?

When I played for service organizations, etc, two years ago, they used the facility's built-in sound system. Usually there was a lapel mike, but I always asked for a table or floor stand if it was available. We used one microphone for both voice and my zither or MacArthur Harp.

There was only one time when I managed to get a sound check: I was lucky enough to get there while a maintenance man was in the room, and he helped me get the levels adjusted on the sound system. The rest of the time I was on my own.

I discussed bringing my own mic and/or amp with various friends at the time, but didn't know if I would be able to hook into the built-in sound system.

Lots of times I sang without amplification. This can be a strain if the room is large.

Here's the funniest thing I ever ran into: I was playing for a luncheon at an Officers' Club. It was a big semi-circular room, windows all around, with a sliding partition to divide it into two separate meeting rooms. We had one half. There was a buffet on one side. The audience were seated, about eight to a table, at round dinner tables. (They fed me very well at this event BTW....)

Well, they had a table mike for me. So I did my first couple of songs, and then the management came in and told us, We're sorry, you're going to have to stop using the sound system. It seems the speakers were in both halves of the room. On the other side of the partition, there was some kind of awards or anniversary dinner, and they were trying to make toasts and give speeches, which was impossible with "Rose of Allendale" coming out loud and clear over the speaker system.

So. I moved right up to the tables and everyone moved to the nearer tables and I sang without a mike. They were very appreciative later that I had kept a sense of humor and gone ahead with the music.