Guest, they had amplifiers in the 1930s, too. Besides, I don't care if you've got a voice like Janis Joplin (or anyone else with ample pipes), if you have to be heard over ice-making machines, overhead PA announcements, staffers clearing dishes, and other staffers TRYING to out-shout you, you bleeping well need an amplifier.

Whether you need amplification or not depends on several factors, including the acoustics of the room, ambient noise, the kind of instrument you're playing (trumpets and accordions, and pianos usually don't need to be amplified), the volume of your voice, and -- oh, yes, -- whether it's important for the audience to hear all your lyrics clearly.

Anyway, if Rita wants to use an amp, it's her business.

Genie