Well good for you, Gern! The songs you chose sound fine, and I'm not suprised that you walked out feeling that you wre given much more than you gave.

I had a beautiful experience once, that I'd wish on everyone. I went to play at a nursing home where I'd played many times before (and since.) When I got set up.. no sound system, as it was a small room, I played one song and when I finished, someone asked me if I knew an old turn-of the century popular song (which I didn't and have long since forgotten the title.) Someone else said that they knew it, and a couple other people said that they did, too. So, I encouraged them to sing the song, which they did. When they were done, someone said, "does anybody know... and it was another old popular song I'd never heard.) And someone said they did, and proceeded to sing it. People who hadn't volunteered that they knew the song knew parts of it... maybe just the chorus. But, many of the people were singing along, and there was an increasing air of excitement. And on they went, thinking of old songs that they loved (none of which I0-d ever heard of, and I know most of the turn of the century and teens and twenties songs, at least by title. After about 45 minutes, when I hadn't played another song, I quietly packed up my guitar and said goodbye, between songs. They all looked so excited and happy that I left feeling about as fine as anyone could feel. As I was walking down the hallway, I could hear someone starting God Bless America.

But, all was not well. I met Nurse Ratchet coming down the hall and she was very upset. She started apologizing profusely for the rudeness of her patients, not letting me sing. I asked her if she realized what a beautiful thing was happening... that they'd discovered that they could get together to sing and entertain themselves. Of course, she didn't. There was nothing in the rules and regulations that allowed such a thing.

That afternoon, One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest. As a matter of fact, a whole flock flew over... :-)

Jerry