Let me second the posting 'way back up at the top about finding out what a facility wants you to do.

We were playing at a place that had both an assisted living wing, and a convalescent wing. We had gone through a 'booking agent,' (a guy who set himself up with a bunch of nursing homes, etc., and then was skimming the top off of everyone's pay when he 'set up' the gigs...I guess that's what an agent IS, but it really seemed extraneous, in this instance!)--
Anyway, we had gone through this 'booking agent,' and he said that these folks wanted a program of fiddle tunes, etc., like we'd play for a contra dance. I was a bit surprised at this, but thought, "Well, there *could* be an "Old Contra Dancers Home" out there..."

My partner had to call the facility for some reason or other, the day of the gig, and, over the phone, one of the employees said, "Oh, they just can't WAIT for your sing-along..."
Yipe!
This necessitated a quick side-trip, after work, to pick up the autoharp (which is what I sing with--not the piano, which is what I play at dances...) and a couple of appropriate songbooks.

In the course of the conversation, my partner had also learned that this particular facility wanted NOTHING with religious content. No "Amazing Grace," no "What a Friend We Have in Jesus,"--not even "Simple Gifts!" ("Oh!" I thought; "It's not the "Old Contra Dancers' Home--it's the "Old Atheists' Home!") Anyway, we did a bunch of sing-along songs, sang a few for them to listen to, and played a few fiddle tunes (one being "Maggie," which we started out slowly--and they sang to our playing!--and then sped up to dance speed, which they loved!)

So--*do* ask what they want/need/enjoy/expect. They may not be right on target with their residents, but it might keep you from making a MAJOR faux pas!!

...and avoid those agents, if you can...

Denise:^)