Happy Independence Day: Positive Updates

Sing it and they will come

I’m very happy to share with you that despite my conviction that this would not take shape as a permanent booking format - I was wrong!

As I’ve mentioned before, I’ve been working with a very gifted singer named Baby Monroe. We met on the music scene in NYC. He wanted to join me on the strolling rounds, as he put it to “give something back” to the community.

Baby Monroe used to sing with Paul Schaffer’s band on Saturday Night Live, he’d entertain as the audience would filter into the theater before the live TV broadcast. He’s hot stuff!

He did an afternoon with me in one of my Crown Heights, Brooklyn facilities as a volunteer. The activities director just loved him. I casually asked if I could add his fee to my invoice, as she wanted us both back. She loves our sound, and also likes that we coordinate our outfits.

I was expecting resistance. I was expecting she’d raise my rate a little to include him.

Instead, she agreed on the spot to double the rate from now on! Now my frequent gigs at this facility are always to include Baby Monroe. She just booked us for four more dates.

I get to present a better show, with an outstanding singer. I have much more musical fun. And I don’t have to sing everything myself for hours and hours!

All WIN all around! So if you want to present a duo instead of going solo- you might be surprised that they DO have a budget for this in some cases. I’m now going to pitch us to all my NYC facilities.

We’re working on some truly majestic songs: Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield, Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson, The Temptations, The Spinners, The Four Tops - all kinds of timeless, powerful American music.

That is my favorite thing about this country - our astounding musical heritage.

Here we are doing The Great Pretender. One thing about working in big nursing homes- there is always LOTS of noise. TV sets, beeps, alarms, people talking. You learn to sing and play over this distraction.

Wishing you a peaceful and Happy July 4th!