I want to thank you for the time we’ve shared so far on this platform. You have been supportive and enthusiastic about my stories of Sandra The Free Range Super Bunny. Although I may resume efforts to publish that work at some point, at this juncture, the subject matter is going in a new direction.
I work as a troubadour with my guitar in nursing homes. I’m passionate about expanding this whole scene, enabling other musicians to get involved in this line of work.
“The Merriment Experiment” is the new name for this Substack. It will be a resource for anyone wishing to perform in elder care facilities. Whether you want to volunteer, maintain a musical side hustle or make a full time living out of it - this is our online connecting spot. The posts will feature interviews with activities directors, agents and musicians already working in this field. The subject matter will revolve around everything you need to know to market yourself and tailor your performance for this amazing environment.
What makes it especially amazing right now? The Boomer Generation. I’m a young Boomer, playing for older Boomers. The beauty of this is that we are now swimming in the same musical waters.
When I first wanted to play in nursing homes, 20 years ago, the music was out of my wheelhouse. I’m not a trained musician. I couldn’t quickly learn standards on guitar. Even when I learned a few, it didn’t come naturally to connect and play for people older than my parents.
These days, the people I play for are only about 15- 20 years my senior. We already love and grew up on basically the same music culture.
I’m playing Burt Bacharach, Marvin Gaye, Dusty Springfield, The Lovin’ Spoonful, Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, Elvis, Bee Gees, Motown, Cat Stevens, Harry Belafonte, Neil Diamond, Bob Marley - you get the idea.
We are all humming in the same music culture now. These folks want to hear music from the 1950’s up through the 1980’s and beyond. This is a natural fit for so many of us looking to work in this environment. It’s joyful work, it’s a terrific new market, and this is the gathering spot for relevant and informative content to get people started.
Of course I welcome you to stay tuned if this is relevant content to you, and no hard feelings if you unsubscribe.
There will be free content, and content behind a paywall. For the moment you can get a preview by reading a few recent articles posted to this homepage.
The Merriment Experiment begins now!
Bless you and Thank You for staying with me this far!
Bibi
I love this! Looking forward to learning more on your journey.
BRAVO BIBI!! To better explain to me her work in elder care facilities, a couple of years ago Bibi sang a few songs. Her private serenade unexpectedly made me feel special and beloved.
I must say, "ministry" barely begins to describe the magical shift Bibi unleashes when you find yourself at the center of one of her "sound baths."