I had an interesting gig yesterday. I was hired to sing at a “retirement community” in the suburbs. Cast aside all of your normal visuals of a nursing home. This was a 38-acre compound that offers five levels of care (independent homes to full care nursing) a “town square, shops, library and a performance space that seats 220+ with a state of the art sound system. Initially I was going in with just a piano and then I figured why not take in an ensemble so that I could give them a “show” and I am so glad that I did. I gave them the full – though abbreviated – treatment: Boa, props and a four piece band. I called in Mike Jackson who did a fabulous job entertaining, playing sax and singing some great tunes which they loved. I ran around and sat on thee old gents, told stories and sang – it was a blast. I am as thrilled about that little 60 minute show as any concert I have given and in the end they were on their feet (those who could stand) and gathered around me with such gratitude in their faces (“This was fun!”) that it almost brought me to tears. What joy is my job!
By // by Lynne Jordan
