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I have heard a version of this group, 3 penny piece, that plays around town. They were playing in the downtown park where all the festivals are, harvest fest. (A tad early) A Banjo player, a Mandolin/Lead Vocal, an electric bass, a fiddle, and an amped acoustic. I asked the organizer and he said, 'we would never afford these guys but they are retired and happy to get 40 bucks each, and the one guy does solo work for 60 bucks in bars, he plays later, 50 bucks a set until the crowd leaves. I say hmmmm. The music was a combination of old canadian stuff, 2 bee gees tunes, Murray McLaughlin, a couple of Joni Mitchell tunes (the wrong guy sang it might have been way better). 5 guys all about 65. Having a ball. The one guy told me that they never had acoustics like that EVER. It was a bandshell and the pa guys were the biggest in town, they have tractor trailers as stages and need huge trucks to haul stuff. I think my reaction was, if you have to do it for a living, good luck. If you love to do it, you'll find a way. As the wife says, go back to the hotel lobbies, smile and play stuff people like, and forget having a rock band, Or not! I went down to the Henry Moore Skated all in the Square The moon above my shoulder And the ice was in my hair Alone but never lonely That's how I like to be If you want to have fun Like a rock'n roll bum Don't think the worst of me Singin' don't you want to keep on moving Don't you want to get undone Don't you want to change from losing Don't you want to have some fun https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dj6muHmbfvY
John Conley
Musica est vita
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i would love to hear experiences where band-in-a-boxers visit local nursing homes and entertain for free just to invoke a smile and get us old flatulents moving. especially tunes from our teenage years (40s through 60s). those of us who have donated a few hours playing for our seniors can tell you...there are far greater rewards than money.
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Quote:
i would love to hear experiences where band-in-a-boxers visit local nursing homes and entertain for free just to invoke a smile and get us old flatulents moving. especially tunes from our teenage years (40s through 60s). those of us who have donated a few hours playing for our seniors can tell you...there are far greater rewards than money.
wise words from a good man! You've just planted a seed in a thousand musical minds! If that seed can just find root in the heart, I wonder what the outcome might be...?
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I have played in 5 nursing homes. Old songs, two had grand pianos no one played for years and I had to get a guy to do the tuning for almost free.
They have a lot of money and can spend it on crazy this. A home I played in for free had a guy who they paid 800 bucks a visit to do a 'birthday' show. Yellow Bird on an arranger keyboard with a mic and a 200 buck amp... good work if you can get it. He tried to make them stop me for playing free at noon for an hour.
Opened my eyes.
I played in a 40 piece brass band. We practiced in the large lobby 12 times in the fall and the same in the spring. New management came in and canned us. We just went for free and 30 or so people were wheeled in to hear us. Then we were gone. No notice.
I've played where someone had to be escorted out because they screamed Ava Marie at us, or a guy who yelled Turkey in the Straw over and over, even after we played it.
Just a bit off the rocker there.
But I've played for hundreds of hours, just me a a piano.
And I've played my keyboard with the principal flautist and piccalo from the local symphony for close to 6 months. She claimed I taught her a lot, but I just brought the music and a stand for her and used 500 year old celtic music.
You need to explain your deal to the management, get a letter of understanding, and be aware of other laws. Here you need a police background check for 40 bucks before you can even think about it. Maybe that's wrong, but it's the way it is.
John Conley
Musica est vita
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john, there's one little lady here named francis who owns me wee irish heart! if you can remember and picture the irish actor barry fitzgerald (qv), she could be his twin sister. she's as cute as the proverbial bugs ear. i think she's either 87 or 93. on her recent birthday party i asked her how old she was and she said: "they just now told me but i forgot!" sadly she has alzheimer's so i must re-intrroduce myself to her every day. i have my dynavox (speech synthesis device) pre-loaded with hundreds of songs (they call me "the music man") so i'll park my power chair beside her geri-chair (a sort of recliner on wheels) and play old time fiddle tunes, her personal favorite music, for her. i have observed that their (dementia patients) sense of musical rhythm remains largely intact and it's a great joy to me to see her start tapping her feet and waving her hands in perfect time to the music while smiling from ear to ear. it's considered a breach of patient privacy rights to photograph or video them (they can't give their legal consent) or i'd send you her picture. my point is...there isn't enough money in the world to equal the joy of her impish smile.
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While I can't add much to what has been said so I'll only echo the statements and observations above. I recall quite a few times seeing bed bound patients absolutely still throughout a performance, that is with the exception of a tapping foot.
Similar to the other thread regarding gig experiences like many of you I have many heart warming stories from playing charity gigs, many from the seniors but even more from the numerous special ed classes I have been fortunate enough to perform for over the years, these kids are great and their hugs just as wonderful.
Later,
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John, I was going to write a post about how "Real Musicians" play their music live, until I saw the vinyl, lol. I thought for sure this was a video of three blokes doing their thing in a park somewhere. I enjoyed the video as is and the music is real  Thanks, Trax
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Nursing homes - We played at our local one and they had an acoustic piano we used. My buddy brought his acoustic guitar, so we were a two piece band. The piano was an out of tuned stand up type and there were no microphones or amps to play through.
I knew we were in trouble when the lady in the very back row started yelling to turn it down, lol. I'm estimating that room could hold about 200 people and she was at the opposite end from where we were. Oh, the memories . . .
Trax
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Quote:
Nursing homes - We played at our local one and they had an acoustic piano we used. My buddy brought his acoustic guitar, so we were a two piece band. The piano was an out of tuned stand up type and there were no microphones or amps to play through.
I knew we were in trouble when the lady in the very back row started yelling to turn it down, lol. I'm estimating that room could hold about 200 people and she was at the opposite end from where we were. Oh, the memories . . .
Trax
Eddie,
Almost as bad . . . it's 85 degrees, you are sweating bullets and someone yells, "turn the heat on I'm freezing!"
Later,
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it's 85 degrees, you are sweating bullets and someone yells, "turn the heat on I'm freezing!"
That's me, I'm going by Sam McGee soon. Dang I'm cold. Over a year now. But messing with my thyroid is on the horizon. I hope to get some heat man.
John Conley
Musica est vita
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Tip, scour the 'flea markets' for old music books. I got one from the 30's. Lot's of spirituals, religious songs, etc.
My Mom who's 83 and somewhere around 9 years old, or maybe 8 in reality, she just once in a while yells..."Halleluiah I'm a bum, halleluiah bum again..." but there just a sort of tune. I figured it was just Mom being off kilter again.
But in the book there's the song. Depression song. Starts out with a ditty I have never heard about "Why don't you get a job like other men do?"...and he replies I can't get a job there's no work to do..."
and the rest is Halleluiah I'm a bum, halleluiah bum again..
so...Mom really is just singing a popular song from 'way back'.
BTW the tune would be known to old evang.types as Revive us Again.
The book, published in 32, is a snapshot of history. I got it and 5 editions of old music magazines for a buck. Great find. I have given away many of my old books, my kids would just put them in a garage sale, and I get more pleasure out of putting my library (personal) stamp in them, and putting them in a 'library', one of several where I donate things.
John Conley
Musica est vita
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john, danny miller comes the 3rd wednesday every month and gets this joint rockin;' but he makes $200 per 1 hour show and he's worth every penny. plays pie-anna ala jerry lee lewis and floyd cramer, a real showman. he adds bass drum by stomping on the base of the mic stand while playing, a very believable sound. he said i could share his music so, if you want to hear him, i can email some of his original tunes to you. just nod your head.
e pluribus onion
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Quote:
i would love to hear experiences where band-in-a-boxers visit local nursing homes and entertain for free just to invoke a smile and get us old flatulents moving. especially tunes from our teenage years (40s through 60s). those of us who have donated a few hours playing for our seniors can tell you...there are far greater rewards than money.
Okay, 6 years ago my wife and I joined a little band that plays at a different nursing/retirement home/hospital every week. It'a called Joyful Noise. Most of us are retired, but we have a few teachers who can make it after school. We play at 4 pm for a half hour just before our audiences have supper. This gave my wife and I an idea that we could play duets at some once a month. Due to the number of locations, Joyful Noise only gets to them a couple of times a year. We started using playalong cds and then someone told me about BIAB. We got some fake books and started making our own accompaniments. We started with cds on a boombox and now use a Roland cube and mp3 player. When we started, I barely knew what a chord is. Let alone how to do music arrangements. Many thanks to all the nice folks on these forums who helped us get going.
We also play for around 40 minutes. We play in the morning while the residents/patients have their snacks/meals. We don't charge anything nor do we think it appropriate for us to do so. It is our chance to share and bring a little joy to others. The folks just love it, too. Not that we are anything to write home about as musicians. We play 15-16 tunes-usually old standards mixed in with jazz, bossa, folk, and rock & roll. We just started adding R&R since some folks are even younger than us. We pass out word sheets for many of the songs and encourage everyone to sing along. There are times when I get bored with the music or maybe don't feel like I want to play that day. However, I know that if I didn't, I would have a guilt trip and who needs that?
You are right about the rewards, Don. I've seen folks who literally come to life when they hear a particular song that they happen to remember. Now that's what it's all about.
Stan
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Don to me you will always be a perpetual motion chicken!
Lenovo Win 10 16 gig ram, Mac mini with 16 gig of ram, BiaB 2022, Realband, Harrison Mixbus 32c version 9.1324, Melodyne 5 editor, Presonus Audiobox 1818VSL, Presonus control app, Komplete 49 key controller.
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I used to go once a month and play with a group at a nursing home. One time after finishing a song, I said to the group, "I'm sorry, I missed a chord."
A lady in the front row said, We don't know the difference."
Don S.
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stan, i am so proud of you! yes, that's exactly what it's all about. i like your idea of hand-outs with lyrics, excellent! by chance, a guy with his guitar came and entertained totally unannounced and the residents/patients really enjoyed it. he played for the smiles he invoked.
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I did put in the earlier post about yelling stuff.
A woman at a nursing home grabbed me and yelled Ave Maria and started singing over my playing. About the 3rd time she toppled me off the piano stool. They put her in the funny wing and she still beat on the door and you could faintly hear her yell...'ave maria'. Then they took her away. Sad really. All music did for her was make her yell that.
Halleluiah I'm a bum, halleluiah bum again...
John Conley
Musica est vita
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if you knew what you were saying, john, you'd bite your tongue off. hint: it contains the intimate form of the divine name which is definitely not "lord." you look it up, i already know what it means.
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Quote:
I did put in the earlier post about yelling stuff.
A woman at a nursing home grabbed me and yelled Ave Maria and started singing over my playing. About the 3rd time she toppled me off the piano stool. They put her in the funny wing and she still beat on the door and you could faintly hear her yell...'ave maria'. Then they took her away. Sad really. All music did for her was make her yell that.
Halleluiah I'm a bum, halleluiah bum again...
Hi John. Guess I'm sorta breaking in on your thread. Sorry, but this might be a good time to post a few funny tidbits.
There's a lady in an alzheimers home who was once a lead microbiologist. Her memory is pretty far gone now but she's a neatnik. One day as we were playing, we both took the charts off of our stands as we played each song. After a few, the lady walked over to the table while we were playing, took our charts, and tossed them in the waste can, which a staff member promptly took outside to the dumpster. Now she just takes the song sheets away from some of the other patients because we watch out for our charts.
At another place, I was trying to recall when "Raindrops" was popular and said I thought it was from the 50's. One lady said, "No, that's not right; It's a motown piece from the 60's." Playing in the dementia places is quite the experience. Sadly, not very many people come to do music for them. We are getting a new veterans' home here and we will definitely be playing there once a month.
Stan
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Quote:
I used to go once a month and play with a group at a nursing home. One time after finishing a song, I said to the group, "I'm sorry, I missed a chord."
A lady in the front row said, We don't know the difference."
Don S.
Hi Don. My son lives in Henderson and I've been there many times. There are a lot of places to play there. I think it would be good experience for some kids to play at places like that also.
Stan
Cornet Curmudgeon
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Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
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Update Your PowerTracks Pro Audio 2024 Today!
The Newest RealBand 2024 Update is Here!
The newest RealBand 2024 Build 5 update is now available!
Download and install this to your RealBand 2024 for updated print options, streamlined loading and saving of .SGU & MGU (BB) files, and to add a number of program adjustments that address user-reported bugs and concerns.
This free update is available to all RealBand 2024 users. To learn more about this update and download it, head to www.pgmusic.com/support.realband.htm#20245
The Band-in-a-Box® Flash Drive Backup Option
Today (April 5) is National Flash Drive Day!
Did you know... not only can you download your Band-in-a-Box® Pro, MegaPAK, or PlusPAK purchase - you can also choose to add a flash drive backup copy with the installation files for only $15? It even comes with a Band-in-a-Box® keychain!
For the larger Band-in-a-Box® packages (UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition), the hard drive backup copy is available for only $25. This will include a preinstalled and ready to use program, along with your installation files.
Backup copies are offered during the checkout process on our website.
Already purchased your e-delivery version, and now you wish you had a backup copy? It's not too late! If your purchase was for the current version of Band-in-a-Box®, you can still reach out to our team directly to place your backup copy order!
Note: the Band-in-a-Box® keychain is only included with flash drive backup copies, and cannot be purchased separately.
Handy flash drive tip: Always try plugging in a USB device the wrong way first? If your flash drive (or other USB plug) doesn't have a symbol to indicate which way is up, look for the side with a seam on the metal connector (it only has a line across one side) - that's the side that either faces down or to the left, depending on your port placement.
Update your Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows® Today!
Update your Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows for free with build 1111!
With this update, there's more control when saving images from the Print Preview window, we've added defaults to the MultiPicker for sorting and font size, updated printing options, updated RealTracks and other content, and addressed user-reported issues with the StylePicker, MIDI Soloists, key signature changes, and more!
Learn more about this free update for Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows at www.pgmusic.com/support_windowsupdates.htm#1111
Band-in-a-Box® 2024 Review: 4.75 out of 5 Stars!
If you're looking for a in-depth review of the newest Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows version, you'll definitely find it with Sound-Guy's latest review, Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows Review: Incredible new capabilities to experiment, compose, arrange and mix songs.
A few excerpts:
"The Tracks view is possibly the single most powerful addition in 2024 and opens up a new way to edit and generate accompaniments. Combined with the new MultiPicker Library Window, it makes BIAB nearly perfect as an 'intelligent' composer/arranger program."
"MIDI SuperTracks partial generation showing six variations – each time the section is generated it can be instantly auditioned, re-generated or backed out to a previous generation – and you can do this with any track type. This is MAJOR! This takes musical experimentation and honing an arrangement to a new level, and faster than ever."
"Band in a Box continues to be an expansive musical tool-set for both novice and experienced musicians to experiment, compose, arrange and mix songs, as well as an extensive educational resource. It is huge, with hundreds of functions, more than any one person is likely to ever use. Yet, so is any DAW that I have used. BIAB can do some things that no DAW does, and this year BIAB has more DAW-like functions than ever."
Convenient Ways to Listen to Band-in-a-Box® Songs Created by Program Users!
The User Showcase Forum is an excellent place to share your Band-in-a-Box® songs and listen to songs other program users are creating!
There are other places you can listen to these songs too! Visit our User Showcase page to sort by genre, artist (forum name), song title, and date - each listing will direct you to the forum post for that song.
If you'd rather listen to these songs in one place, head to our Band-in-a-Box® Radio, where you'll have the option to select the genre playlist for your listening pleasure. This page has SoundCloud built in, so it won't redirect you. We've also added the link to the Artists SoundCloud page here, and a link to their forum post.
We hope you find some inspiration from this amazing collection of User Showcase Songs!
Congratulations to the 2023 User Showcase Award Winners!
We've just announced the 2023 User Showcase Award Winners!
There are 45 winners, each receiving a Band-in-a-Box 2024 UltraPAK! Read the official announcement to see if you've won.
Our User Showcase Forum receives more than 50 posts per day, with people sharing their Band-in-a-Box songs and providing feedback for other songs posted.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed!
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