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Amy, all I did was get a little push from a friend of mine who does one man bad gigs (www.bensoneband.com). He told me its how he got his start. So, knowing I was about to retire soon, I stopped at most all of the retirement homes in the town where I worked and asked for the Activities Director. Most of them have one. I informed them that I would like to play for their residents and that the first time I played it would be free of charge. Like most all people would react, they were enthusiastic about getting some entertainment for their people and that "free of charge" fit their budgets rather nicely. Fortunately for me, they were trusting my abilities, probably something I may or may not have done in their situation. But I made sure that I was clean and well groomed before going to speak with them, which likely  went a long way to putting them in the trusting light. I told them all that if they liked my act and wanted me to return I would have to charge a small fee (and I've kept it as small as possible, remembering that I am doing this to feel like I'm making a contribution and not trying to find a quick and easy way to glean some open pockets!). Most have been very receptive to my performances and want me to return, agreeing to my fee requirements. Of course, the first couple were hard for me; jitters and trying to make things go smoothly and not like my practice sessions. But I've surprised myself. I can sing out the right melodies, strum the right chords, and smile real big for those good people. Good luck if you decide to play. And I'd be willing to bet that most, if not all, would get a real charge out of having you and your family bless them with your small part of the world!

By the way, I don't spam, I sing music to those who don't have much else. I garden, I visit with people, I work part time, and I love my wife. If that bothers any of you, you won't be hearing from me again!!!

I'm still stuck in the love of Denver, the earthy tones of Lightfoot, the spiritual renewal of over a hundred years of gospel, and the joy and humor of the 40s and 50s. The folks in the homes have agreed about what is happening in the world, as far as the evil that exists in it, and turned right around with smiles on their faces and gratitude for the music they have heard. I think Pete Seeger would have agreed. But thanks anyway...

Doug, Thanks for the reply. My brother suggested that I come up with a portable cart so that I could unload the amp from my car into it and then wheel all my gear at one shot to the venue. I'll definitely be taking that to mind because it took all of three loads (two not so heavy -just bulky) to get all of my gear into the retirement home that I played. I guess, from what I've learned from others, that's just part of the benefits of playing public - you get all the exercise you'll ever need! LOL!

A long, long time ago I sat in during a group string session. One of the people in the group just happened to have a zither, which I could remember one of my teachers in grade school having and which our class would sing songs as she played. This zither player, and I can remember it like it was yesterday, could not only strum the chords which are finger-key selected, but he could pick specific strings, in melody, or harmony, however he felt. The sound was amazing. I don't know how he did it, but he had a couple guitar pickups which he had suspended over the open strings and then began to amplify the sound, ever so subtly. With the acoustic guitars, six and twelve, the sound was amazing. He couldn't amplify the entire board because a few of the higher strings were hidden by the instrument's housing. But those strings that he could, combined with his picking and strumming, made him sound like several musicians. For me it was a miracle to witness and experience. Not long ago I happened to think of that experience and youtubed "zither". I saw, but didn't have time to listen to, a young to middle-aged woman holding a zither on stage, playing it to - whatever. There were wires descending from that instrument also, but I doubted that it had been rigged like that musician I had the grace to enjoy jamming with, but rather was likely one that has adopted to the modern application of the electric/acoustic venue. Really nice.

Without paying close enough attention, I misposted this to a barre thread. Sorry folks!!!

TF, you got a "one of a kind" there. I got on the Gretch site and the one you collected was the only one I saw with that color. That deep green is amazing. I would have selected a different color, though, cause I'd be afraid of putting a scratch on that one. So nice looking!

Friend of mine uses it all the time with his act - one man band - He does have a foot controller that I believe he rigged up on his own. The songs scroll just like they would here in chordie, and he's got a piece of software similar to the one I've purchased the license for (LinkeSONGBOOK) which is a stand alone Chordpro editor that works about like this site.The nice thing about having it is that you store your own songs in memory so you don't need the net if it's not there. I haven't used the scrolling option which scrolls down your page like this site can do, set at the speed you wish. The license fee is $19, giving you lifetime free upgrades and is only a one-time fee. I personally use it to print out song and will be using binders, a music stand, and a stand light if necessary for performing. I don't mind turning pages song to song. And one can only play so many songs at one gig anyway. So if a library box contains a thousand song, you only need to put together a couple dozen for a night out. A couple spare books made up just in case, is about all I can ever me doing. After playing a few songs a few times, they do get pretty familiar and easier to play. I do know that the music performing industry is tending strongly toward ipad usage on all levels, from country/folk, to classical orchestral performing arts. I like the idea of the clip on LED lights on a stand, though. Won't have to grow a beard for distraction. LOL!