1 Topic by KevinRK (edited by KevinRK 2017-12-27 22:45:40)

  • From: Genoa, NE
  • Registered: 2016-02-02
  • Posts: 102

Topic: Christmas Gigs

Well, friends, I will be playing my last Christmas gig tomorrow - a few days after Christmas. I've got to admit that I'm pretty tired, but it was sure a lot of fun. A couple of the shows were parties, but most simply informal gatherings. The song mix I have contains a variety of songs, of course all holiday, but I mix them up so people don't get bored. Can't believe that all the strings on my Seagull Coastline 12 held up. They're all still in pretty good shape and haven't lost their tone. I've had them on for several months now and can safely say the Elixers are going to last several more. One of the reasons is that I've opted away from using a pick and simply strum my songs, emphasizing the vocals. It's worked well and the ring of the octave strings isn't so overbearing. Even chording instrumentals has become easier with practice. This year was fun - certainly not as imposing as when I first starting performing last year. I owe a lot to the Chordies. Thanks. all! And have a Happy New Year.

  • From: West Georgia
  • Registered: 2006-10-14
  • Posts: 2,557

Re: Christmas Gigs

Do you ever get asked for "Blue Christmas" KevinRK?  If either that one or Willie Nelson's "Pretty Paper" is played, I usually go outside. Not meaning to be critical of you, of course, but I'm so sensitive/emotional that songs like that really kill my good mood, IYKWIM. wink

Thanks

Bill

Epiphone Les Paul Studio
Fender GDO300 Orchestral - a gift from Amy & Jim
Rogue Beatle Bass
Journal: www.wheretobud.blogspot. com
  • From: Genoa, NE
  • Registered: 2016-02-02
  • Posts: 102

Re: Christmas Gigs

Strummerboy Bill wrote:

Do you ever get asked for "Blue Christmas" KevinRK?  If either that one or Willie Nelson's "Pretty Paper" is played, I usually go outside. Not meaning to be critical of you, of course, but I'm so sensitive/emotional that songs like that really kill my good mood, IYKWIM. wink

Thanks

Bill

Bill, I have, indeed, been asked for "Blue Christmas" but haven't included in my "Traditional" book, the only one that I use. I happen to agree with its lack of being to create a "good mood". Another song I stopped singing, but do chord an instrumental on my 12-string is "I'll Be Home For Christmas". I mostly play retirement homes and feel that should I sing the lyrics it might generate regret for the residents' condition. The song is very beautiful, though, and comes off pretty good for them. A couple of songs I do are older spiritual hymns and they, at times, draw negative response. But most like them, so I keep them in my book. (Angels We Have Heard On High & Angels In The Realm Of Glory). My show takes about an hour if I skip some of the songs' verses, and about an hour and a quarter, if they're done all-inclusive. Whatever the case, I did my last show on the 28th (3 days after Christmas and still well-received) and I've once again worn out any desire to do Christmas music for a year!