huracain 0 Posted February 21, 2005 Report Share Posted February 21, 2005 hello all i was just wondering if any one had any exsperience .doing karaoke in nursing homes for the swinging oldies .ect ect disabled .as i was thinking of offering my service to them.i am one of a 2 man team .my brother loves the 40s 50s music any ways and can sing a quite few of the oldies so can suply onboard crooner. so if ther want to sing ther can if ther want to sit back and listen also ok .i am basicly wanted any advise .before i send a hundred letters out . .please any advise on this would be a preciated thank u Link to post Share on other sites
Gary 0 Posted February 21, 2005 Report Share Posted February 21, 2005 (edited) Well, music wise...... I'd go for just the older tracks - mainly.... you MIGHT get the younger staff offering to take-to-the-mic, to sing their way into a few patients hearts (and wills http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/flex.gif ) but I'd make sure that your older "Golden Oldies" karaoke collections were as full as possible. With this in mind, perhaps split your Song lists/catalogues into Decades, and perhaps even leave out the Robbies and Kylies etc, into separate catalogues. Consider also printing the catalogues out in LARGE fonts for the visually impaired, trying to read titles etc, in "atmospherically dim" lighting. Also consider removing unsuitable songs from the lists, given the age and physical disabilities of the in-mates, sorry, patients... Songs such as "You'll never walk alone" (Chris P's story of the clouted Roadie... http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/bash.gif ), "That'll be the day (that I die)", "Seasons in the sun (goodbye michelle its hard to die)" and "American Pie ("singing this'll be the day that I die...") might cause problems. With eyesight (or lack of it) in mind, you'll need to position lyrics monitors as close to the mic as possible - but then taking a radio mic TO the chair bound punter might be better, except they'll be no where near the lyrics... Simiarly, having a few small "fill-in" speakers (say 50~80watts each) dotted around the room, rather than 2 x 500 watt speakers at the front, might also find favour with those expecting to be pinned Star-shaped by shear db levels, to the wall opposite the disco. .....Hmmmm I'm not so sure about this idea being a "go-er" actually - true, its a Niché market that you've discovered, but there might be a reason for that. I'd perhaps combine the karaoke with a couple of hours of Waltzs/foxtrots and other ballroom type music (dont forget your mirrorball) and see which "half" of the evening takes off. Edited February 21, 2005 by Gary Link to post Share on other sites
robbiedj 0 Posted February 21, 2005 Report Share Posted February 21, 2005 We do work for a couple of pensioners clubs. Yes, sing-a-long is a favourite. If you have old time music, Al Jolson, minstrels etc, they don't need lyrics! Just supply a radio mike and they're away. But, please remember OAP's are over 60/65 and were possibly rockers in their time! http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/oops.gif You want me to play what? Secretary of NADJ, Member of SEDA Magic Moments.. making your moment magic Link to post Share on other sites
huracain 0 Posted February 21, 2005 Author Report Share Posted February 21, 2005 to be honest is was a idea of a freind of mine a few years ago who worked in a home.and she said ther always hiring people to come in to entertain the money was great from comedions to singers karaoke ect ect . she said the imates were always happy aways greatfull . but as u say i can see some downfalls some people saying the musics to laud some to high .. thank u for your answer il keep them ideas on board some good ones . il se what other people say before i cover the north east with letters lol Link to post Share on other sites
High Fidelity 0 Posted February 21, 2005 Report Share Posted February 21, 2005 I'm now working fairly regularly in a retirement village. The main stuff that seems to be liked is Singalongs, Line Dancing and Rock & Roll http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/fear.gif . The only stuff I really avoid is Heavy stuff like Metal and I tend to play very little modern stuff. Most of the functions are birthdays etc. so there are always lots of younger family members, but the older ones can certainly Jive better than me. Quitting Smoking & Drinking doesn't make you live longer It just feels like it. Link to post Share on other sites
Jimbo55 0 Posted February 21, 2005 Report Share Posted February 21, 2005 Been doing stuff like this for 14yrs +. Its just like a normal family do but 'Older' and more 'sensitive' to the needs of the clients. Totally agree that a mixed approach works well 'sing along' and dance etc. Bare in mind that some of your crowd will have been the 'tearways' and 'rockers' in their day, so try and find the favourites of the era 50+ yrs ago. Dont forget the big band sound Glenn Miller. Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Jimmy Dorsey etc. Look for the tracks that have the Andrews Sisters, The Beverly Sisters, Bing crosby singing on them. Dont forget the British stars Flanigan and Allen, Vera Lynn Frankie Vaughan, Frank Ifield, Shirley Bassey, Petula clark, Sandie shaw etc. Try and get some oldtime music hall stuff too, You can pick up most of the stuff dirt cheap typically £9.99 for 100 to 200 tracks in various mixed albums of the era. Good luck and watch out for the frisky ones even if you are like me 50+ you are still a toy boy http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/scared.gif Jimbo Digital Fusion Entertainments Bose L1 system user. Link to post Share on other sites
huracain 0 Posted February 22, 2005 Author Report Share Posted February 22, 2005 thank u all for all ya help . great advise Link to post Share on other sites
OK KARAOKE 1 Posted February 23, 2005 Report Share Posted February 23, 2005 QUOTE (robbiedj @ Feb 21 2005, 02:31 PM) But, please remember OAP's are over 60/65 and were possibly rockers in their time! http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/oops.gif You ain`t kiddin! I am 60 next year (oh Christ no!!) http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/014.gif but if somone thought I should be entertained all night by... Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Jimmy Dorsey etc. Look for the tracks that have the Andrews Sisters, The Beverly Sisters, Bing crosby singing on them. Flanigan and Allen, Vera Lynn Frankie Vaughan, Frank Ifield, Shirley Bassey, Petula clark.[unquote] I`d make them eat my latest Prodisc!! Don`t get me wrong - I like that kind of music, but it`s really the stuff of the generation before me (honest). Either that or I`m young for me age http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif Age 60 / 65 is not nowadays classes as "really old" - except by young whippersnappers barely out of their pampers... you can always tell them - they carnt speel http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif Ask them what they want to hear - you may be surprised. Good luck with the gigs. now get back to CK ;) Link to post Share on other sites
Ian Stewart 0 Posted February 23, 2005 Report Share Posted February 23, 2005 QUOTE Well, music wise...... I'd go for just the older tracks - mainly.. from my experiance I must disagree here, Sharon sings at a few Nursing homes / day centres on a regular basis, she mainly sings songs from the 60's 70's & 80's, with a couple from the 90's & 2000's and 50's. many of the people in these places are in there late 60's & 70's, so were in their 20-30's in between the mid 1950's - 1960's, and obviously they were listening to music after that period as well (people do still buy new music even when they are old) When Sharon sings at these places they tell he how refreshing it is for someone not to patronise them with old war time songs, (for those that were alive in the war, it could bring back memories they would rather not have) Unless of course you advertise it as an old time sing a long. the best advice I can give is this. Dress Smartly & Make An Effort to be polite don't patronise them and treat them with respect Mobile Party DJ For Weddings Parties Corporate Events Covering London Essex Kent Sussex Surrey Bucckinghamshire Hertfordshire & Essex Link to post Share on other sites
buskersball 0 Posted February 23, 2005 Report Share Posted February 23, 2005 I did a bloke's 65th a few months ago....he specifically requested 'loads of Pink FLoyd'....great night! Link to post Share on other sites
Jimbo55 0 Posted February 24, 2005 Report Share Posted February 24, 2005 Was going to write a long reply about charts and music era's but too tired. Check the music charts and social history from 1940 to 1970. Political correctness (active even more then) led to the birth of pirate radio stations and eventually radio One. Social history is vastly different to the reflective accounts portrayed by various films and It would have us believe that rock and roll was played 24 hrs a day. most radio and TV of the era shut down well before midnight. Most pubs closed around 10 pm (offically but there were may private parties http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/whistling.gif ) entertainment was still the piano untill well into the late sixties. Tv was not wide spread untill the early sixties and programs were subject to very tight controls. If you were in a pub in your early twenties at that time you would have been familiar with the Sing songs and if you watched tv you would be familiar with the big bands and favoured performers. There were few shows on the radio that played rock and roll etc. The biggest change was in the dance halls that went from waltz to jive and the roller rinks where rock and roll was the main stream along with the big band sounds. Better stop now. Try the Itn/fox archives. http://itnarchive.com/fox What I am trying to say is you will need a good mix and diversity of music to cope with the demands. 1930's to present day. Things have a funny way travelling in circles. Robbie williams "Swing when your winning" and westlife etc. Jimbo Digital Fusion Entertainments Bose L1 system user. Link to post Share on other sites
Dynamicdiscos 0 Posted March 7, 2005 Report Share Posted March 7, 2005 I've actually had experience yet in working at a nursing home but have taken enquiries. I think it could go down a treat. I have been told that a lot of residents like the idea of a knees up and good old sing song. It's likely to be easy work if you have the range of music (50's rock and roll and 60's usually) and it's going to be a nice quiet disco/karaoke with not too many flashy lights. Why don't we start making hellium filled bubble wrap?<P> It would help keep postage costs down. Link to post Share on other sites
kazzachi 0 Posted March 7, 2005 Report Share Posted March 7, 2005 You could also send a request sheet out in advance..... WE LOVE KAREN, AND IT'S GREAT TO HAVE HER BACK !!!! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Link to post Share on other sites
ToXiC 0 Posted June 9, 2005 Report Share Posted June 9, 2005 Well every 2nd saturday of every month from 6pm-11pm I do a simular thing[a disco for autistic people in a day centre in Wood Green,London]. I used to help out at the day centre so it's lucky they asked me to DJ there. So the Disco I do is for any adults with disabilities. Mostly a crowd of ages btw 18-30 and I try and play a bit of anything. Most of them take a great liking to me play old blues,soul and reggae. Except last time it turned into a rampage http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/mad.gif . Was going well until some idiots who had nothing to do with the disco barged in from the street and thought it was a rave. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/sad.gif And then it made the situation very dangerous as they idiots brought along bottles of whisky and started trashing the place. Had to swtich off the music and box up my gear before it was broken. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/1106.gif http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/scared.gif http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/mad.gif Only one member of staff who used the building was there that evening and weren't that careful about security, leaving the main door open unguarded etc.Just lucky my gear wasn't stolen or broken and no one was hurt. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/wallbash.gif So after that incident I made sure they had a member of staff on the door and told them to ban glass bottles for safety reasons and limit the amount of alcohol too. Well most of the booze was on the floor last time. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/omg.gif Which creates another hazard of people slipping over, but its the organiser of the event so supplied the booze so not gonna make it my problem.Except they seem to pay little attention to people's safety unless I tell them. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/mad.gif Anyway thats the only event I'm asked to do and get paid for at the moment. I also rent large halls and do events with m8s and they bring their m8s etc but that means even less security for my gear and less for people's safety when you get drunken idiots in there. Link to post Share on other sites
Dukesy 0 Posted June 9, 2005 Report Share Posted June 9, 2005 QUOTE the best advice I can give is this. Dress Smartly & Make An Effort to be polite don't patronise them and treat them with respect Very good advice! have fun. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/smile.gif Link to post Share on other sites
YourBigEvent 0 Posted June 9, 2005 Report Share Posted June 9, 2005 I don't patronise people either, as I was saying to the very nice young man Daniel only yesterday, he does look good for his age, although I would get rid of the gut ! Maybe one day he'll be as attractive as myself. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/rolleyes.gif .....but what do I know ? Your Big Event Office:01803 813540 Direct: 0797 0717 448 e.mail:info@yourbigevent.co.uk Link to post Share on other sites
cookiecat 0 Posted June 9, 2005 Report Share Posted June 9, 2005 People that are 60 were born in 1945 so in the mid 1960s were in their 20s.Do most djs not carry 60s music? My father is 64 and would slap anyone who expected him to sing "underneath the arches" http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/sad.gif. Something witty goes here.. Link to post Share on other sites
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