I used to think playing for old folks meant I had to tone it down.

I’ve played gigs for older crowds where I was asked to turn it down, dress a little more conservatively, and lose some of the rock & roll flair. Apparently, there are situations where there can be a little too much Buckshot George.

I did my first assisted living facility gig in my usual attire, as if I’d be fronting a punk rock band.

To my amazement, the residents had seen me listed on the calendar. Some had viewed my YouTube videos and were eagerly awaiting my arrival. I even signed an autograph after the show.

I started to think I had read this audience wrong.

I’ve played quite a few of these gigs now.

Some old folks like to rock.

I walked into the dining room Friday afternoon while everyone was finishing lunch. The room was packed. I’d guess there were more than 40 people.

I brought in my guitar and Bose S1, set up, and opened with Elvis Presley’s “That’s All Right.”

A few people cheered. Others started clapping along.

My big observation is that nursing home residents actually watch the entire show. In contrast to a bar gig, where you are playing to people’s backs—just background noise to people drinking, talking, flirting, watching sports on TVs, and generally not paying attention.

At an assisted living facility, you are the event.

I played some ’60s pop, classic country, Skynyrd, movie soundtrack tunes, and even a Ramones song!

There was a birthday in the house. Debbie. I called her out, and we all sang “Happy Birthday” together.

The finale was “Free Bird.”

No one requested it. It wasn’t a bad joke or a meme.

They went nuts during the fast ending.

Clapping. Yeehaw. Banging along on tables. Loud applause when I finished.

There was a pretty good casual meet-and-greet after the show.

Then the crowd dispersed and went to bingo.

The activities director told me later that quite a few musicians who come in are not as animated and just sit there singing.

“They feed off your energy,” she explained. “I even tell my bingo hosts to be lively and fun. It’s important.”

So much for toning it down.