Hold off on song requests at wedding

Tue., Aug. 6, 2013

Kathy Mitchell

Dear Annie: My band performs at a lot of wedding receptions. We usually make plans with the family regarding what music they want. We cannot alter our music in the middle of a set just because a guest who has had too much to drink comes up to us with a song request. If the bride and groom took the time to specify the songs they do and don’t want to hear, they probably are not going to be happy if we suddenly start playing “The Chicken Dance.”

One other tip: Talking to us while we are in the middle of a song is not a good idea. Please wait until we are on a break. – Frustrated Bandleader

Dear Frustrated: Excellent suggestions, and here’s one from us: Can you please not set the amplifiers to 11? We can hear you just fine without going deaf.

Dear Annie: I read the thoughtful letter from “Concerned Grandma,” who is caring for her biracial 4-year-old grandson. Your response left out one of the best role models this child could have: President Barack Obama. Perhaps reading “Dreams from My Father” will give this dear grandmother more insight into the struggles her grandson might face as a fatherless child, as well as hope and inspiration. A photo of our biracial president might be a sweet thing for this little boy to have.

In addition, the grandmother might want to seek out someone who can help reinforce and strengthen her as she stands alongside this child in a lifelong learning adventure. – A Daily Reader

Annie’s Mailbox is written by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar, longtime editors of the Ann Landers column. Please email your questions to anniesmailbox@ comcast.net, or write to: Annie’s Mailbox, c/o Creators Syndicate, 737 3rd Street, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254.

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