Hi Mark and all MMDers

My advice is to have a go.  You may feel a fool, you may even be
ridiculed.  But you will also get some people telling you how much
they appreciate the music.

Last night I gave a one-hour Pianola "concert" to a bunch of
middle-aged ladies.  I played some old favourites, some classical,
and some ragtime.  I invited questions (whilst I was re-rolling!) and
chatted as much as I felt they could bear about the instrument and
its music.

Regarding applause, I simply said it helps me to know what people
like to hear, so if they liked a piece to applaud, and if they didn't
like it to save their energy for one that they did.  It was my first
"concert" and it was very well received.  I attend quite a few
festivals and steam galas and the kids love to have a go on the player.

Of course you need to consider transport, and I do it in order to
generate restoration work as much as for pleasure.  Nevertheless,
I would say that it is a very rewarding experience and would strongly
recommend you to take your instrument on the road for a while.

Roger Waring
The Pianola Workshop
Solihull
UK