Vol. 8 🎙️
Notes from the Founder
Summer Greetings!
We are so excited to continue bringing “fun in the sun” activities to residents at area senior living homes, as well as to individuals served at our other partner organizations and community members.
As always, this newsletter is filled with updates! Be sure to check out our “Replay,” “Musician Spotlight,” and “Fast Forward” columns to stay in the know about past, present, and future events!
I am thrilled to share that May marked our third year in business. We have successfully booked a combination of 2,000 events! Whether it was a booking or an interactive music session, it is truly incredible to see that number and know that people are receiving music, meeting them where they are, and bringing healing and light.
I cannot thank our volunteers, staff, clients, partners, and supporters enough! It is because of their hard work, dedication, and flexibility that we have been able to grow the scope and reach of what Senior Music Connection has to offer.
Join us on the journey! Like our social media pages, check out our Spotify playlists and YouTube channel, or consider volunteering or partnering with us. If we continue to join hands and hearts, our mission will continue to flourish, and we will see exponential growth. Each and every one of you is invited to be present to experience the blessings. We receive just as much joy as we give, and it’s a beautiful thing!
Cheers to celebrating the past three years, and here’s to many more!
— Krissy O’Malley, Owner + Founder
Musician Spotlight
Are you ready for interactive, groovy, soul-stirring music? Are you ready for infectious passion and delight, not just for the music but for the people listening and participating? Introducing Harmonica Neil!
he Repertoire
From Beethoven to The Blues, Harmonica Neil covers it all! He covers 1950s and 1960s rock (e.g., “Blueberry Hill”), old-time classics (e.g., “You Are My Sunshine”), spirituals such as “Amazing Grace,” not to mention Classic Country such as Johnny Cash and “newer” pop songs such as “Margaritaville.” Every set list is carefully considered and tailored to the place, time, and people of the musical experience.
The Bio
Harmonica Neil has been singing and playing music for almost half a century, and has played professionally for 38 years. Beginning in Chicago, he was introduced to singing on pitch by the “Sisters” at Catholic school, but a deeper fire for music was kindled by watching and playing with some of the great musicians on the Chicago Blues Scene. Fast-forward to 2014, when he and his family moved to the Miami Valley, leading to an even wider range of performance opportunities, from busking on the streets of the Oregon District, to playing at festivals in Mississippi, to creating much more intimate musical experiences for and with the residents of assisted-living homes.
What to Expect
Group participation, to the point that it is hard to distinguish the performer from the audience? Check. Basic music trivia? Check. Smooth crooning? Check. Soulful, gritty testifying? Check. Minimalist accompaniment, letting the song do the work? Check. Wailing but tuneful harmonica playing? Check. Amazing one-man band arrangements, wherein he plays four instruments at the same time? Check. Self-deprecating humor? Check. Not just playing music, but having a party with new friends through the music? Double check!
“I love booking with Senior Music Connection! From booking, to communication, to payment, it’s all a breeze. I’m truly honored to work with them.” — Pat Arnold, Partner Musician
We love booking Pat! He’s a wonderful musician and he makes residents smile!
Fast Forward
What a unique episode we were able to be a part of this time around!
We met with Chris Shaw, who shared a little about himself and his flourishing program “Move Your Music Forward”, where volunteer song writers help seniors tell their life stories through music. How amazing is that?!
Replay
Did you recently catch one of our partner musicians on America’s Funniest People? How cool is that! David Cain, doing what he does best, combined his juggling skills, ukulele and kazoo playing all at the same time! Not only was he featured on America’s Funniest People, but he’s also appeared on America’s Got Talent, the Today Show and CBS Sunday Morning. This man is the real deal!
We’re pleased to know David and to share his many talents with facilities all over the Miami Valley area. We are now booking him for all sorts of summer events, luau parties, or even just because! Click here to book David Cain today.
Watch David Cain’s Television Appearance Here
Don’t miss this inspiring interview between VoyageOhio and our very own owner + founder, Krissy O’Malley! Krissy was given the opportunity to share just how Senior Music Connection began, and some of her favorite things about the work we’re blessed to be able to do. Tap into some of the things that make up Senior Music Connection, and what makes this specific line of work so special.
Sync Up
Turn up the volume and celebrate the spirit of the USA with anthems of pride, unity, and independence. From timeless classics to modern hits, this playlist is your soundtrack to freedom.
Don’t miss our next flavorful playlist…Â Follow us on Spotify!
Thank you to Dayton Classical for their continued support!
Good news — we are now booking the winners of Discover Classical’s Young Talent Search Contest! These young musicians are already playing classical music written by Beethoven, and other timeless composers. We were pleased to be able to catch their performances at Discover Classical’s Rising Stars Gala, where we sponsored a table with music teaching studio, Sand Dollar Music.
We’re excited to play a part in sharing their talents with as many people as possible, and expanding the genres of music that Senior Music Connection brings to our network of people!
Book Dayton Classical’s Young Talent Search Winners
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