Sunday’s effort is being dedicated to Ruth Manchester, the mother of Grammy Award Winning singer/songwriter Melissa Manchester. “I watched the effect of this band as they played at Providence St. Elizabeth’s Care Center in North Hollywood. These dedicated musicians lifted the spirits and energy of the place. Great music with a compassionate mission … how great is that!, said Manchester.
Although National Grandparents day was nationally recognized in 1978 by President Jimmy Carter it
remains a day that remains largely unknown to the mainstream public even though there are an estimated 60 million grandparents in this country.
“Actually on Sunday I will be honoring my grandparents although they passed away many years ago†, said the group’s co-director Jack Maeby, a keyboard player who has performed with Carly Simon, Etta James, Aaron Neville, Howard Roberts and others. “I think we all owe it to our grandparents to remember that they handed down to us the best of their culture and heritage and that makes us what we are.â€
On Sunday the band, performing as four ensembles will perform in two Santa Monica nursing homes, two in the Hollywood/Silver Lake area, two in the San Fernando Valley, and two in the San Gabriel Valley. The 41 person volunteer band (ages 8 to 70 and mostly professionals), uses a revolving roster to perform weekly as a 6 to 12 piece ensemble playing music from the 30’s to 60’s that has been specifically chosen to rekindle memories of better days. The level of musicianship means high quality entertainment that is almost unheard of in nursing home facilities.
“We never dreamed that we were needed the way we are when we started this project,†said Maeby. “But we soon discovered that nursing homes allocate only a tiny portion of their budget for entertainment and that means the patients receive very little. That is tragic considering the fact that these people grew up in the Golden Age of popular music, the era of the big bands followed by the birth of rock and roll†, he said.
“It is hoped that the effort on Sunday will draw musicians and others to find ways to honor the elderly and honor them year round,†said a band spokesperson. Among the musicians joining the band on Sunday is guitarist Bernie Corrigan who recorded most of the music on the popular game,
“Guitar Hero†.
Attribution for the Melissa Manchester quote provided can be verified through Manchester’s tour manager, Susan Holder, at sholder@isp.com (323) 229-5209 fyi: www.melissamanchester.com.
National Grandparents Day Performance Schedule 9-12-10
Limited media access has been arranged (signed authorizations) at both Santa Monica facilities.
Santa Monica:
10:30 am: Berkley East Convalescent Hospital, 2021 Arizona Ave., Santa Monica 90404,
(310) 829-5377contact: Activities Director Nereyda Martinez
1:00 pm: Fireside Convalescent Hospital, 947 Third St., Santa Monica 90403 (310) 393-0475
contact: Activities Director Linda Goldfinger
Metro LA:
1:15 pm: Kennedy Care Center, 619 N. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles 90036, (323) 651-0043
contact: Activities Director Elena Ilieva
3:15 pm: *** Garden Crest Convalescent Hospital, 909 N. Lucille, Los Angeles 90026 (323) 663-8281
contact: Limor Ness or her assistant Jackie Bland
Information on the San Fernando and San Gabriel valley performances can be obtained by calling
(213) 388-8500
Reference Material
Website information: http://www.silverlakemusicianscoop.com/payitforward.html
Local media/community recognition:
http://www.ktla.com/news/landing/ktla-mothers-day,0,5084346.story
http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/local/los_angeles&id=7431648 (page no longer found)
Story in the Los Feliz Ledger April 29, 2010
http://www.theeastsiderla.com/2010/04/easter-weekend-finds-silver-lake-musicans-co-op-hopping-around-town/
http://lacityorgcd13.blogspot.com/2010/04/volunteers-needed-for-silver-lake.html
before we changed the band name to “Pay it Forwardâ€
http://www.theeastsiderla.com/2009/12/a-band-of-strangers-spreads-the-sounds-and-spirit-of-the-holidays/
http://lacityorgcd13.blogspot.com/2009_12_01_archive.html
National Grandparents Day Council: DJ McQuade-Lancaster, Coordinator;
www.grandparents-day.net (619) 585-8259
2006 Census figure: http://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/archives/facts_for_features_special_editions/cb06-ff13.html
