Community Corner

Music for the (Military) Soul

Vintage swing and jazz songs thrill vets at concert Sunday in Yountville.

Despite being wheelchair-bound, many veterans on Sunday had their toes tapping freely at a concert at the Veterans' Home of California in Yountville.

"I loved it," said Tom McDonnell, 86, a former U.S. Navy seaman who lived most of his adult life in Palo Alto before moving to the Holderman Building, a skilled nursing facility on the sprawling grounds of the Yountville campus.

"It just reminds me of the old songs when I was in high school," McDonnell said.

McDonnell was one of about 50 veterans at the concert Sunday afternoon by the Lovin' Harmony Trio, volunteer performers for Corte-Madera based nonprofit Bread & Roses.

"When we see that you remember the songs from the happiest times of your lives and that you are swaying in your chairs, it makes us happy," said trio member Mardi Crawford of San Anselmo. "That's the greatest gift to us."

Crawford and fellow trio members Judy Berger of Fairfax and Chris Schroeder of San Rafael belted out such favorites as "Sentimental Journey," "Side by Side" and "Accentuate the Positive."

"All the songs were good," said Ken Gilbert, 91, a former U.S. Army 1st Sgt. from Wisconsin. "It was just wonderful."

"I feel the same way," said Noel Skidmore, 90, a former U.S. Air Force pilot stationed in Germany who came from Bakersfield.

Marian Hubler, a producer for Bread & Roses who organized Sunday's show, said the nonprofit tries to match music to audiences at all the 600 concerts a year they give at various institutions in the eight-county Bay Area. The goal is to bring the healing power of music to people who are shut in at hospitals, rehab centers, prisons, schools or other confined settings.

"It's one of the most fulfilling things when you know it's a good match and that it's a great experience for both performers and the audience," Hubler said. "That was certainly true today."

Arlene Mendes, a therapeutic activities aide at the Holderman Building, said the staff tries to schedule at least one concert per week at the long-term-care facility -- many of them through Bread & Roses. The nonprofit has a roster of about 350 regular volunteer groups and individuals who donate their time and talents, Hubler said.

"It's a special perk for all our our members," Mendes said. "This one is perfect for today -- especially with the weather so hot, and we're indoors."







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