May 17, 2026
I arrived at Atria El Camino Gardens an hour early to set up for our session and found the room already half full with an excited audience. Many familiar faces from our previous sessions anxiously awaiting the concert from their proudly conquered front row seats. We always start with a welcome and once the piano begins - off we go together for an hour of connection through stories and music!
I love to watch memories dance across the faces of our audience during familiar songs like Jacob’s “Smile,” Kareem's “You Send Me” and Katie’s “If I Loved You.” Each person carries a story of their own with a soundtrack that we share. It’s also so fun introducing story songs that are new to the audience. The twists and surprise jokes bring such delight as they look to their neighbor with a shared giggle or smile.
Additional highlights include Kareem’s inspired “I Am Here,” duetting with Jacob on “Suddenly, Seymour,” little Maddie’s heartwarming “Ribbons Down my Back” and watching the entire room join Katie on an incredibly moving “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”
Thank you to our wonderful artists, with a special acknowledgment to the remarkable Chris Schlagel at the piano. Sing For Your Seniors always reminds me of the great impact storytelling can have when delivered through the universal language of music. - Jackie Vanderbeck, founder of SFYS