(Chelsea Update would like to thank Lisa French for the information in this story.)
The United Methodist Retirement Communities (UMRC) Foundation recently announced a virtual Winter Music Concert Series for residents of UMRC and Porter Hills.
This series is made possible thanks to collaboration with Creative Washtenaw, based in Ann Arbor, and support from the Elizabeth Loder Fund. The concerts began earlier this month and are offered to residents of UMRC and Porter Hills every Thursday evening through the end of March 2021.
“We are so excited to partner with Creative Washtenaw to provide musical entertainment for our residents over the winter months,” said Melissa Goodson, UMRC Foundation major gifts officer in a press release.
“This series offers music from a variety of genres from artists across Washtenaw County. We hope there will be something for everyone,” she said.
UMRC Foundation and Porter Hills Foundation President Wendy Brightman, said, “COVID-19 has been so difficult for our residents to be isolated from friends and family members. We are thrilled to bring music and joy to the older adults we love and serve at UMRC and Porter Hills through this concert series and grateful to the Loder family for making it possible.”
Artists record their concerts, and residents may then view the broadcasts through their computer, tablet or Smart TVs. Performances so far have included composer, pianist and vocalist, Hannah Baiardi; the David Sharp Worlds Trio; and baritone, Darnell Ishmel, and accompanist, Andrew Barnes Jamieson.
Residents of UMRC’s Prairie Cottages, Charlie and Linda Britton, are enjoying the series. “Charlie and I enjoyed the beautiful music the Foundation brought into our Cottage yesterday,” said Linda Britton. “The baritone voice and the artistic skills of the pianist brought joy in the midst of this pandemic. We loved the contemporarily sung songs, the gospel songs with which we are familiar, and even a little Christmas music reminding us that the loving times of Christmas must be practiced and celebrated all year long. Even our black lab, Ember, relaxed at our feet, keeping us company. Thank you.”
“Washtenaw County is the home to many world-class performers and musicians, many who have been sidelined by COVID-19,” said Deb Polich, president/CEO of Creative Washtenaw. “We applaud UMRC and the Elizabeth Loder Fund for presenting this series and providing the joy of music to residents and artists, too.”
