Music for Seniors is a very successful concert series for senior centers, nursing homes, and community inter-generational events. Featuring acclaimed vocalist Patty Carpenter, the program repertoire consists of jazz, swing, show tunes and sing-a-longs from the 1910's through the 1950's.
Largely funded through grants from arts and cultural foundations, this program has been able to bring a professional level of performance to a large segment of the elderly population in Massachusetts.
Since 1987, Carpenter has given nearly 1500 Music for Seniors concerts. Tunes include such favorites as Stormy Weather, Ain't Misbehavin', Are You Lonesome Tonight, Small Fry, Body and Soul, All of Me and Goodnight Irene. Patty is able to fine tune her selections according to the musical taste and sophistication of the particular audience and is also able to provide music for all ages (including children) for those performances which involve the whole community.
Carpenter performs for seniors of varying ages and physical conditions. Her music triggers memories and touches chords with nearly everyone. Sometimes in a nursing home performance someone who hasn't said anything in months, will suddenly smile in recognition and start to sing.
Patty studied piano, voice and music at the University of Massachusetts. Her teachers included such well-known musicians as Billy Taylor, Max Roach, Reggie Workman, Roberta Davis, Edna Holt, and Archie Shep.
In addition to Music for Seniors, she plays with the Patty Carpenter Jazz Band, the Radio Swing Orchestra, and Patty & the Cakes, a group that specializes in weddings and parties. She also performs solo at clubs throughout New England.
Calendar of upcoming Music for Seniors Concerts
For more information or to
arrange a concert date, please contact:
"You held everyone spellbound with your fantastic voice and selection of songs."--Sandwich Council on Aging
"Audiences at senior centers and nursing homes find the high quality of Carpenter's performance a refreshing change from their usual fare." ---Bravo
"...a welcome change for older listeners who yearn for live entertainment."---New Hampshire Sunday News
"Many came that day just to see you because they've heard such rave reviews...For at least a week after your performance, people were still talking about how good your being here made them feel. You made a difference in many people's lives...." ---Adams Council on Aging
"Something simple. Something elegant.. Something like Patty Carpenter. Carpenter's straightforward vocals, accompanied by her jazzy, clean piano playing, complement your mood, no matter what it is. Blues for the melancholy. Pop for the happy. Jazz for the mellow. Her vocal range and piano versatility do justice to all kinds of music, and have garnered her a loyal following from all across the generational spectrum.---Optimist, News Arts & Entertainment
"We cannot thank you enough for the great joy and warmth you brought to our Open House...You did more than entertain them; you brought back old memories...You have truly built your beautiful talents on your very human heart." ---Scituate Senior Center
"A very warm thank you for your super program...We enjoyed your music and enthusiasm. I hope you had as good a time as the residents did!" ---MI Nursing Center
"...an excellent performance. The seniors were thrilled with the musical selections which reminded many of them of the days when they were younger and went to area dance halls to see and hear music they understood." ---Belmont Council on Aging
"I just want to let you know how much we enjoyed your music. I myself wish you could have played for another hour."---Goshen Council on Aging
"The songs which you performed were near and dear to the hearts of our patients and hearing them sung so beautifully certainly lifted their spirits. Thanks for brightening the day for so many of our patients" ---North Shore Medical Center
"The concert was very successful and very much appreciated by the elders and those others who came to listen and to applaud. Patty is very easy with her audience and her selection is on the mark...This program is well worth supporting and well worth continuing. It certainly gave our annual picnic a wonderful flip of embellishment and genuine enjoyment. Thank you again." ---Cummington Council on Aging
"Your playing and singing were grand. It really was wonderful. ---Rest Haven Nursing Home
"Her rapport with her audience was excellent and they truly enjoyed her...she is a warm, thoughtful, and talented performer." ---Pioneer Valley Rest Home
"We consider it one of the highlights of our fall activities." ---Wellesley Senior Center
"The seniors thoroughly enjoyed her singing and piano playing. She graciously took requests and her own choices of songs were excellent. We were very pleased to be able to provide such a high quality performance for our seniors..." ---Blackstone Council on Aging
"...it was delightful to hear the Seniors join you in song. Some were almost out of their chairs dancing." ---Attleboro Senior Center
" It was so nice of you to come to our home and share your great talent with us."---Parkway Manor Nursing Home
"Your wonderful concert will long be remembered by the residents and staff who attended. Your songs took us all down that famous Memory Lane. And your enthusiasm and style brought out great response, as you could see and hear. Good luck with this great project--bringing favorites and golden oldies to so many hearts."---Berkshire Retirement Home
"Her performance was delightful. I even left the office and sat down and sang right along with her. Patty has a unique style all her own. Her singing and interpretation of songs is excellent." ---Everett Council on Aging
"One woman told me 'she sang right through my marriage-she made me laugh and she made me sad. How nice to be the catalyst for so many memories." ---Concord Senior Center
"You brought joy to our hearts."---Westfield Council on Aging
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