"One more song!"

Musicians: Alice Zawadzki (vocals) Ben Hazleton (double bass) Pete Lee (piano)

A last minute change of schedule from afternoon to morning meant we had a bit of slow start to proceedings on Wednesday. They say you should perform to 1 person the same way you'd perform to 1,000 and Alice, Ben and Pete did just that, opening with some big band swing numbers and getting our small audience singing and dancing.

As the session progressed more and more residents joined us and staff made a real effort to help residents from all floors get out in to the garden and enjoy some wonderful music. JC arrived with his guitar to cheers from the band, taking up his position stage left. JC always likes to be in the thick of the action, checking the key of the upcoming song, counting the band in and taking solos when the time is right.

Passers-by on the opposite side of the canal clapped and blew kisses and there were cheers from groups of children in kayaks paddling on the water. There was a real sense of community and togetherness for all involved. While the occupants of Bridgeside Lodge are our primary focus, it is a real joy to see our work spreading wider and impacting so many people.

As residents began heading back inside for lunch, resident GH called for "one more song" and began singing in her characteristicly powerful way. Alice and Pete left the stage and sat near her, joining in and singing in harmony with GH's melody, while Ben bowed a sonorous bass line. True collaboration between musicians and residents, with resident in the role of prima donna, accompanied by her backing vocalists.