Musician: Marcus Bonfanti (guitar, vocals)
On Wednesday we welcomed Melissa James back to Bridgeside Lodge, accompanied by pianist Arthur Lea. The duo treated residents and staff to a selection of jazz standards, hymns and spirituals.
On the third floor, Nurse Agnes told us that new resident M loves hymns, and she sang along to Amazing Grace, Give Me Oil In My Lamp and How Great Thou Art. During this last song, carer Rita came into the dining room and began singing too. She and Melissa sang to each other, and it was clear that the song meant a great deal to Rita, who shed a few tears towards the end. “It’s my favourite hymn” she said “it’s beautiful. I work on the ground floor, I only needed to pop up here for two minutes and you were singing my favourite hymn!”
In the second floor dining room we were joined by residents K and T. T has recently taken on the responsibility of caring for a small bird (called Harry) who lives in the lounge room (T is usually to be found here watching TV so it’s a situation that works for all sides.) Long term readers of this blog will recall another resident bird at Bridgeside Lodge, Jacko, who was looked after by resident GB. This got us thinking about our friend GB, who died and who we miss very much. Arthur then performed Jacko, the song he wrote with GB shortly before the bird died. After uncharacteristically staying for the whole set, Resident T led Arthur and Melissa to the lounge to meet Harry.
There was a different atmosphere on the first floor where Melissa and Arthur played in the lounge. After Can’t Help Loving That Man, resident SR said “you sing so nicely, I could kiss you!” It’s always important to react to the mood and needs of the audience, and not to arrive with a predetermined setlist. This is something that’s so important in the work we do and our musicians have a huge repertoire of songs at their fingertips.
On the ground floor we hung out with residents IG, RC, JG and JR. JR was especially happy to see Melissa, having really enjoyed her performance and company on previous visits to Bridgeside Lodge. The two duetted on Sweet Honey In The Rock’s I Remember I Believe (video below) and on JR’s original song United. Manager Fatma, who was passing in something of a hurry, stopped and came to join us when she heard the chorus “United, together we are strong” drifting through the corridors.
We even managed to find time to cheer the Lionesses on their way to the final.
