Young @ Heart, an internationally-famous group of singing seniors, made its first Maine appearance in March 2011 at Merrill Auditorium in Portland.
The rocking choral group hails from Northampton, Mass. Formed in 1982, over the years they’ve collaborated nationally and internationally with others groups ranging from Cambodian singers and rap groups to orchestras. The group’s motto (Never Too Old to Rock!) gives credence to reviews like one from TIME Magazine that said, “These gyrating geriatrics travel around the world belting out rock classics and garnering rave reviews.”
The Young at Heart Chorus performs with a seven piece band of youngsters (ages 40-65). The oldest member of the chorus, Jean Florio, has also been with the group the third longest, since 1993. The current performers in Y @ H range in age from 73 to 89. There are some with prior professional theater or music experience, others who have performed extensively on the amateur level, and some who never stepped onto a stage before turning eighty. None of the current performers of Y@H were part of the original group that formed in 1982, but they have kept alive the spirit of the early pioneers and continue to push the group in new directions.
This kind of community singing or theater group is a great way to make new friends, get some exercise and social contact, and benefit others. If there isn’t a group you can join locally, why not start one? There are many talented seniors in every community who could make an entertaining difference!