Virtual Concert Provides Joy and Meaning for Local Musician

As a lifelong musician and performer, Tom has entertained in coffee shops, bars and many other venues. When he brought up that topic a few times during his Hospice of the Western Reserve home care visits,  music therapist Christina and intern Brianna went to work, brainstorming a way he could perform in COVID times. They landed upon the idea of hosting a virtual live concert. The event was scheduled right before Tom’s birthday and Christmas. Plans were made to record the concert so he could give it as a gift to his family.

Tom performed as lead vocalist, accompanied by Christina on jazz guitar and Brianna on keyboards. A song the three had collaborated on, “In the Morning,” was followed by “Silent Night.” A bluesy jam to one of Tom’s original songs, “I Love Jesus, Too,” provided the final number.

The concert provided Tom with a way to give back to his hospice team, something meaningful for him. “It’s been a joy to me to come to know each one of you,” he said. “I can’t adequately sum up what you mean to me. You’ve been a complete and total blessing.”

The virtual audience included the Mentor home care team as well as volunteers and expressive therapists from throughout the agency. Comments came streaming in between the numbers.

“Thanks for sharing your talents, Tom. It means more to us than you know.”

“Just like you, Tom, we’re not getting out. We’re not able to attend the holiday concerts we usually do.”

“You’ve given us such a treat today!”

Tom finds a lot of purpose in making music in his current situation.

“It’s one of the things he is still free to do,” said Brianna. “He is very motivated and creative and comes up with new lyrics and song ideas almost weekly.”