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never too old

New Orleans MPTF Holds “Never Too Old” Screening with Union Members

never too old
Executives and AFM Local 174-496 musicians featured in the film Never Too Old attended the screening at Harmony House Senior Center in Tremé. Pictured from left are Norman Smith, executive director, Harmony House Senior Center; Dan Beck, trustee, Music Performance Trust Fund; musicians Louis Ford, David Batiste, Al “Carnival Time” Johnson, Kerry Lewis, Mayumi Shara, Kat Walker, Frank Mayes, and Gina Forsyth; Cindy Hayes, secretary-treasurer, Local 174-496. Deacon John Moore, president, Local 174-496 (center) also attended. 

The New Orleans premiere of the recording industry’s Music Performance Trust Fund (MPTF)’s uplifting documentary, Never Too Old, took place April 2, at Harmony House Senior Center in Tremé; more than 100 older adults attended. Popular NOLA musicians (members of Local 174-496), several of whom were featured prominently in the film, were on hand for live performances.

never too old
Harmony House Senior Center is featured prominently in the documentary, which was filmed in senior centers around the country in New York City, New Orleans, and the Los Angeles area. Here, an event guest watches the film as it depicts the ways free, live music performances increase community and reduce isolation in older adults.

The 27-minute documentary highlights the MPTF’s MusicianFest initiative to provide free musical performances at senior centers and assisted living facilities in the US and Canada. Never Too Old explores the many paths that led these musicians—sometimes seniors themselves—to perform for older audiences. Audience members share their impressions about what these live music performances mean to them. Senior center professionals give their perspectives of the impact these small performances have on the physical, mental, and social well-being of the individuals they serve.

The film provides more evidence that experiencing live music together positively impacts the health and well-being—and reduces the isolation—of older adults, according to MPTF Trustee Dan Beck.

never too old
More than 100 older adults came from Pontchartrain Park and Tremé to watch the film and dance to music by Louis Ford, David Batiste, and other musicians from Local 174-496.

The official release of the film was March 19 in New York City and the first screening was at VISIONS Center on Aging, also in New York.

The film is available for free at musicpf.org, with closed captioning and audio description captioning for the hearing and visually impaired. For more information about the film and its impact, visit https://musicpf.org/never2oldmusicfilm.

never too old

MPTF Releases MusicianFest Documentary, “Never Too Old”

In March, the Music Performance Trust Fund (MPTF) launched an uplifting documentary, Never Too Old. The film spotlights the experience live music performances create for performing musicians and their audiences as they come together at three senior centers located in New York City, New Orleans, and the Los Angeles area. The official release of the film was March 19 in New York City and the first screening was at VISIONS Center on Aging, also in New York.

The 27-minute documentary highlights the MPTF’s MusicianFest initiative to provide free musical performances at senior centers and assisted living facilities in the US and Canada. Never Too Old explores the many paths that led these musicians, sometimes  seniors themselves, to perform for the older audiences. Audience members share their impressions about what these live music performances mean to them. Senior center professionals give their perspectives of the impact these small performances have on the physical, mental, and social wellbeing of the individuals they serve.

“Live music’s impact on the lives of seniors is truly immeasurable,” states MPTF Trustee Dan Beck. “These performances stimulate our emotions and get people to interact with each other, to get up and move, and to reconnect with joyful memories.”

never too old
The documentary Never Too Old premiered in New York City at VISIONS Center for Aging March 19. Filmed with musicians and older adults in NYC, New Orleans, and Los Angeles, the film was produced by the Recording Industry’s Music Performance Trust Fund (MPTF) and explores ways that sharing free music performances improves the daily lives of underserved seniors in centers for aging in North America. Music industry leaders, musicians and older adults got together for a red carpet event to shine a spotlight on how live music helps to reduce loneliness and increase a sense of community for seniors. (L to R) are: John Diorio, VISIONS Center for Aging; Roxsonne “Rocky” Simms, Case Worker, VISIONS (seated); MPTF Trustee Dan Beck; Local 802 (New York City) members Robert Frank and Roberta Fabiano.

“The state has cut funding for our senior centers,” explains Harmony House Senior Center Executive Director Norman Smith. “For these individuals to want to take their time to come here, it’s important to us. It makes us feel that someone cares. We care about them and they care about us. I think it’s a plus-plus for all of us.” Harmony House Senior Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, evolved from an abandoned firehouse after Hurricane Katrina, to become a central gathering place in the city’s Treme section.

Elyse Nordholm Garcia, senior center director at Long Beach Senior Center in California, adds, “At least 40% of our population is homeless or semi-homeless. They come here and they can relax and escape into the entertainment. Then we get to know what’s going on in their lives and if we can help them with services.”

Never Too Old is available in multiple lengths. In addition to the full 27-minute version, a 10-minute version provides the essence of these messages while focusing on the reach and goals of MusicianFest. MPTF will provide an abridged version to AFM locals for use on their websites and in meetings in their communities.

You can view the full film on the website musicpf.org/never2oldmusicfilm. For more information on arranging a film screening or organizing a MusicianFest performance in your local’s community, call MPTF at 212-391-3950.