Having received funding from the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys, Oasis at the Keys Nursing and Rehab hosted its inaugural, weekly live music event on May 23.
The first of many planned events for the Tavernier nursing home in the “They’re Playing Our Song” series featured an hour-long afternoon performance from Keys singer-songwriter Leah Sutter, whose enthusiastic playing evoked a positive response from nursing home residents.
Sutter played acoustic covers of an eclectic mix of familiar tunes from several decades, from Bob Marley to Fleetwood Mac, to a crowd of more than three dozen residents. The event was paired with Oasis’ weekly “Mocktail Hour” and generous servings of charcuterie.
“I try to pair the music with other activities, so therefore it’s more engaging for residents,” explained Gloria Holmes, the activities manager at Tavernier’s Oasis.
Creating a welcoming social environment at Oasis is crucial for Holmes. Each week, residents are provided a plethora of engaging activities, from church services to ice cream socials.
With the support of the Florida Keys Council of the Arts – which coordinates with popular local artists like Sutter and seeks to provide public, open access to the Keys’ art scene – and the Community Foundation’s grant, Oasis is excited to add weekly music events to its activities roster. Local artists like DJ Fredy, Adrienne Z and the Mangrove Swamp Band are set to perform in the coming weeks, following Sutter’s enthusiastic reception.
Holmes, who studies memory care, views live music as being specifically engaging to residents. The recognizable lyrics engaged the audience, who were encouraged by Sutter to sing along with her.
“They really respond to it,” Holmes explained. “I see music as opening up the whole brain, as does reading lyrics.”
The Community Foundation’s grant provides funding for the continuance of this program in both Oasis’ Tavernier location and nursing homes in Key West. A nonprofit with a focus on charity and philanthropy, the foundation collaborates with the Florida Keys Council of the Arts to provide for a more equitable, culturally enriched community.
