Music brings smiles and memories at The Maples

Musician Elizabeth Finch performs for residents in the retirement-living wing at The Maples Home for Seniors in Tavistock on Tuesday afternoon. Accompanying herself on the ukulele, Finch entertained residents with a selection of folk and Celtic songs that inspired plenty of singing along and toe tapping. Gary West photo

By Gary West

Music filled the air and had toes tapping Tuesday afternoon, June 23, at The Maples Home for Seniors on William Street in Tavistock.

Residents gathered to enjoy live performances by local musicians who brought a variety of familiar songs and fond memories to audiences in both the retirement and long-term-care areas of the home.

On the retirement-living side, Elizabeth Finch entertained residents in the dining room with a selection of folk and Celtic music while accompanying herself on the ukulele.

Finch, a multi-instrumentalist, also plays the piano, banjolele and autoharp. She said she enjoys sharing songs that evoke positive memories and encourage audience participation.

Among the songs featured in her performance were “You Are My Sunshine,” “This Little Light of Mine,” “Down in the Valley,” “Amazing Grace” and “Drunken Sailor.”

Finch regularly encourages audience members to sing along, clap their hands and tap their feet, creating an interactive and enjoyable experience for residents and their families.

In addition to her appearances at The Maples, Finch performs weekly at Greenwood Court in Stratford's Heritage Ward and at a variety of other venues throughout Tavistock, Stratford and Kitchener.

Meanwhile, residents in the long-term-care wing were treated to a performance by Stratford musician Con Smythe, who is well known for performing popular hits from the 1950s, '60s and '70s.

Smythe remains a favourite among seniors wherever he performs and is known not only for his music, but also for sharing the stories and history behind many of the songs he sings.

His repertoire includes music made famous by artists such as Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley and Charlie Pride.

Visitors and residents alike said they appreciate the energy and nostalgia Smythe brings to every performance.

Smythe's son, Blythe Smythe, is a professional musician based in Nashville, Tenn. After leaving Stratford many years ago to pursue a career in country music, he continues to perform professionally in Music City. Con and his wife still visit their son whenever they have the opportunity.

The afternoon performances were another example of how music continues to enrich the lives of residents at The Maples, bringing people together through songs that span generations.