Group of Seniors Form Band Called 'Nanas and the Papas' to Bring Joy to Others

By Sarah Carri February 13, 2019 at 5:03pm

You’re never too old to find a new hobby. For many of the residents at Whisperwood Villa Seniors Home in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada, a new hobby turned into much more.

What started out as a beginner’s ukulele group grew into a band. Now known as “The Nanas and the Papas,” the musical seniors of Whisperwood Villa always have an audience.

“Somebody handed me a ukulele and a book,” band member, 94-year-old Betty Foster, told CBC News. “And they said, ‘Play fast, and sing loud.'”

“I don’t do either one,” Foster said. “But I picked it up, and took the book, and away I went.”

Foster is one of the original members of the band, and she doesn’t appear to be slowing down any time soon.

Have you ever seen anything like this?

The group of singers and musicians gathers weekly. They perform a variety of tunes for both residents and staff, and there’s never a dull moment, either.

“It’s just joy, joy, joy,” activities assistant and bandleader, Kerry Trenholm, told CBC News. “I can’t say anything else about it.”

“I just love to see the community get together, the camaraderie,” Trenholm said. “It’s a great source of community spirit.”

NANAS AND PAPAS: This group of seniors formed a band and they’re going on tour with their ukuleles – proving you’re never too told to become a rock star ?❤️️ https://t.co/3zowXYX2CQ pic.twitter.com/ZkYvF1Caq3

— CBS News (@CBSNews) February 7, 2019

What is perhaps most inspiring about this fine group of folks is how their music has inspired others around them.

Whisperwood Villa posted a quote by Plato that encompasses all this group stands for: “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.”

Isn’t that the truth? As amazing as it is to watch these “nanas and papas” play through the lens of social media, how much more satisfying would it be to attend one of their weekly performances?

“They are amazing,” staff member Kellie Annett told CBC. “To be able to get up there, and play and sing? That takes a lot of courage.”

The group has even performed at other local homes and churches. Maybe one day they’ll venture even further. For now, they’ll keep playing for those who will always listen.

We hope you’ve been just as inspired as we have through hearing this band’s story. We also hope “The Nanas and the Papas” never stop doing what they do best.

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Tags:

Elderly, Music, Women

Sarah Carri

Contributor, Lifestyle

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Sarah Carri is an avid reader and social media guru with a passion for truth and life. Her writing has previously been published in print and online by Focus on the Family and other well known media outlets. Her experience in ministry and Disney entertainment gives her a unique perspective on such topics.

Sarah's experience as a successful working stay-at-home mom and business owner has given her the chance to write and research often. She stays up to date on the latest in entertainment and offers her views on celebrity stories based on her wide knowledge of the industry. Her success as a former preschool teacher and licensed daycare provider lend to her know-how on topics relating to parenting and childhood education.

Her thoughts on faith and family issues stem from home life and ministry work. Sarah takes time to attend workshops and classes annually that help her to improve and hone her writing craft. She is a graduate of the Institute of Children's Literature program and her writing has been acclaimed by ACFW and ECPA.

Education

Institute of Children's Literature, Art Institute of Phoenix (Advertising), University of California Irvine (Theater), Snow College (Early Childhood Education)

Location

Arizona

Languages Spoken

English

Topics of Expertise

Entertainment, Faith