By Samantha Moll
Many may never expect to hear the words “rock songs” and “senior citizens” in the same sentence. So Young@Heart – a chorus of senior citizens that performs rock-and-roll and stars in a documentary playing now in local theatres – may surprise some.
On June 20, Young@Heart will make its live Boston-area debut at the Somerville Theatre. Some of the songs Young@Heart will perform include “Knock Three Times” by Tony Orlando and “Everybody’s Crying Mercy” by Bonnie Raitt.
The Young@Heart chorus was formed in 1982 in an elderly housing complex in Northampton that originally sang vaudeville songs. But it wasn’t until they began singing rock songs that they found success, reinventing singles by groups like Coldplay, Sonic Youth and the Clash, giving them new meaning and enthusiasm as the chorus members deal with questions of mortality with grace, humor and spirit.
There is a documentary called Young@Heart in theatres now about the chorus which followed them as they prepared for a new concert series last year.
At times funny, often poignant and always full of life, the documentary proves that it’s possible to not just age gracefully, but also to be elderly and cool.
Some of the senior citizens said they joined the choir for reasons like staying active, meeting new people, learning new songs, traveling and have fun. .
The choir has performed all across the country and has also toured Europe.
Len Fontaine joined the Young@Heart chorus 10 years ago, when his friend Eileen Hall asked him to be its harmonica player. Fontaine still plays the harmonica outside the chorus, but sings now instead.
Fontaine said singing with Young@Heart has taught him “you are never too old to participate.” He said he had never sung before joining the chorus.
Although most of the members admitted they preferred classical music, and many of them visibly cringed when they first heard Sonic Youth’s “Schizophrenia,” the songs that Bob Cilman, the director, selects eventually grow on them.
One of Len Fontaine’s favorite songs the chorus has performed is “I Wanna Be Sedated” by the Ramones. Leader’s favorite is “that one about climbing the stairs – ‘Stairway to Heaven,'” she said. Goldman’s favorites are “I Feel Good” by James Brown and “Fake Plastic Trees” by Radiohead.
“Some of the lyrics sound rather obscure,” Fontaine said. “It’s like forced intellectualism.”
But he said he feels like being a member of Young@Heart has helped him understand younger generations better.
“Music and arts provide tremendous insight into our lives,” he said. “I never thought I would experience the emotions we find when we are singing to an audience. People are so receptive to us – it’s great.”
Stan Goldman, a member of the chorus, said he had a passion for music from a young age. He said he loves opera, classical music, jazz and showtunes. Although he had not heard of Young@Heart when a friend suggested he join a few years ago, he agreed to audition.
Miriam Leader joined the group in 1988, right after she became a widow. She has played the violin since she was 10 years old and said she enjoys writing poetry.
Leader was a fan of Young@Heart and jumped at the chance to play violin for the chorus when Cilman invited her to join.
He added that younger people often love their performances. The chorus usually gets standing ovations, he said.
The documentary is currently playing at AMC Loews Harvard Square. Tickets for the June 20 concert are on sale now for $30 at the Somerville Theatre box office or through Ticketmaster.
