They snapped their fingers, swung their hips, and boogied. Sporting bright yellow concert T-shirts, residents of GreenFields retirement community in Geneva enjoyed great music and beautiful weather as they listened to live entertainment in strategically social-distanced places around the perimeter of their campus.
On Friday, GreenFields kicked off their first Balcony Bash. “We decided to bring entertainment and joy and excitement to brighten everyone’s spirits,” said Karen Tomko, life enrichment manager of independent living at GreenFields. While the senior living community regularly hosts musical entertainment, live performances have been suspended during the current statewide lockdown.
On May 1st along the grounds of the property were musicians wearing tuxedos playing classical music and show tunes, an Elvis look-alike leading a band in classic rock, and every musical genre in between. Residents sat, or in many cases danced, in the warm sunshine of their balconies or through their open windows.
Performers included Brian Patti Orchestra, Mike Valentine and the Heartbeats, TKO, Dean Milano, The Falconaires, and Robb Pedraza.
“For the last six weeks, we’ve been by ourselves in our apartments, but together in this community. Rather than social distancing, we’re calling the Balcony Bash our social solidarity tour,” said Karen.
