Local 802 members Richard Frank and Rosanne Cash kicked off the inaugural event of MusicianFest, a program to bring free music to older adults, sponsored in part by the Music Performance Trust Fund. Photos by Kate Glicksberg.

Music is a powerful connector that can have a positive impact on the mental and physical well-being of older adults. That’s why the Music Performance Trust Fund, the National Council on Aging and the Film Fund are teaming up to bring live music to older adults at senior centers across the country this year. MusicianFest will stage up to 500 free performances at senior centers in an effort to bring the positive impact of music into the lives of older adults. The concert series also will boost the employment of local musicians. The inaugural performance – which took place here in New York City – featured remarks by Grammy-award winning singer-songwriter Rosanne Cash and a performance by Richard Frank on guitar and vocals. (Both musicians are proud members of Local 802, and the performance paid wages and benefits under a union contract.) The venue was the University Settlement Neighborhood Center on the Lower East Side. Nearly 100 older adults joined the celebration, singing and dancing to the music of their lives. “The gig felt good to me,” Frank told Allegro. “It was a senior center where they like to dance. The reaction couldn’t have been better. They danced like crazy and applauded vigorously.” To find a list of senior centers hosting a MusicianFest performance, visit www.ncoa.org/MusicianFest. Local 802 members who want more information on the Music Performance Trust Fund can contact Marisa Friedman at (212) 245-4802, ext. 130 or Mfriedman@Local802afm.org.