The Prize Winning Young@ Heart Documentary of Singing Seniors Featuring Fred Knittle's "Fix You," Lifts Your Spirits and Breaks Your Heart

Those of you, who watched the predictable silliness of "American Idol's" first show, missed an extraordinary film shown on the PBS educational channel, the prize winning documentary film "Young @ Heart." The film directed by Walker Stephen, is the story of a senior choral group who fight off old age by performing the music of the young; R+B, Punk and Rock. "Young at Heart" was a favorite of the 2008 Sundance Film Festival.

The Young@ Heart documentary film is funny, touching, brave and real. It follows a group of senior singers as they prepare for their new show. It could be any concert film but as soon as the first performer, a delightful 92 year old, steps forward, you are hooked. At a time when many seniors are living out their last days in retirement homes, these seniors are approaching the end of life with gusto. The singers take their music seriously. Their story turns out to be a testimony to their passion and professionalism. They perform music most of them have never heard of, the music of the young. When they sing "Should I Stay, or Should I Go," the lyrics take on a whole new meaning. Other selections such as the Ramone's "I Want to be Sedated" and Sonic youth's "Schizophrenia" are performed with energy and humor." The "Young at Heart Singers" turn out polished performances despite the struggles of old age.

The Young @ Heart group was started 25 years ago as an activity for nursing home residents in North Hampton, Massachusetts. Since then Young @ Heart has developed into a universal concert sensation. Young @ Heart's members range from age 70 into the mid nineties. Some have extensive musical backgrounds. Others are enthusiastic amateurs. Some can even be classified as shouters. They have performed in the US, Japan, Europe and Australia.

Young @ Heart's Singers come from the senior community in and around North Hampton, a small community west of Boston. Some of Young @ Heart singers live in senior housing. Others still live with their families. Anyone who wants to sing can participate, but the group size stays between 24-30 members. Loving to sing and being able to make the 3 rehearsals a week are the main qualifications.

Young@ Heart singers face a demanding schedule as the documentary film shows. Bob Gilman is their demanding and professional choir director. He expects the best from them, as he would from any other choral group, and they deliver. He sends them home with CDs to learn the music. Health problems and hospital stays interrupt attendance, but the singers push forward and return as soon as they can. Some singers die. You soon realize for many, performing is their reason for living. It may be what keeps them alive. At first look you realize their days are numbered; but when you hear them sing, you forget and enjoy the moment, just as they do.

Seeing them march into a prison courtyard to perform for a bored group of sullen convicts, you hold your breath. Once they burst into Bruce Springsteen's "Dancin' in the Dark", flawlessly performed and backed up by a red hot rock band, the bored expressions turn into cheers and grins of delight. The Pointer Sisters' "Yes I Can" with its 71 "cans" is a crowd pleaser. Their last number Coldplay's "Fix You" is a heartbreaker and the tough guys are in tears. After the concert the singers walk confidently into the arms of their audience. Hugs and handshakes are exchanged as the convicts tell the camera, "The best concert I ever saw."

The most poignant part of the film takes place at a sold out concert in North Hampton. 83 year old Fred Knittle, hooked to his oxygen tank, sings Coldplay's beautiful song, "I Will Fix You." The song was to be performed as a duet, but Fred's partner died. See Young@ Heart perform "I Will Fix You" on You Tube, featuring Fred Knittle. You won't forget it......See the film and go call your dad!

Sources

Young@Heart Official Trailer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gosIuO1HqEg&feature=related

Young @Heart and Fix You

Personal Opinion