How Senior Musicians bring joy to St George and improved mental health |
Bar None Wranglers, a country music band sharing joy through live performances |
In St. George, a familiar country tune can turn an ordinary afternoon into a moment worth remembering.
For the Bar None Wranglers, that connection matters more than applause or a packed room.
The southern Utah country music band brings older favorites to local audiences, including people living in memory care facilities.
Most members are in their 70s and 80s, but their performance schedule would challenge musicians decades younger.
Founder Robin Davis built the group after moving to St. George, drawing on a passion for music that stretches back to high school.
As fellow players have changed over the years, the purpose has stayed steady: show up, play together and make someone's day brighter.
Davis says the band averaged about 140 performances annually over the past two years, often seeking out opportunities rather than waiting for invitations.
That pace tells you something about these senior musicians: retirement has not quieted their drive to connect.
At care facilities, the reward can arrive in the smallest gestures.
Band member Joe Lawrence has seen residents who rarely speak begin tapping their feet or joining in when familiar songs fill the room.
Those moments are not a promise that music will change someone's medical condition, but they can make an afternoon feel less distant.
Davis recalls a caregiver noticing a resident singing along after years of speaking very little, a memory that remains especially meaningful to the group.
Member Lolly Graf sees performing as both a shared purpose for the band and a chance to lift other people.
The group's energy also challenges the idea that learning an instrument belongs to youth.
Dennis Madsen first encountered the Wranglers at the St. George Tabernacle without knowing how to play an instrument.
He later taught himself ukulele, guitar and banjo, eventually joining the performances and singing with the group.
His path offers a gentle nudge to anyone who thinks the window for trying something new has closed.
Here, age is part of the story, not the limit of it.
The musicians encourage others to consider volunteering at care centers, where a little time and attention can matter.
Around St. George, the Bar None Wranglers offer a reminder that a country song can do more than entertain: it can bring people together. |
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The part about the caregiver seeing a resident sing along after years of barely speaking. I had to read that twice. Wow.
Marcia D.That one got me too. Those are the moments that remind you music reaches people in ways that nothing else really can.
People always say you can learn anything at any age but then you never see proof. Dennis picking up banjo and joining the band is actual proof.
This is exactly the kind of thing that makes St. George a great community. More of this please.
Nancy HolbrookAgreed. You don't always hear about the good stuff happening around town but this is a great example of it.
Good story but I wonder if they ever play public shows where anyone can just come watch. Would love to hear them sometime.
Lolly Graf and the rest of them are giving their time for free I assume. That kind of volunteering does not get enough attention around here.
BeckyJYes totally voluntary from what I understand. Robin has talked about it at a few community events and it's purely a labor of love for all of them.
Not sure 140 performances a year is sustainable for anyone let alone people in their 70s and 80s. Hope they are taking care of themselves too.
Tom NielsonFair point. Though people that age who stay active and have a strong sense of purpose tend to do pretty well. Probably keeps them going more than it wears them out.
Robin Davis building this whole group from scratch after moving here is impressive. Takes real dedication to keep it going for years.
linda_dixieAnd keeping the membership going as people come and go is its own challenge. It's easy to start something but hard to keep it running year after year.
My grandpa used to light up whenever old country songs came on. There is real science behind why music hits different for memory patients.
Joe Lawrence describing residents tapping their feet who barely speak otherwise. That got me right in the heart.
Good to see the St. George Tabernacle being used for community stuff like this too.
Love this. Wish more people knew about them so they could get invited to more places around town.
patty_stgIf you reach out to any of the care facilities in town they might be able to point you in the right direction. Pretty sure a few of them already have the Wranglers on a regular rotation.
Dennis teaching himself banjo after retirement is the kind of thing that makes you want to put down your phone and go try something new.
Saw them play at a senior center a while back. The residents were clapping along and smiling the whole time. Really something to see.
140 shows a year is no joke. These folks put a lot of younger bands to shame honestly.
RandyT_SGRight? 140 shows and they're the ones going out and finding gigs rather than waiting to be asked. That work ethic is something else.
My mom is in a memory care facility here in St. George and music really does reach her in a way nothing else does. So grateful people like this exist.