Musical quartet bursts into song at Silvergate Fallbrook Senior Living Community

FALLBROOK – Memories from a bygone musical era came fondly back to life for an enthusiastic group of more than 60 seniors gathered at Silvergate Fallbrook, the area's premier retirement living community, Thursday, Feb. 13. Gin 'N Tonix – an a capella quartet whose song repertoire harkens all the way back to the post-World War II era – performed an hourlong set of jazz, swing and harmonic vocals for residents, their families and guests of Silvergate.

Many of the residents at Silvergate Fallbrook are former musicians, performers, music teachers and singers who came to hear a collection of songs that not only moved them years ago, but are just as fun to hear today. Darlyne Klinkert, who was once an accomplished pianist, violinist and church organist, lost her sight many years ago. While Klinkert couldn't see the vocalists singing, she could feel the sound of the singer's voices resonating through the room. Her reaction to each new song was evident in her smile and movement to the music.

"The singers that Silvergate showcased today just filled my senses and touched my heart," Klinkert, who moved to the senior living community just this year, said. "I really wanted to stay and talk with them about their musical journey. It's beautiful to hear that kind of talent and to be able to look back and remember what it felt like to be onstage, pour your heart into the music and feel the audience reaction.

The Gin 'N Tonix performers have a personl connection to the Silvergate Fallbrook family of residents. Resident Kathryn Kopitzke, whose son runs the soundboard for the quartet, has a daughter-in-law who headlines with the group. It was Gin 'N Tonix's first performance at Silvergate. The group regularly performs at outdoor community events, church group gatherings, county fairs, wineries and small-to-large restaurant settings.

"This was a really good show today at Silvergate," Nanette Schuyler, a resident of Fallbrook, said, who attended the musical event with a friend who is considering a move to Silvergate. "This is a great way for us to find out about the kinds of activities they have at Silvergate. The singers performed lots of old favorites and plenty of modern songs. The audience was so engaged and everybody had such a good time listening and singing along."

"The transformative power of music is demonstrated by how raptly attentive our residents are when we hold a musical event here at the community," Patty Martinez, executive director of Silvergate Fallbrook, said. "This particular group grabbed the audience with their invigorating musical style and their melodic vocals. We have long had a commitment to bringing new and vibrant entertainment and events to our resident community here at Silvergate. We all know that music promotes relaxation, improves mood and lowers stress. For seniors, pleasing melodies can deliver even more benefits for physical and mental health, memory and important social connections."

Silvergate Fallbrook is located at 420 Elbrook Drive, in Fallbrook. For more information about Silvergate or upcoming events at the community, call marketing director Helen Gray at (760) 728-8880 or visit http://www.SilvergateRR.com.

Submitted by Silvergate Fallbrook.