“Showtune Favorites” is the first trumpet show that I ever created and performed, and about 8.5 years later, on 10 August 2026, I finally performed it for the residents of Edmonds Landing by Cogir (Independent & Assisted Living in Edmonds, WA).

In this show, I perform two dozen hit songs from musicals and movies that were popular in the residents’ era. Those who remember the words will sing along, and others in the audience may hum the tunes as I play. Along the way, I tell some jokes, and after the show, I pass out a handout of 25 jokes, riddles, and limericks. In this case, a man in the second row from me leapt out of his chair, took the handouts, and distributed them to his peers for me. People often do that. It is so kind.

One lady came up to me with the joke handout in her hands and said, “This is what we need around here! Laughter. We need to laugh more! Thank you.”

The lady with the beautiful voice, who knew the words to every song, also came up to talk with me. She said how much she enjoyed singing those wonderful songs. I thanked her and praised her voice. Another lady, standing nearby, said hearing her sing was encouragement for others to sing, also. It was obvious she must have performed those songs in musicals in the past. That’s so much fun when a talented, experienced singer bursts out like that.

A man in his 90s said to me, “You have a nice embouchure.” I thanked him and said, “You must have played.” Yes, he played both trumpet and cello. Such an unusual combination, I thought. Must be a story there. “Then you can do the next show,” I said. Smiling, he passed.

Another man in his 90s, sitting in a wheelchair, was wearing a Korean War Veteran cap. His first career was 28 years in the U.S. Army in artillery. His second career was teaching at a junior college. His father had done the same—two careers, one in the Army and one teaching in college. Amazing. Fewer stories like that now. Changes.

You can see why I love playing music for such good people. I tell them, “I’m going to keep doing this as long as I’m able.” They say, “Do it,” and we grin.

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