PHOENIX (March 11, 2024) — Sagewood, a Life Plan Community featuring a resort-style setting in Phoenix, recently hosted their 100th live concert at Woody’s Place the community’s onsite concert venue. Over 300 residents gathered for connection, socialization and to experience the world-renowned, Emmet Cohen Trio, featuring Benny Benack III.
Woody’s Place was established by former Berklee College of Music president, Lee Berk, who retired at Sagewood. Berk also formed a jazz appreciation group to support and nurture jazz in Arizona and served as an adviser to the Phoenix Conservatory of Music. He and his wife, Susan, made it their mission to bring their love of Jazz to Sagewood to educate music fans and bring people together through the arts.
“My husband Lee wanted everyone to experience the harmony that can only be found in listening to music,” said Susan Berk. “Woody’s will continue to be the place Sagewood residents can enjoy extraordinary musical performances for years to come. This is our tribute to him and the musical legacy he left us all.”
This special 100th performance which honored the late Lee Berk, was underwritten by Lenny and Annette Frankel, both Sagewood residents and friends of Berk. Over the years, Woody’s Place hosted world-renowned musicians playing music of all kinds. The special 100th concert featured swing, bebop, and modern jazz.
“For the last 10 years, Woody’s Place has delighted our residents with extraordinary jazz and other musical performances,” said Holly Weaver, Director of Community Life Services. “Throughout these 100 performances we have seen residents bond and connect with one another, we have seen residents light-up with youthlike energy, and we have seen residents dance, laugh and celebrate life.”
Live music has been proven to enhance memory and cognitive skills in seniors as well as reduce stress and anxiety, improve blood pressure, boost mood, and encourage movement. Woody’s Place revitalizes hundreds of residents with each concert by stimulating the brain and providing socialization. It is one of the most beloved resident activities and it provides many benefits for older adults.
Whether jazz, classical or the upcoming barbershop quartet performance, Sagewood will continue to offer concerts and other enriching activites to help Arizona seniors live long, healthy and happy lives. Woody’s Place is just one of the many ways Sagewood ensures residents are still living life to the fullest while reaping the mental, emotional and physical benefits only music can provide.
For more information about Sagewood, visit www.sagewoodLCS.com
About Sagewood
Sagewood is a Life Plan Community located at 4555 E. Mayo Blvd. in Phoenix, featuring resort-like amenities including a fitness center, movie theaters, indoor and outdoor pools, 18-hole putting golf course, auditorium for multi-purpose use, formal and casual dining and health center providing assisted living, memory care support, skilled nursing and a rehabilitative therapy center. Industry leader Life Care Services and Westminster Capital are the joint-venture partners of Sagewood. For more information, visit SagewoodLCS.com.
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