Bret Savage music warms the hearts of Care Center residents

A room full of laughter and bliss brings the residents of the New Horizons Care Center together through music and song, thanks to longtime musician and community member Bret Savage.

Every Sunday evening at 7 p.m., Savage and musicians like Wade Brost bring a special kind of joy to the residents of the care center. For more than 25 years, the dedicated musician has shared his love of music, creating a tradition that has become a beloved fixture in the community.

Savage, a seasoned musician, is known for his performances with various bands, including the popular local groups The Cowley Boys and The Rewinders. His extensive musical career is marked by his passion for bringing people together through music. With the full-time support from his wife, Rhonda, Savage has been spreading happiness and fostering community connections one song at a time.

“I grew up on the Beatles and the Beach Boys,” Savage said, “and my dad loved country music, so that became a big part of my life.” 

Bret’s favorite Beatle is Paul McCartney, due to his love for the bass guitar. Alongside Bret, Wade Brost also shared his musical influences.

“A big influence is the Beach Boys due to their complex and beautiful harmonies,” Brost said, citing the Beach Boys’ 1964 classic “I Get Around” as one of his favorite songs.

Their weekly performances at the care center are more than just concerts; they are heartfelt gatherings that bring smiles to the faces of the elderly residents. 

“Music has a way of connecting people,” Savage said. “It’s a universal language that brings happiness and unity.”

Bret and Wade’s repertoire includes a mix of country, folk music and classic old rock ‘n’ roll, catering to the diverse tastes of the residents. The performances are often enhanced by the involvement of other community members, such as 15-year-old singer/songwriter Wilson Hendershot and new Lovell resident Garrett Randolph, also a singer/songwriter. Brett Crosby, another longtime musician who has been involved for about 10-11 years, regularly joins Savage and Brost, helping to enrich the musical experience.

The impact of their music goes beyond entertainment. 

“Music helps the residents tap into their long-term memory,” Savage explained. “It’s very healing and therapeutic.” 

Even residents sometimes join the performance, like Bob Neff, who delights everyone with his harmonica skills.

The New Horizons Care Center has a reputation for excellence, having won the “Quality Excellence Award” from Mountain Pacific Quality Health in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019. The dedication of the staff and the warm, welcoming environment contribute to the overall happiness and well-being of the residents.

Bret and Wade’s performances fill the room with song and positive energy, allowing the residents to escape for a while and immerse themselves in the joy of music. 

“Seeing their smiles and knowing we are making a difference in their lives is incredibly fulfilling,” Brost shared. “It brings us joy seeing the residents smile and helping them forget their troubles for a while.”

During their rendition of the American classic “You Are My Sunshine,” the room feels fully alive and together. For those three minutes, time stands still and troubles melt away, bringing all generations together.

 “I play over 80 shows a year, so as busy as I am as a musician, this is one of my favorite all-time gigs I play,” Savage said. “I always look forward to Sunday. Because we make them happy, it makes me happy. We’ve seen a lot of people, so you get new faces coming in, and others get to truly go home – we are like their send-off crew.”

In Lovell, music truly brings people together, creating a tapestry of joy and connection that resonates far beyond the final note.

For those interested in experiencing the joy and community spirit fostered by Savage and other musicians, their performances at the New Horizons Care Center are a must-see. Every Sunday evening, they transform a simple room into a vibrant space filled with music, laughter and love.