Embracing the arts at Greenspring

Diverse entertainment offerings enhance community's vibrant retirement lifestyle

Springfield, Va. – December 27, 2019 -- With nationally known live music venues such as Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and the National Theater, mere miles from Greenspring, a senior living community developed and managed by Erickson Living, residents there enjoy unparalleled access to world-renowned entertainment. This close proximity also provides the unique opportunity to host similar high caliber performers right on the community's scenic 58-acre campus.

Greenspring's resident-run Entertainment Roundtable, with the support of the Community Resources department, host more than 20 live performances each year. This dedicated group is one of many resident-run clubs and committees that contribute to the community's vibrant lifestyle. For each performance, they also sell tickets, serve as ushers, operate lighting and sound, and serve as master of ceremonies.

"I really enjoy bringing in quality entertainment for my neighbors to enjoy," says Roger Thompson, a member of the Entertainment Roundtable who has lived at Greenspring for the last five years.

Top performers

Each month, with the exception of July and August, Greenspring hosts several Sunday afternoon concerts, known as the Sidney Foster concert series, after the former resident who initiated the series.

Last month, pianist Thomas Pandolfi, a graduate of the Juilliard School of music, performed to a sell-out crowd. In addition, Dale Allen Jarrett, a pianist and vocalist, who has performed for three U.S. Presidents, performed for a full house of Greenspring residents.

This December, Greenspring welcomed the handbell choir from St. Matthews United Methodist Church in Annandale. Performing beautiful Christmas tunes, the choir is a holiday favorite among residents.

Tickets to these professional, one-hour, performances cost a mere $5 a show. Residents often bring family members and friends with them to the shows.

"We are enjoying professional entertainers at a fraction of the cost of seeing them throughout the Washington, DC area," says Norma Hughes, who also serves on the Entertainment Roundtable.

Not only are these on-campus performances affordable, but also convenient. Multiple entertainment venues are located throughout the community, just steps away from most residents' apartment homes.

By popular demand

"More than ever, Greenspring community members are enthusiastic about participating in a variety of on-campus activities, especially live music performances," says Dwayne Ward, Greenspring's community resources coordinator.

As a result of the successful Sunday concert series, the Entertainment Roundtable decided to bring additional offerings to their neighbors on Saturday evenings.

The performances, known as Saturday Night Live, are offered on the first Saturday of the month, with several additional performances around the holidays.

Last month, Emil Chudnovsky, a world-renowned violinist, member of the Manassas Symphony Orchestra, and faculty member at The Catholic University of America, performed at Greenspring's Village Square theater.

The arrival of each professional performer at Greenspring is due to the hard work and dedication of the resident members of the Entertainment Roundtable. The group meets on the third Thursday of each month to go coordinate offers and share feedback they receive from neighbors.

"Greenspring community members really appreciate our efforts," says Roger. "We take their feedback very seriously."

Something for everyone

"We have many performers who enjoy performing at Greenspring and request to be added to our yearly schedule," says Norma. "In addition to community favorites, we strive to bring new, fresh entertainment on campus each year. We have performers send us DVDs of their performances or links to YouTube videos for review."

Depending on performance type or performers request, concerts are held in either the Village Square theater, Accotink room, or the community's chapel.

"With a grand piano and wonderful acoustics, the chapel is the preferred spot for many of our pianists and violinists," says Roger. "But we are extremely fortunate to offer a range of options to our performers."

For those whose schedule precludes attending a performance, all concerts from both series, are taped and aired on Greenspring's in-house cable channel 6.

More to come

New for 2020, the Greenspring Entertainment Roundtable is selling an Entertainment Passport Package, a book of 12 tickets that may be used at any Roundtable production throughout 2020. The cost of the book is $50, a $10 savings over the cost of individual tickets.

Upcoming performances include the NOVA Annandale Symphony Orchestra, the Northern Virginia Chorale, the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, and the West Point Alumni Glee Club.

"I've always loved music," says Norma. "I previously played the piano and sang in choirs. It's a big part of my life and I love that I can continue to explore and share that passion at Greenspring."

About Greenspring: Greenspring, one of 20 continuing care retirement communities developed and managed by Erickson Living®, is situated on a scenic 58-acre campus in Springfield, Virginia. The not-for-profit community of more than 2,000 residents and 1,000 employees is governed by its own board of directors, affiliated with National Senior Campuses, who provide independent financial and operational oversight of the community. Additional information can be found at GreenspringCommunity.com.

Photo Caption: Greenspring's Annual Gala, pictured here, is just one of many opportunities for residents to enjoy excellent, professional entertainment right while socializing with friends and neighbors. With several well-equipped venues just steps away from their apartment homes, embracing the arts is easy and convenient for Greenspring residents.