Testimonials...
Curtis, we are looking forward to having you throughout the year! Our residents truly enjoy your programs and your professionalism as well. It's always a great show when you're in town! Thanks to your Wife Laura too for her hard work as she juggles all of the dates for your performances. You guys are a great combination!
-Steve Shade, Activities Director Certified/Park Village Healthcare Southside/New Philadelphia, Ohio
Curtis-
I was in Columbus this evening for you to play for my dad's 82nd birthday. I have never seen the joy in my dad's face, the way I see it when you play for him. I cannot thank you enough for making his birthdays so special. You and your wife are special people, we are blessed to have you as part of our extended family. Can't wait until the next time we are all together.
-Sue S./ Loveland, Ohio
"You have been such an amazing presenter these past few months. The residents truly enjoyed your performances . You are a HIT. On another note-through the eyes of an activity person- you get it."
-Danielle, Activity Director/Jennings Center for Older Adults
"I want to give a BIG thank you for entertaining last night. Our residents said you were the best one they've had here. They have been coming to me this morning saying what a wonderful time they had. Thank you again."
-Kim, Activities Director/Beacon House
"Thank you for the beautiful music you provided for our annual Senior Fair at Ashland University."
-Diane, Activity Manager/Ashland County Council on Aging
"My Dad is in love with you guys. That is all he talks about from his birthday party, how everyone loves you, etc. You would think Curtis and him were best friends the way he talks about him. Thank you again for everything!"
-Terri/Columbus, Ohio
"You were a Hit! The residents and staff of Copeland Oaks really enjoyed your evening performance. Several days have passed and the residents are still talking about your show. We really appreciate your professionalism and look forward to inviting you back to our beautiful campus."
-Jackie, Independent Living Services/Copeland Oaks Retirement Community
"You are the best entertainment we have ever had".
-Program Coordinator/Firestone Park Prime Timers
"We all enjoy Curtis at our facility, he is a terrific entertainer, who is great with the elderly"
"We all enjoy Curtis at our facility, he is a terrific entertainer, who is great with the elderly"
-Meg, Activity Director/Columbus Alzheimer Care Center
"Thank you so very much for coming out and entertaining our residents! I have heard many great comments about your performance."
-Jamie, Executive Director/Walton Retirement Home
"Our residents really enjoy Curtis' smooth Big Band Sound!"
-Carolyn, Activities Coordinator/The Forum at Knightsbridge.
"You have such a professional speaking voice as well, very smooth and mellow. You should be in radio!"
-Numerous Activity Directors
"You have such a professional speaking voice as well, very smooth and mellow. You should be in radio!"
-Numerous Activity Directors
"Thank you once again for sharing your time, energy and talent with the Glenwood Residents. You are one of the residents favorite musicians! Thank you for bringing joy and happy memories with your lovely music."
-Wendy, Resident Services/Glenwood Retirement Community.
"Curtis, thanks for singing to the residents at The Good Shepherd today, they love you. I will be calling Laura soon to book a few more concerts at their request!"
-Terry, Activities Director/The Good Shepherd Home
"Curtis, thank you for entertaining the residents at The Good Shepherd today. They love listening to you. We sent a new lady, she loved you instantly and was not happy you left at all!"
- Terry, Activities Director/The Good Shepherd Home
"We thoroughly enjoyed your program last night at Kensington Place and I am sending you a collective Thank You from all of us. I received a lot of feedback and we absolutely loved it!! Residents are still coming up to me today, saying how much they enjoyed the music. Your choice of music, narration, your beautiful voice and saxophone playing is the perfect mix that our residents enjoy. Thank you for the wonderful entertainment."
-Gisela, Activities Director/Kensington Place
"Thank you so much for entertaining at our Valentine's Day Party. The residents and families loved it! Several said it brought back a lot of memories for them".
-Janet, Activities Director/Amberwood Manor
"Everyone enjoyed your singing and playing the saxophone. We welcome you back anytime to Primrose. Thank you again".
-Tammy, Activities Director/Primrose Retirement Community
"Thank you from the Primrose Family. Your music was loved by all. Great job!!"
-Jennifer, Activities Director/Primrose Retirement Community
"Thanks Loads- You make us very happy with your singing and music!"
-Cathy, Activities Director/Tuscany Gardens
"The members of the Firestone Park AARP Chapter thank you for the entertaining performance during our Luncheon. Your musical "Walk Down Memory Lane" selections were right on".
-James/Programs
"I saw your music post on a mutual friend's facebook page. Glad to hear you are still performing music and would love to hear you sometime"
-Jill/New Concord, Ohio
"Just a note to tell you how much my mother and I enjoyed your music on Valentine's Day at The Shepherd of the Valley. It really took her down memory lane and she loved it. We had a good seat too, right in front. We hope they have you back. I will certainly tell them how much we enjoyed you. Keep up the good music."
-Mary Lou (family of resident).
"The residents of Worthington Christian Village are very appreciative of your great saxophone playing and singing. You gave the residents a very enjoyable evening. You noticed they gave you many loud applauses so it was a happy time. Do come again. Thank you."
After playing for the anniversary celebration of a beautiful facility, a man visiting his relative came up and said, "Great show I really enjoyed that! At first we were sitting in the dining area when I heard people clapping in the next room. I asked my wife what they were clapping for and she said they had a live musician performing. I couldn't believe it! It was so good I thought they were playing a CD."
"Thank you for your talent and artistry. We have a lot of musicians come to our facility but you are the best!"
An elderly man with a fun loving grin said "Thanks for the excellent sermon, I really enjoyed it." This was the first time Curtis had heard that comment. I guess the music from his era was a message he enjoyed hearing.
"I am visiting my husband who is a resident here. This is the first time I have really seen him come out of his shell and we have been married for 58 years. Thank you so very much for what you have done here today." During the show Curtis saw this man smiling, clapping and singing along... and sometimes weeping. Upon talking with him after the program Curtis came to learn that he used to play the saxophone in a big band in his younger days.
"God bless you and your ministry! We love your music and I can tell you give God the glory for your talents. It just shows."
"Your music brings back wonderful memories of the dances at Buckeye Lake, Ohio. All of the famous bands use to play there... Oh what fun times we had!"
Curtis had a delightful conversation with a resident following a program. She loved the saxophone music and was impressed with the interpretation of the era. "I know my saxophone music" she said. Her husband had played saxophone and wrote music arrangements for such great bands as Glenn Miller and Tommy Dorsey in the 30's and 40's. He was also responsible for some of the "choreography" of the bands, as they would move to the music. It was a thrill for Curtis to have a first hand account of the Big Band Era!
At an assisted living residence in Upper Arlington of Columbus, the music ignited memories and discussion of growing up with gas lights and ice boxes.
Following an afternoon show at an assisted living facility, a lady shared with Curtis that her husband was a prisoner of war for 13 months during WWII. The year was 1944, the place was Germany. He received a letter from a friend at home saying that the big song of the year was "Don't Fence Me In" sung by Bing Crosby. Her husband returned home safely after being liberated by the allied forces and they enjoyed a wonderful life together.