Music unites members at Southwest Senior Center’s jazz lounge
One day early this year, Center Director Malekka Dade walked into a large storage room at the back of Southwest Senior Center and became inspired. The room was filled with boxes, furniture, office supplies and random equipment. But she saw past all the clutter to imagine what the space could become.
“I realized the room could be used for a special class or as a cozy space,” Dade says. “I’ve always had a passion for music. Except for the choir, we didn’t have any regular music activities or classes. I would hear members talk about the jazz concerts they would attend, in the 1960s-80s. They would get very excited by just simply talking about the good old days.”
That’s when she got the idea to “turn learning about music into fun” by opening a jazz lounge. “I wanted the members to feel like they stepped into a time machine to an era where they would visit different lounges that felt intimate and relaxing,” Dade says.
After researching different jazz musicians, she came across a colorful image of Philadelphia-born jazz singer Billie Holiday. This image inspired the jazz lounge’s look and design. “I have a niche for taking small spaces and turning them into unique, creative atmospheres – creating different vibes so to speak,” she says.
The jazz lounge, which opened in May, features musical decor, colorful accessories and comfortable chairs for relaxing. Dade’s vision created a warm and cozy feel, like the vintage jazz clubs in Philadelphia, South Jersey and New York.
Music is played on a wall-mounted TV and record player with a catalog of jazz albums. Southwest’s jazz lounge is open daily for older adults to listen to music and relax. Every Friday at 1 p.m., a special program is presented for participants to learn about jazz musicians.
A Milestones reporter attended a recent jazz lounge program. It flowed as smoothly as a classic jazz song. There was no set agenda or presentation. The lights were dim, except for an illuminated neon sign.
Dade played vinyl records to set the tone and gently guided the discussion with questions to encourage conversation. As members shared, others would add their own memories – or additional information.
Some attendees even sang. The highlight was professional singer Jimmy Smith singing Nat King Cole’s “Unforgettable.”
“He was the first Black man to have his own network television show in America,” says Smith of “The Nat King Cole” show that aired on NBC from 1956-1957. Other members added: “Everybody remembers that. We were all running down the street yelling, ‘Black man on TV.’ We ran home to watch it. You might not like the music, but we wanted to see it. What a phenomenal thing.”
Conversation faded as the smooth sounds of jazz filled the room. As members enjoyed the music, some expressed enjoyment for the performative and storytelling nature of jazz music.“I like to hear what people are saying. I like enunciation. When people write songs, they’re writing a message. It’s like a poem. Music today is fractured. I’m disconnected from it. When someone can be on stage with just a microphone sitting at a piano, and captivate the audience, that’s a performer.”
The piano was the center of the home. Singalongs and impromptu music performances were a regular occurrence, “back in the day.” Some members recall hearing Philadelphia jazz singer Denise King, who is still touring worldwide at 71, perform in their neighborhood.
This trip down Memory Lane moved to 52nd Street in West Philadelphia: “In the ‘60s, Mr. Silk’s 3rd Base was the place to go. And you were dressed. Everybody would go there on weekends, dressed to the nines. You got dressed all the time. When you went downtown to see a show, you gotta get dressed. Yeah, you put on your suit. You put on your finest.”
This discussion proved that music brings people together – across generations, cultures, neighborhoods and personalities.
“Look how you all were in the same places, and didn’t even know each other,” Dade remarks. “Me and him, we don’t live that far from each other,” says Stewart, pointing to Smith. “I didn’t meet him until I came here.”
Southwest Senior Center has really created something special. It is a welcoming place where people can relax, make friends and enjoy music together.
PCA’s Southwest Senior Center, located at 6916 Elmwood Ave., is open weekdays, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The jazz lounge is open every day with a special program held Fridays at 1 p.m. Stop in any time! Call 215-937-1880 for more information.
