Young@Heart

Here are some aging musicians whose idea of rockin' and rollin' sure isn't confined to their rocking chairs. Young@Heart is a fabulous group of choristers in their 70s, 80s and 90s who cover bands from The Clash to Talking Heads to Coldplay and Sonic Youth. Based in Northampton, Massachusetts, and performing under the direction of dynamic Bob Cilman since 1982, the singers are former doctors, teachers, homemakers, executives, and food care workers. Young@Heart's sometimes naughty, sometimes nice renditions of popular R&B and rock tunes bring new meaning to lyrics of pain, loneliness, sex, and death. Some of the artists whose works are interpreted by Young@Heart have responded enthusiastically to the chorus's renditions of their songs. The group recently performed with David Byrne, who invited them to be part of the New Yorker Festival. This documentary by English filmmakers Sally George and Stephen Walker chronicles seven weeks in the lives of the choir members as they rehearse for a one-night performance in their hometown. In addition to concert performances like thsoe depicted in the film, Young@Heart tours the world with theatrical productions. In late 2007, the group spent three weeks bringing its stage show to audiences in several French cities. A huge audience favorite, Young@Heart isn't showing any signs of slowing down anytime soon. –BB