Pianist brings the joy of jazz to The Birches

Jazz pianist Les Calvedt shared his passion for jazz with Birches Assisted Living residents on May 3 during an hour-long duet performance of classic jazz songs.

Calvedt and his fellow ensemble member Bob Syrup performed songs like Duke Ellington's "Caravan," Herbie Hancock's "Watermelon Man" and George Gershwin's "Summertime," along with other jazz classics from the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s.

Calvedt has played at The Birches before, as well as several other local assisted living communities. He enjoys these performances because they give him an opportunity to share his love of music with a wider audience.

"Music, like art, is a way of communicating. That's why we try to make sure everybody is following with us and having fun, and if not we'll try a different kind of tune," said Calvedt. "So far, we've had very good response at The Birches, so that makes it fun to play."

When he started taking piano lessons in third grade, Calvedt had no idea it would lead to a lifetime love affair with jazz. Throughout his career as a language professor at Elmhurst College, Calvedt continually pursued his passion for jazz music in his free time, taking lessons from renowned jazz pianist Frank Caruso and playing in several jazz groups.

Over the years, Calvedt has performed at restaurants, bookstores, assisted living communities and the Elmhurst College Jazz Fest but never had any ambitions of making money; he always did it purely for the joy of playing jazz.

"I think 'play' is a good word. It's used for sports and music, because you have to enjoy it. If you see it as work, it's not good, because it should be fun," said Calvedt.

Fortunately, Calvedt's enthusiasm for jazz seems to be contagious. Birches residents not only enjoyed listening to classic jazz songs from their youth, but also getting to know Calvedt and his fellow musician.

"A lot of the residents remember the songs, and I will sometimes ask them to name the tune, and they'll be able to do it," says Calvedt. "They also ask questions and love learning about the background of us as musicians."

The Birches Assisted Living in Clarendon Hills is a premier retirement community dedicated to providing professional services that support its residents' physical, social, intellectual and spiritual growth. The Birches offers a full calendar of purposeful programs and activities designed to promote a healthy aging lifestyle and a strong sense of community. For more information about The Birches, call 630-789-1135 or visit: birches.net.