Circle of Healing: Music with Marcia

On Saturday afternoon, September 19th, 2026, there was a clear sky and a bit of a breeze in the air before the City Voices event, Circle of Healing: Music with Marcia, began. Dan began the event with a wiggle of our limbs and bodies to get out the nerves and anxiety that some people may have brought in. With the intention of preparing for the event, this was a good idea because it primed our bodies for more movement that we would take part in later on.

The music circle was a good way to reconnect with our senses, especially our auditory and tactile ones. When the first song played as a tribute to Dolly Parton, the crowd was removed a bit from the chatter upon entering the clubhouse and became grounded together within the Fountain House living room. It felt serene to listen to a first song together and to honor an artist so beloved. The Dolly Parton song that was played first was a duet with Kenny Rogers called “Islands in the Stream” and was a great kickstart to the event.

As people’s requests for songs were what drove the event’s continuity, people began asking for personal song choices to be played. Ironically, there was a synchronicity of song selections chosen. Music from the 1970s, such as by Kool & the Gang and Al Green, were some examples that followed suit.

Dancing, movement, and laughter were certainly at play, as well as some song choices that were interesting, to say the least. People danced in the spirit that some of the songs evoked. Movement to unwind was generated by some, while others prompted more groove and clapping to a beat. One song in particular, by “Weird Al” Yankovic called “Eat It,” generated some chuckles, as it was lyrically all satire, but in the style of “Beat It” by Michael Jackson. However, others as deep and contemplative as Pink Floyd’s “Breathe” and Dido’s “White Flag” brought up feelings of devotion and the sense of floating through air.

After each song, there was an opportunity to reflect on the song and the feelings or general emotion it brought up. While each song was listened to for a standard 2 minutes and 30 seconds, some crowd-pleasers by Elvis Presley and The Beatles were perfect time-wise for this activity. You never know, but sometimes the oldies are goodies, as they say, because they capture the essence of lyrics and emotions in just the right amount of time.

In general, this musical event felt like a celebration of feeling good. A walking meditation to close the activity with “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers was a way for the group to part ways without feeling overstimulated or too tranquil. Other songs that followed allowed a calming effect to settle in, much as how the activity started.

Overall, each song brought so much energy into the room, and the power of music should never be underestimated. The music itself felt restorative of a general sense of well-being, and a lightheartedness filled the atmosphere. As I reflect on the songs played, they make me feel united to the people who requested them because it was almost as if each song gave me insight into the person’s musical tastes.

If you would like to join us at future events, please connect with Dan Frey at 929-884-3564 or Daniel.frey@fountainhouse.org