Curated by Elizabeth Shepherd, film programmer at Northwest Film Forum, the Sing-Along marks the grand finale of ECA’s pilot season of its Dementia-Inclusive Series – a line-up of creative and social enrichment programs that make accessibility for patrons with memory loss a priority.

Take a trip over the rainbow to enjoy great television, film and concert performances by legendary performers of yesteryear! This interactive event will include everything from songs from movie musicals to poignant appearances on black and white TV shows. A few toe-tapping dancing numbers by the likes of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers will also be included. Feel free to hum or croon along with stars including Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, Tony Bennett, Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, Peggy Lee and many more. You’ll leave this one-hour presentation with a song in your heart!

The Golden Era Sing-Along is presented in partnership with Northwest Film Forum, Elderwise and Barclay Shelton Dance Centre. The event is designed to be “dementia-inclusive” with the consultation support of Elderwise (elderwise.org). Audience members will be made aware that some patrons may talk or get up during the film – which is OK. Theatre house lights are left on low so the audience can see and move around if necessary. Although the event is designed for people affected by dementia, their care partners and family members, the Golden Era Sing-Along is open and welcoming to an all-ages audience. In particular, the series presents an opportunity for younger family members, grandchildren and friends to spend time with elders in an intergenerational setting, and to connect over classic films.

ECA's Dementia-Inclusive Series was developed collaboratively with the feedback and support of senior services organizations, eldercare and memory care professionals, and arts groups in the Puget Sound region. With the mission to create opportunities for people with memory loss and their care partners to connect and experience joy through the arts, ECA is committed to providing a space where community members with dementia feel welcome and valued; where their creative contributions are celebrated; and where quality time can be spent with families and care partners.