Bring Me Broken Strings: Band Has Healing Properties at Nursing Homes

Broken Strings, a band that’s played at nursing homes and other La Mesa events for a decade, is evidence that music is a therapeutic ministry.

The Rev. Curtis Clare, singer and guitarist from the band’s inception, notes that when Broken Strings begins playing familiar tunes from long ago, he notices “startling transformations in demeanor and outlook of the residents.”

“It’s pretty remarkable,” he said. “Their moods improve. Some ladies say, ‘I might sound depressed, but I feel better now.’ The activity director at one of the homes calls us ‘musical therapists.’ ”

The interactive nature of the Broken Strings show also assists in therapy. The band plays a musical trivial pursuit, asking questions about the music being played and awarding prizes. Clare says the competition evokes memories and stimulates conversations.

Clare says the Broken Strings musical selections are eclectic, with “tunes from every era.” A favorite is Bring Me Sunshine. Clare noted that they play Louis Prima’s version of a song that has been made popular on YouTube by Jive Aces.

 “We sing it because, ‘Bring me sunshine, in your smile,’ ” he said.

Broken Strings’ daytime nursing home lineup is Clare, Wayne Myers and Mike and Ken Wake. Other band members include Marc Towne and Nick Hernandez.

Recently, on occasion the band has been joined by drummer Ed Lucas, who said of Broken Strings: “They bring a smile to people's faces. I love Curtis. He's a charming dude.”

Broken Strings play from 3-4 p.m. each second Tuesday at . Next performance is May 10. They also play at other nursing homes, civic and church events.

The band is an extension of , which originated in the 1953 in Clare’s living room in what is now Lake Murray Manor.

“There were a log of young G.I.’s in the service,” he remembers. “And we saw our mission as taking these tracts of the new neighborhood and creating Christian community.

“And that's what we still do. We use our talents,” said Clare, shifting the topic from the 50’s to the present. “One woman can't talk but sure enough she can sing. There’s people in their wheelchair leaning down and they slowly perk up. And then it’s like the Pied Piper, people come from down the hall.”

BUNS FROM ABOVE: Although Broken Strings will not be performing at this Saturday’s annual United Church of Christ auction, there will be Ada’s pastries. Beyond the dinner, appetizers, a Western theme and talent show, the auction is marked the longstanding tradition of the unique buns made by Ada Cicalo, who is in her 90s.

“It’s a real matter of pride to be the one who purchases a tray of her buns,” said Mary Domb Mikkelson, the church publicist.

The buns fetch $40 for a tray of eight, according to Mikkelson. But Clare said: “Her buns go for eighty bucks a dozen.” Such is the legend of Ada’s buns.

Admission to the May 7 event is $10, and childcare is provided. New, used and specially made items are auctioned, with money benefitting causes other than the church.

PRAY FOR PLANT SALE:, 4816 Glen St., is hosting the annual La Mesa Beautiful plant sale, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Items for sale include trees, shrubs, bedding plants, cacti and succulents. Shoppers can ask questions at a master gardener’s table.

MISSION TO LAKE MURRAY: More than 225 volunteers served Mission Trails Regional Park on Saturday, April 30, during the third annual Mormon Helping Hands day of service. Projects included weeding planters, painting cement tables and cleaning picnic areas and memorial plaques. Councilman Ernie Ewin presented a certificate of recognition to each participant.  See photos of event attached.