WORKSHOPS FOR COMMUNITY GROUPS AND SENIORS
The Stories Behind the Songs
The Stories behind the Songs is a musical storytelling program that functions as a fascinating guided tour through the history of American (and Canadian) popular music.
In this program, Rob plays well-known songs from music history and tells the often fascinating, sometimes funny stories behind their creation and popularity, or about the songwriter and the period when they were written.
Introduction lengths and historical context are adapted for different audiences, but there is always lots of music.
The program is conversational and highly engaging. Rob encourages participants to share their memories and, in some cases, to sing or clap along or dance if the mood is right!
For groups wishing to book a series of sessions, Rob can lead participants on a guided tour of the history of popular music, from its earliest beginnings in 18th-century America, to the flowering of genres such as blues, ragtime, jazz, country and rock and roll, among other musical movements. Content can be tailored to specific tastes or groups.
Couragious Creators - Easy, fun songwriting with Rob Lutes
Having led hundreds of songwriting workshops for everyone from preschoolers to seniors, Rob brings everyone into the process of writing a group song. Participants nominate and vote on the subject, and Rob works to include everyone in this engaging journey through the trial and error process of making a new song.
Depending on the group, Rob can then provide simple individual writing exercises that are fun for the participants, and can be shared with the group or not.
Laughter and enjoyment are all but guaranteed during these creative sessions!
SEE BELOW FOR SOME TESTIMONIALS ABOUT ROB'S SESSIONS
“We had the pleasure of presenting “The Stories behind the Songs” series with Rob Lutes. Throughout the series, Rob captivated the audience, both as a musician and as a storyteller. He was knowledgeable, interesting and connected with the audience, who spontaneously began to sing along. The joy was palpable and the reactions incredible. The series proved to be one of the most successful in our history, so much so that we decided to present an encore evening entitled “The Stories Behind the Carols”. The entire series audience signed up, and the evening was a sell-out. We'd definitely invite him back and highly recommend him.
Sylvie Bouchard, Chairman of the Board, Arbor Gallery, Vankleek Hill
“Rob is such a skilled presenter for our “Stories Behind the Songs” program on Senior Centre Without Walls! Our senior participants were absolutely thrilled to have him. They all agreed that the presentation was so wonderful and interesting, that they were very involved in the stories Rob presented from start to finish! We're delighted that Rob took part in Senior Center Without Walls and we really hope he'll be back in the future!
Maisy N. - Senior Centre Without Walls, MB Host, Winnipeg
“We have so enjoyed having Rob entertain, educate and help us revisit these great classic songs that are part of the playbook of our lives, over the past two months! Recommended!”
Diane Kyte, Project Officer, Lanaudière English-Speaking Community Organization
“I host a few cafés as well as a series of home concerts. Needless to say, we've been completely shut down since the start of the pandemic. Rob's series has been a real gift to our customers, who are starved for music and entertainment. Although many of our group members are quite familiar with the music and its history, each session brings new and interesting facts, presented with Rob's talents as a storyteller and performer. This activity has helped us maintain our bonds and sense of community. Interestingly, not one member of the group has dropped out since we signed up a few months ago!
Isabelle Delage, host
The Side Door Coffee House, Front Door House Concerts
“As a senior I was part of a Music Appreciation programme that was conducted by Rob Lutes.
Please note that Rob is not only a superb musician but that he was a real humanitarian and an ardent music historian. Each class over the length of the program was filled with relevant history of the times. The music chosen always represented them lives the social aspects of the music He was well researched on all topics and genders of music discussed. His willingness have us participate and his fleet craft of storytelling whetted our appetites form more and more classes. We will miss his affable ways and is entertaining approach to his subject. The cause of keeping seniors well entertained and included, was well served. Wherever he goes to give his service, he will share his joy of his craft.”
Marion Lowe McLean | Les Passerelles Globale-BRIDGES, Vaudreuil-Dorion