Iris Music Project (IMP) is a non-profit grassroots organization in Maryland that is redefining what music performance means for residents of retirement communities, nursing homes, and other healthcare institutions. Founded by Lauren Latessa in 2015, the inspiration for IMP is a tribute to her mother Patricia Thomas Latessa who died in March 2020 after living with cancer for over 24 years. Patricia loved gardening; the iris is a symbol of her hope and perseverance despite grim realities.

Lauren's non-profit gives residents and their caregivers a seat at the artistic table. A simple concert series would provide entertainment, but Iris Music Project encourages residents to create their own musical projects and realize their artistic visions. Professional musicians collaborate with residents to bring their ideas to life through live performance.

Outcalls was invited by Iris Music Project to lead "Songs of Courage," a songwriting workshop for residents of Weinberg Senior Living Community in Baltimore. The goal of "Songs of Courage" is to guide residents (most of whom had no musical background) in the process of writing their first songs ever. Over a span of four weeks, Britt and Melissa sat at the piano in the Weinberg Community Commons while residents gathered to share individual stories of joy and hardship, the many celebrations and struggles faced in a lifetime, how courage has impacted their journeys, and how music has been a source of relief. As ideas for lyrics and melodies began to take shape, Britt and Melissa sang and played the ideas in real time so that residents could share their reactions to the style, rhythm, harmony, lyrics, and instrumentation. 

The completed "Songs of Courage" was recorded at Deep End Studio in Baltimore and premiered by Outcalls at the Weinberg Community Block Party in June 2024. Along with the Iris Trio, Outcalls premiered selections from "Songs of Courage" for an audience of over 5,000 healthcare professionals at the LeadingAge National Conference in Nashville, Tennessee in November 2024.

 

  • Songwriter Project | 2024 LeadingAge Annual Meeting **start at 6:26**

    **start at 6:26**

     

    Performed by Outcalls and Iris Music Project at the LeadingAge National Conference in Nashville, TN.

  • Iris Music Project + Outcalls @ LeadingAge
    Iris Music Project + Outcalls @ LeadingAge

    Backstage at the LeadingAge Conference in Nashville, TN.

  • On stage, performing Dreams Running Wild
    On stage, performing "Dreams Running Wild"

    On stage, performing the original "Dreams Running Wild" at the LeadingAge National Conference in Nashville, TN (October 2024)

  • Performing in the Listening Room with members of Iris Music Project
    Performing in the "Listening Room" with members of Iris Music Project

    Performing in the "Listening Room" with members of Iris Music Project - LeadinAge National Conference in Nashville, TN (October 2024)

  • Dreams Running Wild

    Dreams Running Wild, written by Outcalls and Mattie from Weinberg Senior Living Community (Baltimore, MD).

    String arrangement by Sean MacCarthy-Grant, performed by Lauren Latessa, Jiyoung Oh, Joanna Owen, and Catherine Mikelson.

    Recorded, mixed and mastered by Tony Corelli of Deep End Studio (Baltimore, MD).

  • Dreams Running Wild - In The Studio!

    Dreams Running Wild, written by Outcalls and Mattie from Weinberg Senior Living Community (Baltimore, MD).

    String arrangement by Sean MacCarthy-Grant, performed by Lauren Latessa, Jiyoung Oh, Joanna Owen, and Catherine Mikelson.

    Recorded, mixed and mastered by Tony Corelli of Deep End Studio (Baltimore, MD).

    •
  • Iris Music Project + Outcalls @ LeadingAge
  • On stage, performing Dreams Running Wild
  • Performing in the Listening Room with members of Iris Music Project