You Can't Stop The Musical Healing

Real life is full of more comedy, drama and music than any movie ever could be. The comic moments are what keep us afloat. The dramatic moments are what keep us grounded. But the music that fills the spaces in-between is the medicine that heals our souls.

Musicians on Call is a non-profit organization that recognizes the beneficial power of music. Through numerous benefits and the fund-raising efforts of superstars like Kevin Bacon, Chris Daughtry, John Mayer, James Taylor, Seal and many others, Musicians on Call brings music (both live and recorded) to the bedsides of patients in hospitals and other healthcare facilities, using music to encourage the healing process.



I encourage you to visit the Musicians on Call's website to learn more about their message and ways in which you can volunteer your time and/or resources to help them.

And in keeping with the spirit of giving, I would like to offer you the gift of my own musical arrangement. This week's feathermaye's Friday five probably won't save any lives, but hopefully you'll find enough toe-tapping entertainment to see you through your weekend.

The Commitments Unemployed Irishman Jimmy Rabbitte really only wants one thing out of life: to become famous for his musical mastermind. In between conducting imaginary high-profile interviews in his bathtub and pandering pirated movies and music, he organizes a ragtag group of musicians and attempts to bring a bit of soul back to Dublin. Full of raucous humor, sharp dialogue and a brilliant 60's soundtrack, this film sings to the heart and mind of every working-class stiff with a dream. Not rated

That Thing You Do When a fill-in drummer infuses a pop rhythm into a crooner's ballad, a hit single is born and The Wonders begin a roller coaster ride to success. But, like so many American bands riding the wave of the British invasion, The Wonders soon discover that staying at the top will require much more fortitude than getting there. Co-stars Liv Tyler, written and directed by Tom Hanks. Rated PG

The Five Heartbeats After paying their dues in local talent shows and roadside dives, five talented young men achieve a level of superstardom that will carry them through the better part of three decades. Based in part on the real-life careers of The Dells, The Five Heartbeats is reflective of the struggles that were typical of the mid-60's for African American performers. Written by Keenan Ivory Wayans and Robert Townsend. Rated R

This Is Spinal Tap Join "The World's Loudest Band" on their American comeback tour! This musical mockumentary follows Spinal Tap, a coulda-been British band that effectively spoofs every rock-and-roll cliche you can think of. Includes actual performances and rambling, ad-libbed behind-the-scenes interviews. Starring Michael McKean, Christopher Guest and Harry Shearer. Rated R

Still Crazy Twenty years after the death of their frontman (and the on-stage lightning strike that drove them apart), the band Strange Fruit is called back to the spotlight for a reunion performance. Unfortunately, the former bandmates have all become quite ordinary and don't fit the rockstar image anymore, and may not be cut out for the rigors of the rock and roll life. Rated R

feathermaye's Friday five is a regular feature at Films with Feathermaye