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charlie spring  /  melody house productions

In 2002, under the banner of Melody House Productions, I began to offer my music to a wide variety of audiences including developmentally disabled adults and children, homeless men, women and children, assisted living patients, teenagers with special needs and seniors.  This has become a very important part of my work as I strive to make at least a small difference in the lives of those who are less fortunate. I play several a month for these audiences, enabling me to earn at least a modest living as a full time musician. Here are a few comments from my clients:

"Dear Charlie, I would like to thank you for your gift of music and happiness you bring to the residents of Heritage House at the Market.  The residents really respond positively to your kind and gentle spirit.  They truly look forward to the days when you are scheduled to play.  We all feel that we are getting a chance to sit in on a performance that comes from the heart and soul of folk music, like we've come upon a coffeehouse where Woody Guthrie or Leadbelly just happens to be playing a song or two.  We know we are in for something special. Not only do the residents enjoy your musical talents, but they can tell that you are sincerely having a good time performing for them in their home.  You give them comfort and pride in where they live.  After each concert of yours at Heritage House the residents always say, "When is Charlie coming back?  Make sure to get him on the schedule; we really like his music!" Eileen McCloskey, Heritage House at the Market, Seattle, WA

He had a flat pick and a Martin.  His knees jumped up and down to music. He sang every song I knew. And I knew every song he sang. I'm the guy who had such a good time at your performance last week at Third Floor North, Horizon House. It was an immeasurable treat for me. My mom live in SL320A. I had to leave early to make a dinner date with her. I wanted to let you know how much I loved your music and your mood. I lived in West Virginia for 35 years and your stuff was my stuff. WOW. Thanks for coming to Horizon House. Betty sat next to me and kept hollering, "Let's go!" while you tuned. My mom's neighbor sang right along with you. Doug Yarrow, Portland, Oregon

One of my favorite gigs is at Grandview Village, a retirement community in Marysville. When I met Don Taylor for the first time, he was wearing his cowboy hat. He approached me and asked if he could sing a couple of songs with me. He appeared to be in his late eighties, and he told me that in his younger days he led a country music trio every Friday and Saturday night in a little town in Wyoming. I handed him my microphone, not knowing what would happen next. We decided on a Hank Williams song and when he started singing it was the sweetest voice I'd ever heard. Not Loud, with just a bit of gravel in his voice, he delivered  the song so well that I was grinning ear to ear. Now, whenever I play and Grandview Village, I always look forward to sharing a song or two...

Charlie, Thanks for your participation in the "Creative Arts for Life Class" and the Shoreline Parks,  Recreation and Cultural Services programs.  Please remember the good times we had during this program and stay involved in future classes and productions!  You are a star! Mary Anne Kelly, Recreation Coordinator, City of Shoreline

"Dear Charlie, We at University GREATLY enjoyed your performance and very much hope you will return for another concert. You are among our MOST appreciated performers.  We hope to hear you over and over again!" Lorraine Eliot, Secretary, University House at Wallingford, Seattle,

"Thanks for coming out and doing your thing.  Everyone thought you were great --- my supervisor wants your contact info to give to a bunch of people who are interested in hiring you.  I gave her the website address and your email.  Thank you!" Sarah Ringler, Highline School District / Americorps, Des Moines, Washington

Charlie, Thanks so much for your music and entertainmentat the Hamlin Halloween Haunt.  You contributed much to the hayride experience.  I appreciate your enthusiasm and look forward to working with you in the future. Thanks!  Mary Anne Kelly, Recreation Coordinator, City of Shoreline

"Thank you for your wonderful entertainment and for bringing so much joy to our residents.  Warm Regards!" Laurie Kautzman, Acivity and Volunteer Coordinator, Sunrise of Edmonds, Edmonds, Washington

"At first I thought Charlie's music might be too mellow for our members... but as he continued to play, I realized it was perfect for this crazy, full-moon, end-of-the-week day.  Our members looked so peaceful!  Many sang along when appropriate.  At the end, several of them told Charlie, 'You're a good player' and 'Please come back again'!  (Staff agreed)." Carla Schneider, Eastside Adult Day Center, Bellevue, Washington

Charlie, Thanks for your talent and time with us! Maria Porter,  Activty Director, Anderson House, Shoreline, WA

Dear Charlie, Thank you for entertaining our residents and spreading so much cheer to our community.  The performance was a marvelous treat that was appreciated by all.  Several residents and team members had many positive comments about how beautiful you played and how talented you are. With many thanks, Shawn St. Pierre, Activity and Volunteer Coordinator, Sunrise of Edmonds

You Are My Sunshine with The Seafair Clowns at Horizon House, July 2008

Each month in the Terrace we have one professional musician entertain us with his or her music.  Many people have come and gone through our doors, but this month was special. Charlie Spring has been a regular in the Terrace for a few years.  He also plays at many different markets, festivals and coffeehouses in the greater Seattle community. This month he was on fire!  The residents were singing and laughing with joy the whole afternoon.  Charlie seems to have a deep passion for music and for bringing his voice to others.  Emotion exudes from him, especially when he sings Elvis. At one point between songs he stopped to share his appreciation for us. He said that he loves music because it connects a circle of energy.  He plays the music to us, we gain energy from the music and our energy comes back to him stronger than before.  It continues a cycle of ever growing energy.  Residents were talking and smiling about the music hours after he left. Reprint from The Terrace News, , The Gardens at Town Square, Bellevue, WA

Charlie, You see how we love what you do!  Thank you! Adrienne and all of us at EADS Issaquah

click here for my current list of clients

click here for a patial list of songs

Charlie, This is the official THANKS for the program you gave us on Saturday.  What a treat!  I not only loved your choice of songs, but I swear your voice and delivery were great and even better than last year.  You do a terrific job on the jazzy, bluesy parts of the folkie songs.  Nice guitar, too.  And all of that on four hours of sleep!  See you next year... good job! Sheila Jones, Silver Glen Cooperative, Redmond,Washington

"Charlie Spring has performed for our organization for a number of years. His captivating, audience-engaging performance is further magnified by his lyrical songs.  Our clients can be a difficult group to entertain, but Charlie has always provided a fun and upbeat musical experience which our clients and staff thoroughly enjoy, consequently, continuing to request his return.  We appreciate his professionalism and dedication as an artist, which explains why he is one of our favorite entertainers". Rebecca Russell, DSHS/ Fircrest, Shoreline, Washington

"Mr. Spring has a very gentle presence... I think the kids felt very safe with him.  He did a wonderful job of engaging them in the performance.  The kids loved the song about his dog, 'Daisy'.  I also think it was great to expose the kids to music they might not normally have a chance to listen to.  We'd love to have Mr. Spring back for an encore performance!" Michelle DeVore, Overlake Specialty School, Bellevue, Washington

Hi Charlie, This is a poem I wrote for you when you came to Delta Rehab to sing for us.  Thanks again, we really enjoyed you! Jim Hirst Charlie is an awesome performer who is singing for us Deltoids while playing his guitar! He's playing everything from Elvis Presley stay off my Blue Suede Shoes To Marty Robbins Singin' the Blues At this time Charlie is playing the song Country Roads. Now the man is jive-talkin' and hot rockin' with the song On the Road Again! He's now taking requests (which is our favorite part) With a song by Hank Willams: Your Cheatin' Heart. Now he's playing a song we all can relate to and find It's none other than Georgia On My Mind! The song Charlie just sang was the one I, Jim requested: Leavin' On a Jet Plane Now he's playing Creedance Clearwater's Have You Ever Seen the Rain! Charlie just said " I've got time for one more, maybe one and a half".  He's a good singer and he makes us laugh! Jim Hirst September 25th, 2008

Recording session with the Shoreline Shakers, a group of developmentally disabled young adults.  Over the past three years I've assisted them on songwriting, performing and recording their songs.  Our CD was  awarded 1st Place in a statewide competition in 2006 Everyone participated and we all had lots of fun!

Thank you so much for sharing your talents with the senior group on Friday.  It was thoroughly enjoyed by all.  I'm sure you'll be hearing fro  us again! Gretchen Anderson,  Saint Matthew Parish, Seattle, Washington

"Thanks again for the music, Charlie.  Everyone was talking about it long after you had left." Nellie Stender, Recreation Coordinator, The Gardens at Town Square, Bellevue, Washington

"DESC is the largest multiservice agency for homeless adults in the Pacific Northwest.  We are widely recognized as targeting the most vulnerable individuals.  Thes 'priority clients' include people who are; women, over 50, mentally ill, chemically dependent, physically or developmentally disabled, or otherwise medically compromised.  I have been fotunate enough to witness Charlie Spring, a folk singer with Performing Hearts, perform for the clients of our Mental Health Drop-In Center.  It was amazing to observe the very real change in atmosphere at the Drop-In while Mr. Spring played.  A place that is sometimes brimming with tension and anxiety was relatively calm and relaxed and I saw smiles on more than one face." Corinna R. Lohser, Downtown Emergency Service Center, Seattle, Washington