A Legacy in Harmony: The Story of Sentimental Journey

Anne Gross, a resident at The Village, recalls how the band Sentimental Journey came together.

“It started by accident, really,” she says. “A resident named Len Ferrara played saxophone in clubs and wanted to keep up his skills. I’m a retired church organist, so he asked me to play with him.”

Anne initially declined, but Len didn’t give up. He shared a book of melodies filled with chord symbols, and Anne found herself drawn in. “Using music theory, I became addicted to translating the songs and melodies onto the piano,” she explains.

Before long, other residents began gathering to listen. Over time, some joined in, some of whom hadn’t played an instrument since their youth.

After Len’s passing in 2022, the group was determined to carry his spirit forward. Today, the band has grown to include acoustic string bass, a variety of drums, including conga and bongo, trombone and clarinet.  Two outside vocalists have joined, and with support from the Resident Council, the group acquired a full drum set. 

The band rehearses on Monday afternoons and performs at least every two months in the library during happy hour. Their repertoire spans big band classics to hits from the ’70s and ’80s, often featuring sing-along selections that bring their audience into the music.

What began as a simple collaboration has become a vibrant, shared experience—one that continues to honor Len’s legacy while building community through music.