Popular band delivers music and joy as senior centers bounce back from COVID-19

MURRAY, Utah — At the Murray Senior Recreation Center, a facility once shut down for 15 months because of COVID, life is finally starting to feel a little more normal. Folks can be seen playing cards, pickleball, painting, and on Wednesday enjoying a Thanksgiving feast.

But it was the entertainment many of the seniors came to enjoy. A very popular band among seniors called The Mixed Nuts band. A group that’s been around for years entertaining the elderly across the Wasatch Front.

“We play their music and we have fun with them,” said Bob Nohavec, the band’s leader, who at 85 years old is still jamming on the saxophone. “When we play it’s a joy for us as well.”

“[When I look out into the crowd] I see happy memories, I see tears come to their eyes. I see them tapping their toes singing along with songs they haven’t heard for years,” said lead singer Robyn Gomez. 

Nohavec says pre-COVID, the band was playing 400 gigs a year. But once the virus hit, the shows practically came to a halt.

“It was pretty depressing. To be alone and caught in my house and not be able to share some music with the people,” said Gomez.

But now they’re back and so are the fans.  “Yes that’s why I’m here. I want to hear more and more and those who aren’t here are really missing out on a good social event,” said Sharman Gallenson, one of the 150 audience members attending.

This week alone The Mixed Nuts band will play nine gigs with two of them on Wednesday.

“It’s so thrilling. I love it. I can’t get enough. I’m so happy to be back. I’m glad that we can actually come and sing and perform for them and bring happiness into their lives again, and into mine,” said Gomez.

For more information about The Mixed Nuts band click here.