Dear Bob,

Thank you is just not a strong enough response for how grateful my wife and I are for what you've done with Young@Heart. You have given all of us a gift through this chorus by making it beautiful and affirming and most of all, honest. We watched this documentary and laughed and cried (really sobbed) and fell instantly in love with all of these wonderful and amazing people! We decided afterwards that we will move to Northhampton when we get older and join the chorus, if you'll have us, because there can't be a better destination for a life well lived. Please tell your chorus that they are bringing joy and hope to everyone who sees them and sees this film. Please thank them profoundly for what they are doing. And thank you for making it happen.
Glenn and Janie Rifkin
Acton, MA

Hi.When The Young at Heart Chorus was 1st getting started in the early 80's they rehearsed in the dining area of the building,where they resided. Bobby & The Young @ Heart Chorus would rehearse after lunch. I had the opportunity to see the Young@Heart's early begginings because, I was a bus boy/table cleaner at the 'elders' meal site. At that time even as a casual observer,I could see the laid back yet exuberant style that Bobby brought to the rehersals & in return he received,the 110% effort of the Young @ Heart Chours.
Bob & I have been friends for 33 years although our paths in life have taken divergent paths. One definition of the word divergent is-"departing from convention". Well my fellow readers I've yet to see the flick however, I am glad to know that this phenomenon is getting the recognition that those of here in 'hamp know, it so richly deserves. My thanks to Bobby & all past,preesent & future members of the Young at Heart Chorus. Peace,
dan.lan@Comcast.net

Congratulations on a beautiful, moving, fantastic film. I came away from the film (saw it by myself while my kids were at school) thinking that that was the best film I've ever seen. Best film ever made. I felt content, I felt life affirmed, I felt elated, I felt blessed, I felt like screaming it from the rooftops but quietly. Well, the internet is our best rooftop, so later that night when I got home, I vaguely cherry picked about 50 of the most wonderful people on my email list and let them know my feelings about the film. I didn't want to seem bossy, but I told them they simply must trust me and go. (if they were to have a negative response, well, they'd be eliminated from my email list, I can't imagine).

I came home and told my boyfriend all about it (I'm 52, was unceremoniously, but fortuntely dumped by my ex) and told him how blessed I felt. I mentioned that while watching the film I really thought about wanting to marry you, yes you Mr. Director of wonderful film, but realized it would be far too complicated and besides you were already married, and besides I was certainly happy with my own love, so, I'd be content to simply be appreciative and admiring and everlastingly grateful to you for pulling this group together, giving them what you have, and then sharing them with the rest of us.

Lastly I want to let you know. (should I stay or should I go, I'm telling you this film inhabits me now completely) I tried to get my loved ones into the theater to see it with me, laugh with me, cry with me, the very next day after I'd seen it. It was not possible. So, it will be my Mother's Day gift/demand that we all go to see the film together.

Keep up the good work, please share my praise with your choir and can't wait to see you on tour sometime, if you make it back to Los Angeles. I guess I just missed the concert last week. Oh well.

Sincerely,

Judy Silk

Hi,
I haven't seen this movie yet because I live in Sweden and it is not here yet. But I have the cd "mostly live" and I truly love it. I am longing for the movie to get here! You, Bob, the musicians and the chorus, you must have been sent from God to bring peace and happiness in people's heart. Please, please, send the movie to Sweden!

All my love
Yasmen

I think your fantastic and thank you for your youth and your heart. Time is relative and so are you!
Peace.. what a great thing your providing to us humans..Spirit and song.
Love it!
Jodee

Hi Bob Cilman-

Just went to see th film tonight. It was so fantastic! I think you are fantastic also...ARE YOU SINGLE?

I know this is kind of bold, but I am looking for a great guy like you!

Me: 51, 5'4", 128 lbs. Pretty and pretty damn smart! Know alot about music...

Oh crap, maybe you are married, so I will just quit here...

Please respond if you aren't!!!

Caryn Hirsch

crh2424@ca.rr.com
310-713-2533

Hi Bob,

Just saw the film in Pleasantville, NY. God bless you and god bless all of those wonderful singers! It was so wonderful!
Yes, we can can! My heart is so full! Can't wait to tell everyone about this fabulous choir! The Dylan song in the prison was wonderful and of course Coldplay was great! Thank you all for sharing and most importantly saying that the show must go on!

Phyllis

I saw Young @ Heart tonight and it was one of the most uplifting movies I have ever seen. I laughed, I cried, I sang and I danced. I celebrated life, these folks are fabulous and when I grow up (I am 57) I want to be just like them. I will recommend this movie to everyone I know. Bob Cilman you are a wonderful human being.....I love you.

Dear Bob Cilman,
After being so grateful to be in the audience at the Wilshire Theater last week, I went to see the film last night. I am still soaked with the energy of it and the tears and the deep, deep joy. You are clearly part of this energy....there is a soul of the chorus which combines your spirit, your creative abilities, and the ability to pick songs that come to life, even when neither you nor the chorus thinks they have a chance. I was so very moved by the realization, that while it is inevitable that people will pass away in the course of their participation, the music and the ability to expand their horizons to include some very new ideas represented in the lyrics of the music you choose, not only gives members the new ideas, it launches them into an entirely new paradigm of thinking. This alone, extends their lifespan on multi faceted levels.
I have a friend who has written many folk songs and who came up through the coffee houses of Greenwich Village with Judy Collins, Bob Dylan, and the likes. One of his songs (my friend, Tom Paxtons') is a tribute to all these friends who sang and wrote together in those days. A line from it says:
"We're gonna go out singin' when we go",,,,,,,,, and clearly, this group is doing just that. From that perspective, what more could be asked of life?
Pat Mc Mahon
patmcm3@sbcglobal.net

I went to the Young at Heart concert last night and did not want it to end! it was the best concert I have ever been to!
I was wondering why they aren't selling t-shirts or something. I would have loved a souvenir.
i work in fashion and could design and print mass quantities if anyone knows how to get in touch with the manager, etc.

Also, there was no program for the show. my friends and I wanted to see pictures of each member of the chorus and of the band (which, by the way, is fantastic) and read a little bio. about each of them.

please send contact info. if you have it.
thanks!
kate
ollielama@gmail.com

What a fantastic group of people! This is a great start for a desperately needed paradigm shift in our society. I work for the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging and went with co-workers (an 83 year old and two thirty-somethings) to see your film and we absolutely loved it! Keep it up... wonderful idea to pull together the generations!

Jennifer Spoeri, Philadelphia, PA
jenspoeri@yahoo.com

Bob Cilman - Well Done!!!
I just came from seeing the movie "Younng @ Heart" before they performed on Ellen Degeneres Show and I must say I am not sure if I laughed or cried more but this movie touched my heart in every way and I was so impressed with your patience and your kindness and just fell in ove with everyone in the movie and you - you you all just stole my heart and I Thank God for you and that you made this movie - I brought my mom and my anunt and they both just adored the movie and we just talked about it all day becasue am only 43 but both of them are dealing with the age thing with their spouses and just really needed to see this to know it's all do-able and so worth it... I wish I could have gotten tickets to see the show while you were in LA becasue we certainly did not get enough of them on the Ellen show... again - I think you guys are fabulous!! I wished I could have met you - just wante to touch your hand to feel the sensitivity that comes from your heart, you are an Angel and God Blessed us with you and your amazing talent and love for theses people... I can't tell you enough how great the show was... Patti Byerly - Riverside, California... pattibrat1@aol.com

Hey, Bobby..

I just moved back to Wisconsin to help my own parents through their final years of life and, yeh, what a lot of life just keeps erupting! I haven't yet been able to see Young at Heart in its entirety, but I certainly hope to. What lucky people you have in your chorus, to have your incredible spirit directing them. When does our generation get to sing with you again, anyway?

Love and all good wishes -- Susan Hering

Just returned from seeing this at The Atlanta Film Festival with my husband (age 44), my daughter (age 12) and my son (age 8)! We all just loved it.. My daughter complained about having to go with us when we told her it was going to be about some older people singing, but after just the first scene she was very engaged and laughing along with us. My 8 yr old, yes, just 8, loved it as well!
We were hoping it was playing again tonight so we could bring our oldest daughter and her friends, but with no luck.. She will have to wait to see it in the theater...

Very well done...
When we were leaving the theater, my 8 year old said he wanted to get it on DVD!!!!

Great job... and although we live in Atlanta now, Massachusetts was home until 3 years ago... Loved the fall scenes... Miss it..

The Davenports

Go see it! And tell your parents (or children) to see it too!

I don't remember the last time that I have laughed so much during a movie. Of course, in the next shot I was wiping away tears because the movie has poignant scenes as well as hilarious ones. More than just my own reaction, watching the movie tonight (in New York City) I had the feeling that the whole audience was really loving this movie and we were a diverse bunch!

I'm 26 years young, and the movie made me miss my grandfather and his spirit when I saw some of the men depicted, and also made me realize how rarely we see old people in tv, movies. Heck, even my life is quite segregated by age--I spend my time with young people and working people, and then maybe the elderly in my family alone. This movie is a great reminder of how spirited and enlivening the elder years can be.

Saw the Young at Heart doc. at a preview here in L.A. was absolutely floored by this film. Loved every minute of it, only regret that it had to end (like life) at some point...Bob, thank you for having the vision (and fortitude) to make this come to the screen.A life affirming experience for me (I'm a kid,only 69yrs. young).

Best wishes,Faye L.

My husband and I saw this film this past week as part of our film club, and it was great. You, Bob, are great, the singers are fabulous, and it obviously is a labor of love on the part of all of you. Well done.

Fans in NJ

Went to see this wonderful movie in New York on March 27th with the NYU Theatre group. I cannot stop thinking about this wonderful movie. I want everyone I love to see it. I love to sing, and can't wait to join the group. Do you take 52 year olds? I could be the mascot. Live on! You are all enjoying your life and fulfilling your dreams; most people half your age do not have your positive energy. I am a very impressed fan. I hope you will be performing in the area live. I will be the first on line.

YOU 'DA MAN, BOBBY!

Behind every successful leader stands a thoroughly surprised family... and a very proud group of friends.

You are our hero, Bobby! Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame, here we come! Or... BHS Hall of Fame???

How about Bob the funky righteous r&b pianist? This guy could get a group of camels to rock the house.
What an amazing acheivement over all these years. Save me a spot in 2030!

Jenny B

great edit!

Hedge

Hi Uncle Bob!!
Courtney and I went to the movies yesterday and there YOU were up on the big screen. Way to go!
Your 25 + years have been well spent.

We are all so proud of all of you.