Songs from the Heart

A cancer diagnosis can unleash a torrent of complex emotions, not just for the cancer patient but for family members and caregivers, as well. Many of those affected want to express their emotions through music, but they don’t always know how to get started.

Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center and Gilda’s Club Nashville are offering a songwriting workshop as part of the annual “Songs from the Heart” event. The workshop consists of a two-night interactive and instructional journey through the songwriting process. Singer/songwriter Tricia Walker helps teach participants about the process of songwriting and leads them through the process of translating their thoughts into music. The songs are then performed by Walker and her musical colleague Bill Sinclair during a free public concert.

“The songs that are produced are just amazing and they run the gamut from funny and ironic tunes, to uplifting and spiritual songs,” said Cindy Tinker, social worker at Vanderbilt-Ingram. “It’s always a wonderful and memorable event filled with strong emotions for the songwriters and the audience.”

This year’s writing workshop will be held July 27 and 28 at Gilda’s Club, 1707 Division Street, Nashville. The workshop is open to cancer patients, family members and professional caregivers who work with cancer patients and there is no charge to participate.

The “Songs from the Heart” concert is scheduled Friday, July 30, at the Vanderbilt Student Life Center, 310 25^th Avenue South. Doors open for the silent auction at 5 p.m., followed by the concert at 6:30 p.m. A reception is scheduled immediately following the concert.

All proceeds from the event will go to the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center Caring Hearts Fund which was established in 2005 to assist Vanderbilt cancer patients who experience financial hardships during their treatment.

For questions or to reserve a seat, call 615-322-7459 or visit www.vicc.org/2010/songs.

For more information and to view a video with Tricia Walker, visit www.vicc.org/songs-heart.