This content was originally published by the Longmont Observer and is licensed under a Creative Commons license.
Music lovers were treated to a melodic afternoon Sunday, September 15th, at the Long's Peak United Methodist Church - all for a good cause. Dr. Dale Sherrod tickled the keys to the delight of concert attendees, who brought groceries to stock the church's food pantry.
During the "Dale's Piano Playhouse" show, audience members were invited to sing along, clap, and laugh at Sherrod's jokes and prop use. The food supplies increased with every person that crossed the church's threshold. Sherrod's goal of helping the needy was fulfilled, at least for the day.
"We do some Gershwin, ragtime, and Broadway. We have fun," Sherrod says of his philanthropic shows. Sherrod often embellishes his shows with glitzy props and eye-catching hooks - tricks he learned from watching Liberace on television when he was growing up.
For over forty years, Sherrod was an obstetrician/gynecologist who was witness to both the heartache and joy of the medical field. Music was something he enjoyed as a young child and he began taking piano lessons far before his medical career took flight. He believes that both careers serve to bring people peace.
"I consider my shows a way to serve humanity," Sherrod says of the performances. Planning the shows takes work and time, as early as ten months in advance of each booking. Songs range in difficulty, and he mixes up guest musicians to appeal to fresh audiences. He often has 8-10 guest musicians and vocalists accompany him on stage - including local saxophonists, trumpeters, and vocalists.
"I always perform as a benefit to others, to be charitable in some way," Sherrod says of his musical abilities and desire to help Longmont's residents in need.
The church received at least five bushels of food by the concert’s end and filled the Little Free Pantry. Sherrod says the monetary donation total is not certain yet.
