Colorado Vincentian Volunteers Benefit from the Power of Music

Music soothes the soul and also has the power to heal hearts. For 13 years, Colorado Vincentian Volunteers (CVV) has benefited from that power of music in an annual fundraiser called Heart and Soul. Held in June in Denver, this year’s event was headlined by popular acoustic group Dakota Blonde and acclaimed jazz, blues and gospel songstress Hazel Miller.

CVV is a program in which young men and women, ages 22-30, can serve Denver’s poor, elderly, homeless, developmentally disabled and troubled youth. The year-long program offers an opportunity for spiritual, emotional, and professional growth, and a way of discerning and living one’s Christian vocation.

Both Dakota Blonde and Hazel Miller spoke of their own encounters with the poor and shared songs they have written that were reflective of those encounters. Tony Raddell, a member of Dakota Blonde, has offered his gift of song with adolescents struggling with emotional problems for more than 20 years.

“Music is a way of sharing your message with the world when the world doesn’t want to hear your voice,” said Raddell, a stand-up bass player. Raddell has been playing liturgical music since high school. By day he works in the staff development office at Ft. Logan Mental Hospital in Denver. By night, Raddell, Mary Huckins (vocals, guitar and keyboard) and Don Pinnella (vocals and guitar) work together as Dakota Blonde. Their fans – known as Blonde Heads – know they’re always in for a great ride filled with humor and song. Along the way they’ll hear originals and covers of folk, bluegrass and country with a dash of Celtic for melodic measure.

Music may have brought the band together, but music therapy was their matchmaker. “We all have worked as music therapists and we all care about those who haven’t had it easy in life,” Raddell said. “Imagine living in an abusive situation, either brought on by others or from self-abuse in the form of drug addiction or lack of self-esteem. Music can give a soul the strength and inspiration to go on for another day.

It has the power to help us sort through the chaos and convey things that are trapped and welled up inside.”

The benefit raised necessary funding to promote more healing through the Colorado Vincentian Volunteers’ commitment of entering into companionship with the poor in the spirit of St. Vincent de Paul. Last year’s group of 11 young men and women are now continuing their journey with the poor while CVV began a new program year in August with 13 men and women who will embrace the mission and enter into it with all their hearts and souls.