Voices of Grief welcomes activist singer Melanie DeMore

 For Voices of Grief founder Kathy Sparnins and her dedicated team, grief isn’t something to “get over”—it’s a journey best honored in community. 

And singing together is a way to heal together.

On October 4, Voices of Grief Center hosts acclaimed singer, songwriter and vocal activist Melanie DeMore at Pikes Peak State College’s Centennial Campus. The event is open to anyone navigating a loss but holds special meaning for seniors who understand the connection between music, memory and healing. 

“Melanie’s artistry is such an uplifting gift to our work,” said Kathy Sparnins, executive director of Voices of Grief Center. “It is magical how she brings complex emotions to the surface and creates a space for community and healing.” 

Proceeds from the concert benefit the Voices of Grief Center, a local nonprofit that offers compassionate support through education, community programs and resources—including free and low-cost services for individuals and families. The event will also help expand outreach to rural communities, where grief support is often limited.

“A song can hold you up, even when there is no ground beneath your feet,” said DeMore.   

Her resonant voice has filled concert halls, churches and community centers worldwide, but her greatest gift lies in dissolving the space between performer and audience. She encourages everyone—“non-singers” and trained vocalists alike—to lift their voices in healing harmony.

“Melanie doesn’t just perform,” says Sparnins. “She invites you into an experience where you feel seen, heard and held. We see her work as an important complement to the work we do with our clients through our dedicated team.”

For many seniors, the journey through grief is familiar—but it is never easy. 

“This event is about creating a space where everyone feels welcome,” Sparnins says. “You don’t have to come with the ‘right’ words or even the ‘right’ feelings. Just come as you are. The music will meet you there.”

DeMore’s concerts are shared experiences. She guides audiences through an evening of original songs, African American folk traditions, spirituals, gospel tunes, and heart-opening stories. With call-and-response singing, she transforms the crowd into a spontaneous, living choir.

“Grief can feel incredibly isolating,” Sparnins said. “Music—especially Melanie’s music—reminds us that we are not alone. We can breathe together, sing together and carry each other forward.”

Whether you are grieving a loved one, facing a life transition or simply seeking connection, the sense of shared humanity will linger long after the final note fades. 

“It is magical how she brings complex emotions to the surface and creates a space for community and healing.”

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