Meet Vinnie Paolizzi, Our Featured Volunteer from Nashville!
Get to know our volunteers!
Do you volunteer at a specific hospital?
Centennial and Vanderbilt
How long have you been volunteering with Musicians On Call? 3.5 years
Are you a Volunteer Guide or Volunteer Musician? Musician
What is your favorite song to play for patients? “Take it Easy by the Eagles“
Have you ever been part of an impromptu jam session with patients or family in a hospital room? “Yes! I love when patients smile and sing with me”
Do you perform anywhere else besides with MOC? “Yes! All around Nashville 3-5 nights a week, and touring when I can. ”
What is your occupation outside of MOC? “Musician and I work at a country club in town to pay the bills!
What is your story? What connects you with music and why do you volunteer with MOC? “When I was a kid I was hospitalized and sick often so when I heard about musicians on call, I felt passionate about it right away. I thought it would be a great way to give back and brighten up a sometimes dark place. I signed up in Philadelphia and was on the waiting list for over two years before I started performing at Jefferson regularly. ”
Has your life changed because of your experience with MOC? “Yes, undoubtedly. Playing for people in tough medical situations can be difficult and emotional but after every program, I feel a mix of gratitude, hope, and sorrow that is tough to describe. The other volunteers I have met have all been amazing people too and I feel lucky to have met them.“
What is your favorite #MOCmoment? “There are so many. Anytime I play for someone who seems motionless and asleep but on my way out of the room they give me a thumbs up and a soft smile, I feel like I accomplished something. Anytime I meet a family who is there for their relative in their time of need I love to sing with them. Conversely, when I can tell someone really needed some attention or a friend that day and I show up with a guitar, I feel like a hero and its the least I could possibly do, I wish I could do more. Recently I met a woman who told me about growing up near Johnny Cash and him planting a tree in her yard for her. I’ve met veterans, former or current musicians, athletes and everyone in between. I have three years worth of memories that I wouldn’t trade for the world.”