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Millcreek Journal

Finding peace and purpose through music

Apr 29, 2020 11:17AM ● By Hannah La Fond

BobbyD and Friends play at the Millcreek Community Center with Bobby D. Dintelman on the far left and Kim Correa next to him. (Photo courtesy Bobby D. Dintelman)

By Hannah LaFond | [email protected]

Working as a musician isn’t always easy. It can be hard to put together a band, make time to rehearse and find an audience to play for. So starting a music career later in life might seem daunting, but that’s exactly what Bobby D. Dintelman, Kim Correa, and plenty of other local musicians have done.

Dintelman started playing music in high school, but he sold his guitar to get some money before going to college. After growing up, getting married, moving to Utah and starting his own family, music wasn’t part of his plan. That is until his wife had the idea to go buy him a guitar for their 20th wedding anniversary.

Since returning to music he hasn’t looked back. Dintelman, who goes by BobbyD in his music career, is in two bands, the Stucco Dogs and Bobby D. and Friends, where he plays guitar and sings. They play a mix of classic rock, folk rock, blues and some original songs. His bands play at restaurants, bars, senior centers and anywhere else they can find gigs.

Starting music later in life has given Dintelman freedom because he’s been able to follow his passion, without worrying too much about how much he gets paid for shows.

“I’m one of the lucky ones. I don’t have to do this to make a living. I’m retired from my profession of electrical engineering now, so I can do this for fun. But I don’t want to do too much playing in the public for free. I don’t want to take jobs from working musicians who are depending on playing for a living,” Dintelman said.

So, he focuses on playing places that he feels it makes a difference. Dintelman is most drawn to performing for people who don’t have the opportunity to see live music often,  which is why he enjoys playing at senior centers and even in hospitals.

“It’s so rewarding to play for those who are infirm… if we can play for them and bring the music to them and bring them joy,” Dintelman said.

Just like Dintelman, music isn’t Correa’s main source of income, as much as it is a passion. In her day job she runs The Inn Between, a hospice for the homeless. This job can be stressful, but music has been a source of relief for Correa.

“We’re always helping people at the end of life, which is heart-wrenching at times. So, for me playing music is my therapy and it is my sanity,” Correa said.

Also like Dintelman, Correa didn’t begin playing music seriously until later in her life. She first started playing drums about 20 years ago, but didn’t join a band or start performing until five years ago.

“It’s something I always wanted. I always dreamed when I was a kid of being in a band, but that just didn’t happen until I was in my 50s,” Correa said.

Now she plays with many groups and musicians including Crazywoolf, Megan Peters, Aaron Jones, and BobbyD. Although they haven’t been playing recently, due to social distancing, Correa has taken the time to learn more music and even try her hand at songwriting. 

Because music has been such a source of relief for her she recommends anyone give it a try to calm their mind during this time.

“If someone’s got a dusty guitar in the corner... Take 10 minutes a day and noodle around on it. Pretty soon it adds up to you playing pretty good,” Correa said. “It gives our brains a chance to disconnect from all the stressful things we’re seeing in the news and on social media. Yes, it’s important to stay informed, but you have to detach from it sometimes to find some sanity and balance.”