Worley finds music therapeutic when dealing with grief
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LEWISTOWN -- With the devastating loss of his wife last year to cancer, Brian Worley leaned on his love for music and spirituality to heal the hole in his heart.
The Port Royal musician performs at almost every opportunity he can, whether it be at a more intimate coffeehouse setting, retirement communities, senior and community centers or even fast-food restaurants.
"It's all about building relationships, and learning how to do that again," the 66-year-old Worley said of performing for audiences. "That's what towns used to be: Knowing people and working together."
Today -- which is First Friday in downtown Lewistown -- Worley will be performing at the Embassy Theatre from 6 to 8 p.m. The theatre will also offer crafts for kids to complement the live music by Worley.
Admission is free, and the general public is invited.
"I had asked about doing it last year, doing something there on the street," Worley recalled. "They said if I do, I couldn't plug in anywhere.
"That could have worked out, but this year, it's on a Friday night so I thought I'd try it," Worley added. "The other thing, I can plug in, so I can be outside or inside. It's an avenue (to perform), so we'll see what all happens. It's a great way to get yourself out there."
Worley's songbook will include classic oldies by Elvis Presley, Chuck Barry and Jerry Lee Lewis. "Stuff that will get the crowd worked up," he added. "With the kids, they know some stuff."
Between numbers, don't be surprised if Worley talks about musical ventures, which includes songwriting.
"The stuff that I write, I try to keep more upbeat," he explained. "I like to talk about my songwriting. I hope there's some interaction there."
Currently, Worley sings at coffeehouses at the LUMINA Center, Salvation Army and Compass Center in Lewistown.
He has also joined Chaplain Ministries, which is based at the Lighthouse Community Church in Mifflintown, visiting area nursing homes to spread the word of the Gospel.
The Locust Grove Retirement Village in Mifflin is one of his regular stops. His wife was a former employee there, so it's a familiar place.
Since 2017, Worley has also been appearing at the Burnham, Lewistown and Mifflintown Burger King restaurants on a monthly basis, performing for patrons.
Worley also performs with musician Dan Snook as well as Frieda Doebler and her adult children, Kevin and Faith.
"I've served God in different ways, wherever he leads me," Worley said. "I do what I can while I'm able to do it."
He admits music has provided plenty of comfort, especially when dealing with the death of his wife.
"I'm going to do this as long as I have life and breathe," Worley said. "I'm going to get up and do some things."
He knows his wife wouldn't want him to sit around at home and waste away his remaining years.