SageArts is a nonprofit organization with a mission to bring forth the lived experiences and sacred stories of our elders. They pair singer/songwriters with elders to create songs that reflect the richness of each elder’s life and character. The process culminates with a final performance and celebration, inviting the community to take part in a transformative experience to remember. The 2019 SageArts project honoring Holocaust survivors was documented in the film, We Remember: Songs of Survivors.

Kelleigh has written songs with five elders since joining the SageArts team of artists in 2015. Her process involves multiple interview sessions over several months, which she records and transcribes. She spends time listening to the music her elders enjoy, and pours over the fruits of their lives, be it their work, hobbies, creativity, home, family—whatever they choose to share. At some point along the journey, a lone lyric or musical fragment comes to Kelleigh, and the songwriting begins. Each collaboration unfolds differently.