Strings of service: air force vet’s musical journey at the creative arts festival | va eastern colorado health care | veterans affairs

Iverson “Ivan” Taylor, a retired U.S. Air Force Veteran from Denver, Colorado, is known for his soulful guitar playing. He returns for his ninth consecutive National Veterans Creative Arts

Festival this year. He will perform during the Stage Show Performance on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. at the Newman Center for Performing Arts in Denver.  A UNIQUE PLATFORM FOR

VETERANS The festival returns to Denver for the first time since 2005 and features more than 100 Veteran competitors from across the nation. For one week, Veterans will showcase their

artistic talents ranging from painting and sculpture to music and dance. Veterans and spectators will witness the progress and recovery that art therapy can make and celebrate the creative

achievements of our nation’s Veterans. “It’s a medium for Veterans to blend their military experiences and creativity,” said Taylor. “I’ve competed as a writer and singer, but one of my

favorite parts is connecting with fellow Veterans, listening to their stories and encouraging them on their journeys.” While this prestigious annual event provides a medium for Veterans to

display their artistic talents as a form of therapy and rehabilitation, participation is open to all Veterans enrolled in VA health care. NEW CHALLENGES AND OLD TRADITIONS     This year,

Taylor embraces a new challenge by joining the festival choir. In previous years, he’s performed solo and with his band, Vets in Tune. “We’re a band of disabled Veterans from the Denver

area,” said Taylor. “Our band consists of four members: Gary Satchell, a vocalist and guitarist who served in the U.S. Air Force; Michael Paplow, a bass guitarist who served in the U.S.

Army; Dennis Hurlburt, a drummer who served in the U.S. Marine Corps; and me, an Air Force Veteran and a guitarist for the last 50 years.” Taylor has been a member of Vets in Tune for 11

years. The band covers songs ranging from blues and rhythm to rock and pop. FROM PERFORMANCE TO PARTICIPATION     During a solo performance, his music and enthusiasm caught the attention of

former Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center Director Sallie Houser-Hanfelder. “I was playing at an event, and the director came up and asked me if I would sing the National Anthem at

the grand opening of Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center,” recalled Taylor. “After that, it snowballed. I was fielding calls to play at more events, including an invitation to compete

in the Creative Arts Festival.” ART FOR ALL VETERANS   Taylor passionately advocates for Veterans to participate in VA’s recreational therapy programs and creative arts competitions,

believing in the transformative power of music in therapy. “Find something you enjoy, whether it’s art, writing or something else. You don’t have to be great,” advised Taylor. “When I play

the guitar or write stories, it’s therapeutic; it taps into my emotions.”   A LIFELONG MUSICAL JOURNEY   Taylor’s musical journey began in his youth, and his guitar has been his faithful

companion since. “Music has helped me connect with people of all ages and nationalities,” said Taylor. “The best compliment I’ve ever received was from a World War II Veteran. He said I sang

the National Anthem the right way. So, this is how I give back, by playing at different bases, Veterans nursing homes, hospitals and organizations.” LOOKING AHEAD     Taylor looks forward

to future National Veterans Creative Arts Festivals, where he plans to continue competing and experiencing the growth and development of his fellow Veterans in the arts. The Creative Arts

Festival is hosted by VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System and co-presented by VA and the American Legion Auxiliary, from May 11-17, 2024. Learn more about the week’s events and

performances that are open to the public. Jesus Flores is a writer & editor on the VISN 19 Creative Task Force and a Marine Corps Veteran