Our Story

Believing in the positive impact music makes on lives, Jim Johnson founded Merrymakers in 1986. Jim met with a group of Omaha businessmen from Mutual of Omaha to form this organization dedicated to bringing quality music, memories, laughter, and fun to the lives of residents of Nebraska’s senior care communities.

They soon experienced the transformative effect their music had on people and the group has been determined ever since to expand and share the gift of music with as many Nebraskans as possible.

Today, Merrymakers serves more than 50,000 seniors in almost 140 senior living communities with free, professional music entertainment every month. Your gift, no matter the amount, helps us continue our good work.

“Lights were going on inside people that hadn’t been turned on in years. Something big was happening and we knew we had to grow this further.”

– Sandy Lemke, Executive Director