Musical group brings joy to children staying in Los Angeles hospitals

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Studies show listening to music can reduce chronic pain and depression up to 20 percent, which is why musical group Musicians on Call performed at a local hospital for pediatric patients Monday.

Jalyn Kunkel forgot she is in a hospital and dreamed of performing herself after seeing Musicians on Call.

"I want to be a superstar and sing, too," she said.

Despite her pain, she sang her favorite tune - "Let It Go" from the hit-movie "Frozen."

Kenli Mattus was one of the founding musicians to create Musicians on Call in 1999. The first one in Los Angeles was held at UCLA's Mattel Children's Hospital and it's caught on since then.

Another stop was in 9-year-old Jett Ohlmeyer's room. He had just undergone gallbladder surgery, but after listening to AC/DC's "Back in Black," he felt strong enough to get into the act.

Musicians on Call has expanded to three local hospitals. Kenli said musicians have a magical gift and sharing it is just as healing for him as it is for the patients.

"It makes me feel alive and it makes them feel great, I think. It keeps us all remembering that we're all here now and enjoying what we have in the moment," he said.