Still Singing and Loving The People!

Saturday Feb. 27, 2016....Sang a show today at one of my regular stops. The activity director usually has me perform an afternoon one-hour show twice a month....Because of my regular appearances I have become friends with many of the residents who wait patiently for me to arrive and watch me set up.

After my equipment was set, as usual, I walked around the area and chatted with many of the regulars... They were full of stories about their lives or other fun subjects...the topics can run from how they had their drivers license taken away (and which family member “turned them in”)...or their submarine duty during World War II....., or most recently I had a woman resident approach me and ask me to come off to the side with her...she gave me a coy smile and asked if I had a cigarette she could bum from me! I was very surprised because I had never seen her smoke before and nobody had ever had made such a request! I explained that I don't smoke and was sorry I didn't have any to share with her! But then she pressed further and asked me to walk around for her to ask other people if they had a cigarette she could have! I explained that my show was about to start and I wouldn't be able to help her out. She was terribly disappointed and I have to admit that I felt sorry for her.

During that same show one of the residents had his family show up. His two daughters along with their children added so much life to the audience. They clapped and danced with the music while the residents watched and everyone in the room felt the joy. I walked away saying prayers of thanks that I can be part of their lives through music.

March 5^th Another Saturday afternoon performance! I was told by some of the regular audience members that one of the active residents had recently passed away...we talked about it and how sad we were, but they assured me that he had been in terrible pain from cancer and everyone was expecting the loss, including the deceased widow....I ended up talking to her and she was at peace, but felt very lonely...they had been married 65 years!

They are each a treasure and they have a story....I'm honored to share my time with these wonderful people.

Oh it's been awhile since my last post, but decided I would add something today.... I sang a show this afternoon from 3 -4 pm in Danville at an adult living facility.  It was their Happy Hour and this place really knows how to do a Happy Hour!  Both white and red wines were offered and served in lovely glass wine glasses and beer...I say "glass" because all of the other places I sing  only use plastic.... A standing wooden tray is placed near every resident and a small snack is provided as well.  It's all very nicely done.

When I arrived I heard two women talking off to the side.  One happy woman was trying to get the other to "smile" and not look so "grumpy"!  The grumpy woman was terribly offended and yelled back to the cheery woman that she didn't have to smile and if she wanted to be grumpy she could!  It was rather a nasty exchange and I tried to ignore it...However, the happy woman then approached me and began to tell me what had just happened in a very loud voice so that the grumpy woman was offended again!  YIKES!  I quickly changed the subject to something more pleasant and guided the happy woman to a seat in the audience!

After I completed my setup, I had some time to walk around and say hello to the gathering audience.  A well dressed man whom I had met before told me he was looking forward to hearing me sing and hoped I would "break a leg"... I thanked him and proceeded on to chit chat further...

I came upon a woman who told me she would not be having wine because she only drank if it was past 5:00 pm and was visiting at her daughter's house.  I then asked her when those occasions arise what does she like to drink...she said she likes a bourbon on the rocks with a splash of water!  Now mind you this woman looked about 90 years old, but was quite spry...she began to tell tales of how she felt that her husband used to drink too much at parties and that at one New Year's Eve party he found a pair of scissors at the host's house and began cutting the men's neckties in half at the party...She seemed to relive the whole event and thought it was pretty funny in retrospect!  We both had a good laugh.

I sang for an hour and was impressed with the energy in the room.  During several of the songs I had a few people get up and dance which is always fun as the audience loves watching each other.  We had a few sing alongs, including "Take Me Out To The Ball Game" and "Let Me Call You Sweetheart".  They really got into both of these songs and belted them out!

All in all it was a great show and I was very pleased.  Afterwards I was able to thank every person in the audience as I made my way around the room.  There were lovely compliments and several of the women made comments about my "flashy" high-heeled sandals!  HA!  Loved it!  Can't wait to return to this marvelous place!  

" The Waltz You Saved For Me "

Tuesday night I sang an after-dinner show at the Villa in San Ramon from 7:30 - 8:30 pm.  The time seemed late, but when I asked the activity director about it she assured me that the late dinner ended at 7:15 pm and there would be an audience for me, and there was.

I was pleased to see many residents who regularly attend the show, but also a few new faces.  There was one couple that had just moved in.  A long time resident, Mary, came up to me while I was setting up my equipment and pointed out the newbies, she also informed me that they were dancers and that I might want to encourage them to get up and dance!  I thanked her for sharing the news and when I started the show I welcomed the new couple.

Mary was right, this man and wife knew how to dance and they needed no encouragement from me. By the third song, "The Very Thought Of You" they were on their feet taking a twirl.  Not only was it fun for the audience to watch, but it was fun for me as the performer to sing while others were swaying,  I loved it!  They continued to dance to various songs throughout the night and in doing so added excitement to the program.  Everyone especially enjoyed watching them dance to "Whatever Lola Wants" a tango!  Yes, they knew how to tango!!!!  It wasn' the throw down on the floor version, but a gentle tango.  We were all impressed. 

After the program, the couple stayed to introduce themselves...Betty and Don.  They were from Fresno and have been married for 63 years.  They have a son in Pleasanton, so they moved to be closer to family.  

Don  began to share their story of how Betty was the high school's valedictorian and he the drop-out.  He literally swept her off her feet during their first date when they headed from the central California farming area to the big city of Fresno.  It was there he took her out to dinner, then to the city's ballroom where Tommy Dorsey was playing...it was very crowded and they danced shoulder to shoulder with other young people full of spirit and adventure.  Betty piped in that they literally were bumping into other dancers, but it was exciting and she had never been to the ballroom before.  Don shared that halfway through the evening  "The Waltz You Saved For Me" started to play, he said he took Betty in his arms and they started to waltz.  "It was a magical moment in the ballroom"  he sweetly whispered,  and as if it were yesterday he told me they both suddenly felt they were lifted on clouds above the other dancers and  were alone, just with each other and the music.  Nobody seemed to touch them or even dance near them and they fell in love at that moment. 

Don pulled out a picture of Betty from his wallet and showed me, it was her high school senior grad picture.  He said she's as beautiful today as she was then....Betty looked up into Don's eyes and smiled, then told me that she was the lucky one.   My next show at the Villa is the Saturday before Easter and I am looking forward to seeing them again.  I will learn "The Waltz You Saved For Me" and sing it especially for them.  They are an amazing couple... Both are retired teachers and I'm sure they were wonderful educators! 

"I Want Your Skirt!"

Friday, March 25th, landed me in Danville singing at Diablo Lodge for their happy hour!  As usual, it was filled with fun, bright-eyed seniors who were ready for wine, treats and entertainment.  I arrived about 15 minutes before the show to set up my equipment and say hello to the audience.  I walked the room after everything was set to give my personal greetings.  I was amazed at how many women were commenting on my skirt!  It's just a cotton skirt, cream-colored, with brown polka-dots, flared out around the bottom.  One woman actually commented that she wished my zipper would break and it would fall off so she could scoop it up and run for her room!  She exclaimed, "I want your skirt!" That certainly made me laugh and put me in a joyous mood for the show. 

At 3:00 pm the wine started to pour and I began to sing.  The activity director was on hand to make sure everyone who wanted to dance had a partner.  One of the residents, a gentleman in a wheelchair, had his daughter visiting. She graciously shared her kindness by dancing with two other gentlemen who used walkers to maneuver.  She allowed them to brace themselves on her and she very gently moved to the beat while they followed.  When I see acts of kindness like this while I'm singing it's difficult to not weep with emotion.   All in all it was a successful happy hour. 

At 4:00 pm the show ended with a rousing song called, "Papa Loves Mambo".  I walked the room again to share my thanks for coming out for the show.  I loved it that the ladies were all talking about my skirt again!  The best comment came from a woman who seemed quite sophisticated and with one arched eyebrow raised told me she thought the skirt seemed very "youthful" for me!  She's right!  I'm getting up there in age indeed!  However, God-willing I'll be wearing polka-dot skirts until I'm carried away to the Pearly Gates!

"You Deserve A Gold Coin Tip!"

Great gig today at the Pinole Senior Center for their Valentine's Lunch.  These people know how to put on a luncheon that really brings in their senior community.  For special occasion luncheons they usually have about 200 people.  The center has a lovely lobby with a welcome counter, then further in there is a four-sided open fireplace that had warmed the room and made everything very cozy.  As you enter the actual dining room area you notice the large round tables covered with white clothes with lovely raised centerpieces.  Also twinkle lights sparkle around the whole perimeter of the room.  At the back wall a bar is set up and two volunteers, a man and wife,  sell wine, sodas, water and margaritas!  It adds such a festive feel to the event. 

The participants got a big laugh when they looked at the decorative table that sits in the lobby before you enter the dining room....on the display were normal Valentine type items...heart candy boxes, stuffed animals, framed pictures, but also a red, satin, lacy bra and adorable red, diamond adorned bikini panties!  I actually had to take a second look too!  The sexy items were a big hit!

Everyone was  served an incredible hot lunch and I was the entertainment as they visited and ate.  We all had a good time.  After the show, the bartender said he really enjoyed the show and exclaimed, "You deserve a gold coin tip!"  I wasn't sure what he was talking about.  Then he produced a gold Abraham Lincoln coin, worth $1.00, I didn't know these coins even existed!  The gentleman explained that he collected the coins and he had extras of Abe and he wanted me to have it.  I tried gracefully not to accept it, but he was determined to give it to me!  So I thanked him profusely and I will keep it as a souvenir. 

I wish other senior centers from around the bay area could see how the Pinole Senior Center operates.  They all have the potential to draw crowds like this, but seem to be stuck in doing things a certain way and unable or unwilling to change.  Way to go Pinole Seniors!  I look forward to singing in Pinole next month for their St. Patrick's Day luncheon! 

"That's How I Found Out Pearl Harbor Was Being Bombed!"

I sang in Antioch on Saturday afternoon.  It  wasn't a "happy-hour", just an afternoon of entertainment.  The usual cast of characters were there in their usual spots.  I perform in a medium-sized room off to the side of the lobby.  It features large sofas that look very uncomfortable and difficult for the residents to get in and out of so needless to say they usually sit empty.  Surrounding the sofas are occupied chairs and then many of the residents are in wheel chairs. 

The gas fireplace had just been turned off and it was very warm in the room.  The lights weren't on either so the whole room seemed very gloomy....yet, filled with people waiting to be entertained.  I try to be over-the-top upbeat when I enter this place because usually there is very little energy given off from this group of people.  I'm guessing it's the mixture of personalities, the age of the group and their overall health.

They know me well as I have been singing there monthly for about four years.  Most remember me and ask  about my famliy and music students.  However, there is one woman in particular that meets me for the first time each show.  She comes to the performance from the memory care unit and is always beautifully dressed with extrememly kind comments to share with me about my singing.  We go through the formality of exchanging names and look forward to seeing each other again....and again....

In the middle of the show I danced around the room during an instrumental part of one of the songs.  I took hands of a few of the ladies and men, one at a time and swayed with them as they remained seated.  I enjoyed watching the faces light up while we shared the experience of moving to the music.  When I returned to the microphone and finished the song, one of the lady residents who speaks quite loudly yelled out, "Why didn't you dance with me?"  Oops, I let her know I would be back to dance with her in the next number!  When we did dance she gave my left hand such a death grip I had to ask her to lighten up as my wedding ring was cutting through my fingers! 

After the show and I made my rounds to greet everyone. Later, while picking up my equipment one of the residents who normally stays to visit with me came by.  He's a real sweetheart who shares stories and likes to get copies of the words to the songs I sing.  He had his file folder with him and a list of requested lyrics he had written down during the show.  While we visited he started telling me about a job he had as a teenager ... he was a  Harbor Master's Assistant in the San Francisco Bay.  He shared that early one Sunday morning he was guiding a small boat up to a dock when he noticed a bunch of guys gathered along the pier with radios blasting.  He yelled to them wondering what was up...they screamed back, "Shut up kid, Pearl Harbor is being bombed and all hell's breaking loose!"  My friend's eyes filled with tears and it looked like he was re-living the horror from that moment.  Then we were both quiet just remembering the sadness of it all. 

I drove away from this show reminding myself of how lucky I am to be able to spend time with so  many wise, loving people...

"I'll Tell You Why We Like Your Show!"

I sang in Walnut Creek Friday afternoon at a large, beautifully decorated senior living facility.  I performed in the lobby part of their establishment which consists of a check-in desk, large gathering area sounded by full wall windows and a grand piano near the far end of the room.  I set up my equipment near the piano and was happy to have people greet me by name as they remembered my performance from last month! 

After I had everything set up, I ventured into their large dining room nearby.  They have a full bar with granite counters and dark wood that was all arranged with snacks and drinks ready to be either picked up or delivered to the audience waiting in the lobby.  After all, this was happy- hour...and the residents were ready for some "happy" and entertainment!  The first time I saw this bar area I smiled as I noticed that there were no bar stools...almost everyone standing around the bar was propped up with a walker.  It's a strange site at first, but it has grown me. 

It was about four months ago I noticed one spry gentleman maneuvering up to the bar in his wheelchair.  He had a large wooden tray arranged with a napkin on his lap and he was well prepared to get his drink and snack.  I remarked to him, "You must have been a Boy Scout, because it looks like you've thought this all out!"  He replied back, "I'm an Eagle Scout, and yes, this makes it all much easier for me to manage."  We then exchanged a fun conversation about his Boy Scout days and I shared that my son was also an Eagle Scout.  I always look forward to seeing him each time I perform.

I returned to the lobby and got ready to start the show.  Most people sit in the same places for each show so it's easy to start discovering the personalities.  There were the women on the sofa along the back wall who love a cocktail, especially the olives.  The few who stay in the library-game room off to the side of the lobby, and the ones who like the seats up front. 

I sang "My Funny Valentine",  and made reference to Valentine's Day as it was three days before the event and they had many decorations up for the festivities.  I included "Papa Loves Mambo", "Chattanooga Choo Choo" and several other fast numbers, I can tell they really enjoy them just as much as the slow love songs.  They all sang along when "I'll Be Loving You,Always" came up.  There's something magical that happens when we all connect in a song. 

After an hour of singing,  I always make my rounds to say hello and thank them for coming out to share their happy-hour with me.  I had to laugh as I greeted the cocktail ladies along the back wall.  With their empty glasses and all smiles the one sweet woman in the middle declared, "You know what we really like about you?  You don't talk too much, you get down to the business of singing!"  I thanked them for their compliment and made a note to myself, to not talk too much in the future! As I made my way around the room, most audience members shared kind comments  and  I felt we had all had a good time!