This Magic Moment

Summer is getting close. So the last concerts before our long summer break are even more special.

Everyone is used to visiting with each other on a weekly basis.

And spending time with good friends is as important 

as making music.

And then, there are all the meals we share, too. 

All of these things will be put on hold soon enough.

But yesterday, we just enjoyed the moment. One more time to be together. And the music was terrific! Before bedtime last night, I received this email—"GREAT JOB TODAY!  Everyone really enjoyed the program and now I am under pressure to have you all back next year.  Do you have next year, Thursday, May 14th available?"   

We love to hear things like that. The pressure is off the man in charge--they are on our 2014 schedule!

This Magic Moment, The Drifters, 1960

Back Home Again

We were back where it all started. Back in 2007, the Martha Franks Baptist Retirement Center offered an 8-week class, "Learn To Play The Ukulele For Fun." A dozen people started the class. Five people finished. And those five beginner ukulele players were the start of the Yesterukes. But our little band didn't even have a name at that point. With no plan to become a permanent group, that little group of folks played a couple of programs here at Martha Franks Center. And then, five players became ten. Within months, there were twelve of us. And it continued to grow and grow until we became the 22-piece band we are today. Only one band member is a resident of Martha Franks Retirement Center now, but they are still happy to let us have practice space there.

So as a "thank you" for all the years of utilizing their facilities for hundreds of practices, we played an afternoon concert for residents, friends and family. The chapel continued to fill up as the start time approached, so we had a nearly full house for our program. We had fun singing for them. They had fun listening. Those who had not heard us since the beginning were amazed at how we sound now. Lots of years of practice and performances have let us hone our skills.

What a fun shirt we spied after the concert. Maybe we embarassed a few of our children and grandchildren when we started, but now they are all proud to say, "My mom/dad/grandparent plays with the Yesterukes." They couldn't be happier about what we do!

Back Home Again, John Denver, 1974

Here Comes That Rainy Day Feeling Again

People book the Yesterukes to play for them many months in advance. And the Bar None Cowboy Church did just that. We got the call a long time ago asking us to be part of their Fun Day.

We rarely do outdoor events because of all the unexpected possibilities that can complicate a performance, particularly for a large group. But we all thought this one sounded like fun.

We knew that it could be breezy or that it might rain. But we never considered that it would be cold enough for a bonfire on the first Saturday in May. Cold enough to need coats and gloves and hats. And enough rain was predicted for the weekend for flash flood warnings to be issued.

But the kids didn't mind. And the horses didn't seem to care. It was just the grown-ups that were freezing! The day included a trail ride, hay rides, a BBQ lunch and a worship time. And there was lots of music all afternoon. 

And in the end, the Yesterukes didn't mind the cold, either. (Well, not too much.) We just bundled up, clipped down our music as the wind picked up, and played on. The Yesterukes understand that "the show must go on." We were thankful for the tent. And we were thankful that the hard rain held off until after we played. 

Every now and then, it is fun for us to do something completely different. A breath of fresh air does us good. This time it just happened to be a breath of cold fresh air!

Here Comes That Rainy Day Feeling Again, The Fortunes, 1971

Let's Get Together

Yes, the Yesterukes are musicians. BUT there is more going on here than music. Every time we play, it is also about getting together. 

The band members enjoy visiting with each other 

as much as they enjoy playing the music.

And the senior adults (and sometimes others) 

love a reason to gather.

Sitting home alone just isn't as much fun as being with friends.

And where friends gather, more often than not, 

there is a great meal. Truly, it is communion.

Thanks to the folks at Apalache Baptist Church 

for inviting us to visit with them. 

Let's Get Together, Haley Mills, 1961

Feelin' Groovy

Is is possible to have too much fun? Last night for about an hour our group of grandparent-aged ukulele players set aside thoughts of everyday aches and pains, of worries about ailing spouses and wrinkles, and the concerns of getting older to become entertainers. Yes, we are musicians, but we can also say we are entertainers.

"entertainer: to hold the attention of with something amusing or diverting"

From the first song we sang, smiles broke out across the fellowship hall. And the smiles continued to the very end of   our program. 

We were happy to bring some new songs—upbeat and snappy—to this audience of all ages. From the 2-year-old to those closer to 80, they all had fun. The mom of the 2-year-old said we kept her daughter's attention the whole time. 

The band was at their best last night. 

Bob, one of our soloists, is a member of this church—First Presbyterian Church of Laurens. We knew he had nailed his song when a lady at a table up front wiped a tear from her eye as he sang a favorite ballad.

When the evening was over, we enjoyed visiting with so many of the parishioners. Several asked how hard it is to learn to play ukulele. We know when they want to join the fun, we accomplished what we came to do—provide a few minutes of fun. A lot of fun.

 And yes, there was another good Southern dinner.

Feelin' Groovy, Simon & Garfunkel, 1966

The Second Time Around

Someone was kind enough to share photos from Tuesday's performance at Buncombe St. UMC, so here is a second look at the fun we had. And there is one more video from that morning. There is no doubt that we always have fun—possibly more fun than the audience!

The Second Time Around, Bing Crosby, 1960

How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You

There are times when we get so busy that photos are few. So today, we'll share a video instead. (Thanks to pastor David, who had his first experience with a smart phone today as he videoed part of our program. If his day job doesn't work out, he might find work as a videographer.)

The folks at Buncombe St. United Methodist Church have already asked us back for next year. It's nice to be loved.



How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You, Marvin Gaye, 1965