Every Morning, Every Evening, Ain't We Got Fun?

There probably is a law against having so much fun! Sixty-five seniors rocked out to the rhythms of the YesterUkes when they played Thursday after lunch at the Mauldin Senior Center. For about forty-five minutes, the band entertained the group with tunes from the 40s and 50s. It was the first time that people got up and danced to the music! Can we say we're a dance band now? It would be difficult to say who enjoyed it more---players or listeners.

The afternoon ended with a standing ovation from one of the liveliest senior groups in the upstate. As we were packing up, the activity director confessed that it was hard work to get her members to come that day...there were some very skeptical people when they heard a ukulele band was the entertainment. But comments after the program were mostly of the "best program ever" variety. She was one relieved activity director!

On Saturday night, the YesterUkes played to a full house at the Village Cup. Twinkling lights in the windows and flickering candlelight inside invited folks into this cozy coffee house to sit back, relax with a frozen mocha and enjoy the music. In addition to the big band standards, the YesterUkes played and sang songs from the 50s and 60s. Patrons sang along as the band played familiar tunes. Bob wowed listeners with his rendition of a couple of 50s favorites. All musicians love a good audience and this one ranked right up there with the best.

Why do the YesterUkes work so hard to bring this music to their listeners? One story from Saturday night may explain it best: A lady from out-of-town said she had come to visit her elderly father-in-law. She brought him to the Village Cup for supper and was surprised to find a ukulele band playing that night. She said her father-in-law didn't find much to enjoy these days but much to her surprise, he sang every song we played! She was delighted and very grateful that he was so happy for that evening. These small ukuleles can be powerful instruments for good.