Classical Gas

The traffic was heavy today, but not heavy enough to miss the large banner stretched in front of Fatz Cafe that proclaimed, "Classic Food for Classic Folks (ages 50 & up)" Don't you love it? Not "senior adults", but "classic folks"!

We definitely fit into their definition of classic folks. All of the Yesterukes are over 50. And how does the dictionary define classic? Classic: Having lasting significance or worth; enduring. Yep, that's us! There is no requirement that you must be "classic" to be in our group, but our practice time is at 1:30 in the afternoon. Retired people are the ones free at 1:30.

Our classic folks were so glad to get back together for practice this week after some time off after the holidays. So excited and so glad that no one remembered to take any photos. We'll do better next time.

Hmmm. Think maybe we should check out this new Classic Food menu. Wonder if you have to be there at 4:30 to order?

Classical Gas, Mason Williams, 1968

Back In The Saddle Again

Today is a holiday (MLK Day) but when you are on a retirement schedule, every day is a holiday! Today does give us a short breather before we get back to full speed on Thursday. After several weeks off following an intense Christmas schedule--we did five programs in 17 days--the Yesterukes are more than ready to get back together. We have missed the fellowship that comes with practices and performances.

Those of you who do not know us well might be interested to know that the 20 members of the Yesterukes live in seven different towns in four different counties scattered across the upstate of South Carolina. People often think we are a group from a church or a retirement community. But our players belong to an assortment of churches and denominations. Some live in retirement communities, but the majority do not. We live in the city, in small towns and on farms. Among our players we have golfers, wood workers, dog lovers, world travelers, knitters, gourmet cooks, mahjong players, kayakers, artists, horse owners...and the list goes on. How lucky we are that this busy group of people think our ukulele group is a worthy activity to add to their list.

We still are amazed that this diverse group of people found their way together to make a little music and enjoy each others company. And all of this pleasure spills over as we share our ukulele music with many, many others as we play for groups around the upstate.

Maybe we will see you at a program in 2010. If you can't be a fan in person, become our fan on Facebook! Just search for "Yesterukes" on your Facebook page.

Back In The Saddle Again, signature song of Gene Autry, 1939

Smiles

A new year, a new beginning. And time to look back a little. Why do we do what we do? The Yesterukes play because it's fun. Plain and simple. We don't do it for the money. We charge no fee for performances. (But sometimes groups make a donation that helps with expenses.) We certainly don't do it for fame. (But we are slated to be in a magazine in the spring.) We just play because it's fun for us to get together.

But along the way, it's really nice to hear good things people say about us. Icing on the cake, as they say. And here is one of those good things...

This week a gentleman told us that because of business and civic commitments, he had attended 14-15 Christmas functions in December--one was a party where we performed. That's a lot of parties. All these parties provided some sort of entertainment. He said that of all the parties/events he attended, the Yesterukes entertainment stood head and shoulders above the rest. Pretty high praise, we think.

We are all smiling now. Okay...maybe we do this because we like hearing nice things, too.

Smiles, recorded by Benny Goodman, 1936