Every program begins the same way. Ukulele players in blue shirts unpack their gear, tuck the instrument cases out of sight, find a seat and sneak a few minutes of warm-up time before the concert begins.
And there might be a little visiting that goes on while some are still tuning up. Belonging to the Yesterukes is as much social time for its members as it is music time. There are strong bonds that form between players. We truly miss the ones who can't be with us. The music sounds different when a few folks are away. And the group feels different when we don't have everyone together. But like all good bands, we live by that old saying, "The show must go on." And we do well with which ever set of people end up on stage.
There is always excitement and anticipation as people begin to gather. They often are not sure what a "Yesteruke" is and don't quite know what to expect. We are so happy they are brave enough to come anyway. And we are all the more determined to give them a good show.
By the time everyone had rolled in, we had a nearly full house at Bailey Manor for an afternoon show. And they quickly found out what we do. Everyone there had fun, but there was one man in particular, seating in a wheelchair, who had the biggest grin on his face the whole time. He sang along with nearly every song we sang. It's the folks like him who give us the energy to step it up a notch.
They asked for an encore--which we were happy to sing. And then wanted just one more. When it was over, we heard that comment again...."I've never seen anything quite like this!" This time it came from an activity director at a neighboring nursing home. She also asked for our card so that she can book us in the spring, so we'll take her comment as a compliment!
Anticipation, Carly Simon, 1971
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