Do You Hear What I Hear?

When we walked in and saw the beautiful cake, we knew we were in for a treat. The Yesterukes work hard all year at practices and at gigs. Oh, yes—there is lots of visiting each time, but much of it is whispered between songs. Or, it's shared conversation as we walk back to the parking lot.

Today was a time just for us. There was much laughter and chatter and good food. There was time to finish whole sentences without having to stop for a song. It was pure pleasure to just relax and enjoy the company of good friends. The photos tell the story.

But wherever Yesterukes gather, there's going to be music. We can't help it. Today, though, it was all piano accompaniment. The ukuleles will have a rest until the new year. Look for us back here on the blog in a couple of months.



Do You Hear What I Hear, Bing Crosby, 1963

Christmas Time Is Here

Don't believe everything you see in a photo! The "humbug" pictured above is anything but grumpy. His hat is just for fun. He was one of several Yesteruke members who came to play and sing in the lobby of St. Francis Hospital to share a little Christmas joy. We played here last December and were so happy that they invited us back. It's a favorite place for us to play.

One lady was being pushing by us in a wheelchair. The nurse stopped a minute to let her listen. She was all smiles. We have no idea why she was in the hospital but we were glad we could bring a little cheer. Another woman was there, waiting while her mother had surgery. If you've ever had to wait like that, you know that those minutes just creep by. We're pretty sure that at least 45 minutes of her wait passed a little more quickly as she moved over to our side of the lobby to watch and even made a couple of videos of our music. 

Some hospital staff members also gathered in the lobby, probably to see what a "Yesteruke" was and to hear what we sounded like. They likely needed a couple of minutes of music as much as anyone. It was fun for all of us.

Christmas Time Is Here, Vince Guaraldi Trio, 1965

You Ought To Be In Pictures

*

Yes, the Yesterukes OUGHT to be in pictures right here on this blog. But the photographer for the group (who is also the writer of the blog) has fallen down on the job. Just know that the Yesterukes have been busy entertaining people across the upstate. Our members are a hardy group--willing to carry on while part of the band has been dealing with assorted illnesses and surgeries. And as we play for groups of senior adults who also have health concerns, we are reminded that a hour of music, fun and smiles is a healthy thing. Music is good for the body as well as the soul.

Yesterday we played for the Joy Club of Riverside Baptist Church. No camera was in sight, but you can use your imagination and picture the beautifully decorated room and tables filled with members and guests. And picture the Yesterukes in their blue shirts, on stage singing and playing favorite songs such as Rawhide and Sentimental Journey along with all the standard Christmas selections. It was a great way to kick off the holiday season. We will try to remember to make photos next time.

*pictured above is Cliff Edwards, better known as "Ukulele Ike"

You Ought To Be In Pictures, Suesse & Heyman, 1934