Strung Together at the VA

[DianeB]

Half of my former band, "Blurred Vision," moved on last year with other projects. But it didn't take long for those of us remaining to welcome three new members, all experienced local performers. So was born the reconstituted ensemble "Strung Together". We had started rehearsing this spring for a neighborhood show in the fall when an invitation arose to perform at the Wilmington, Delaware, Veterans' Administration hospital.

Our Monday afternoon audience consisted of about 20 vets, most of whom were residents in the assisted living unit, and a dozen staff. Respect for patient privacy precluded us taking pictures of them, which left our videographer Angela with a limited angle. Our 80 minutes allowed time for 17 songs, opening with "Take Me Home, Country Roads" and closing with "Teach Your Children".

The cast of characters, left to right: Bob (acoustic), Jim (acoustic, electric, resonator), Jeff (6 and 12 string acoustic, mandolin), Diane G. (acoustic), Marie (electric), and yours truly (acoustic, imitation bass with my Strat).

As I was packing up, one of the wheelchair-bound vets held out his hand. I took it; he held mine, squeezed it, and our eyes locked. Vets can say a lot without saying anything at all. Yes, we were invited back.

Here are clips of "Ripple," "Margaritaville," and "Ventura Highway":

 

[Gene C]

Nice front porch get-together ! Thanks guys for reaching out to the Veterans, it's a gift of music they won't soon forget.

Gene C