December 21 2024

MERRY CHRISTMAS

We took some time from normal activities to prepare for a Holiday Gig upstairs in the Club Room of TowerLight, which took place on Dec. 21. 

Present for that event were George (trombone), Matt (vocals), Serdar (guitar), Jerry (guitar and vocals), Owen (bass), Steve H (piano, soprano) and, for a few tunes, Tom H. (guitar). 

We got the ball rolling with a medium swing version of Silver Bells in 4/4 rather than the usual 3/4. Jerry took the vocal on a slightly-faster-than-usual I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus. Matt, in his green velvet jacket and scarf, channeled Elvis with his rendition of Blue Christmas.

Next, we did a medium-up instrumental version of God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen. Matt took the vocals on the next two: and easy swinging White Christmas, and the bluesy Merry Christmas, Baby. 

Our next bit was an Latin instrumental mash-up of Heat Wave and Let It Snow, which seemed to work out. Jerry took another vocal turn on Santa Claus Is Coming To Town, which swung nicely. Matt sang the ballad Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.

Somewhere in here, we slipped in Jingle Bell Rock and Mistletoe and Holly. I think Matt took both vocals.

Another instrumental followed, i.e., a medium swing version of I'll Be Home For Christmas. Matt led everyone in The Christmas Song. We finished the program with a ska version of Auld Lang Syne.

All in all, a fun event. We didn't hear any objections from the residents who stopped, or who just passed by on the way to lunch, so that has to count for something...

Hope to see you soon at the Workshop!

--SJH