Splendid Free Music Offered at Cascades

by Michael Bromka

Eighty Carlsbad revelers relished music by four groups at the Cascades Recreation and Wellness Center at 6 p.m. on Friday, September 25, as the “Thursday Night Western Jammers” (open to suggestion of a shorter name) began.

Playing guitar and singing soulfully, Monty Harris encouraged help from his audience, who knew the chorus of “Pfft You Were Gone.”

Thereafter came a wailing harmonica solo of “Amazing Grace” from Lee Grant, to whom the audience later sang in honor of his 91st birthday.

With Cathy Queen on both guitar and violin, the TNW Jammers also offered Larry Jackson on guitar, singing “Sugar Moon,” Pat Wilburn on guitar, singing “Kathleen,” and Andy Graham on mandolin, leading on “Mind Your Own Business.”

City Voices in unison offered Broadway show songs, the better-known of which (from “Wicked”) was “Popular.” They also sang “Better When I’m Dancing” and “I’m Still Standing.” Their fine group includes Peggy Townsend, Kiffany Twitchell, Georgia Holguin, Linda Morrow, Sally Covington, Rosa Hernandez, Cathy Queen, Mary Helon Smith, Margie Bluth, Marsha Roselle, and leader Linda Servold.

Queen led her advanced Aloha Ukuleles, playing “La Bamba,” “La Cucaracha,” and “Come A Little Bit Closer.” Linda Faulk, Rosa Hernandez, Cathy Queen, Mary Helon Smith, and Sulema Navarrete were Aloha Ukulele virtuosos.

Queen herself performed with all four groups. Dressed appropriately, she now joined the Mariachi Unidos—Dan Morehouse, trumpet; Barbara Blankenship, violin; Mary Cota, flute; Olga Rodriguez, singer; Sarahi Acosta, singer; and Cathy Queen, guitar. Among selections for singalongs were “De Colores,” “Cielito Lindo,” and “Cu-cu-rru-cu-cu Paloma.”

Servold (conductor of City Voices) also emceed the evening. At appropriate intervals, she exhorted the audience to sing, and once even to rise and dance to “La Raspa.” Lyrics were available for both English and Spanish selections.

During intermission, the audience and musicians enjoyed a buffet of sandwiches, cookies, and fruit.

The Cascades welcome newcomers to the aforementioned musical groups. Rehearsals at the Cascades follow the schedule below.

Aloha Ukulele: Tuesdays, Advanced 3:30-4:30 p.m.; Beginner 4:30-5:30 p.m.

City Voices Choir: Tuesdays and Fridays, 2-3 p.m.; Western Jam: Thursdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Keyboarding Class: second and fourth Wednesdays, 4-5 p.m.

Cascades staff Griselda Díaz, Renee Vigil, Marisela Moreno, Taylor Hatfield, Celina Hernandez, and Lillian Salas merit high praise and heartfelt gratitude for hosting this splendid event.