It was a one-day-after-Valentine’s celebration of a favorite holiday!
Another Soulful Sundown, just like the other ones, only different.
Getting set up: Nothing happens in Forbes Hall without the tables and chairs getting set up. Greg and Gerald arranged the furniture in a herringbone pattern pointing toward the TV monitor, so that people would be able to read the song lyrics, which would be displayed oh-so-legibly as the songs would unfold.
The sweet set list:
Two of Us (Beatles)
I’m a Believer (Monkees)
The Rose (from the film, sung by Bette Midler)
Happy Together (Turtles)
You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me (Smokey Robinson and The Miracles, famously covered by The Beatles)
I’ll Be Back (Beatles)
Ring of Fire (Johnny Cash)
Words of Love (Buddy Holly)
Chains (Gerry Goffin and Carole King)
Bye Bye Love (Everly Brothers)
Peggy Sue (Buddy Holly)
I Can’t Help Falling in Love with You (made famous by Elvis Presley)
Ask Me Why (Beatles)
Fifty Ways to Leave Your Lover (Paul Simon)
Sweet Caroline (Neil Diamond)
Blowin’ in the Wind (Bob Dylan) — a request
Folks arrived at 6:00 PM as the ovens were set to 450 F, the pizzas already cooking, not quite bubbling their cheese just yet, but they soon would be. A colorful salad of greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes, with your choice of dressing, was set out on the serving table. A trip to the supermarket at Wilshire and 14th yielded a couple of roasted chickens. And that’s even before the potluck food appeared, from congregants, I mean. In true UU fashion, there was wine and beer and soft drinks a plenty.
Dinner and conversation from 6:00 to 7:00, and then the singing started. Johnny and Karl were joined by Sidney, a skilled guitar player, who did wonders to fill in some of the musical gaps. But mostly, it was the people sitting at the tables who paid attention to the lyrics on the monitor and “sang along” which was the whole point of the event. It helped if you were familiar with 1960’s pop music (even GenZ kids these days know those songs), and indeed, most of the attendees were boomers.
However, we were graced with a few children who roamed the room, sat on laps, got close to the musicians, and then scooted away, all in good fun.
Indeed, a good time was had by all. Thanks, everyone! We hope to see you next time.
