SUMMER

SUMMER
One of the activities provided by Quail Creek - an Assisted Living facility in Fairfield (CA), is a monthly appearance of Steve Barkhurst. He plays a Yamaha keyboard, and sings, songs of the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s. He is very good at it. Occasionally, on familiar songs, he will ask the residents to join him in song.
Music is quite soothing, and therapeutic for older people. We are all familiar with the songs, and the music. They brings up happy memories of when we listened to the same tunes 50 years ago.
At each session, Steve plays music that relates to the current month, or season. Today, he featured summer songs, one of which was Frank Sinatra’s popular recording of “The Summer Wind”. The song was written in 1965, with music by Henry Mayer, and lyrics by Johnny Mercer. A million copies of the single recording were sold. Next month (July), Steve will feature patriotic songs. As a tribute for Fathers’ Day, on Sunday,
June 21st, Steve sang “Oh My Pa-Pa”. This was the theme song of Eddie Fisher. Steve said that Eddie is 96, and living in a retirement home in the L.A. area. Steve also said that “Eddie was married five times, and he is probably cruising the halls with his walker, looking for
number six!”
In addition to his playing and singing, Steve recaps some of the dedicated “Special” days during the month. You wouldn’t believe some of the weird and trivial subjects, such as:
June 6 - National Yo Yo Day.
June 8 - National Jelly-Filled Doughnut Day
June 25 - National Catfish Day.
Steve also reads from a list of celebrities celebrating birthdays during the month. Then, he asks who among us are celebrating a birthday during the month. This is kind of funky, but all of the celebrants appreciate our singing “Happy Birthday” to them.

RCL - 6/4/09.