To coax people to perform at the Scarborough Uke Jam Open Mic, Paul B. has resorted to rewarding buttons and stickers to those who take the stage. It works with his Grade 5 music students, and it seems to work with adults, too.
The formerly yet-to-be-named BPYC strummers finally performed at the Old Stone Cottage Pub under the name Lost at C.
Cheryl had insisted on choreography, so we threw in a few dips on alternate choruses, and it was a nice touch. Paul B. watched us with a huge grin on his face, and Jay said we "had him at the 2, 3, 4." Buttons for all!
It was a great night at the Uke Jam, with a variety of performers at the Open Mic, from the first-timers (us!) to the more accomplished musicians. A newcomer soloed a 1930's tune, 'He Played His Ukulele as the Ship Went Down' and had everyone singing along, and there was a very talented duo picking and strumming the Maple Leaf Rag.
On a sadder note, Jay's mother had died just a few days before. He and his sister made it out to the jam, where songs were sung and dedicated to her memory.
It was a special night, and a reminder that music has such power - power to soothe, to join strangers, to conjure laughs and smiles.
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