Seniors Have Talent — Now and Into the Future

— by Margie Doyle —

Didier Gincig introduces the beginning ukulele class at the first Seniors Have Talent Show this month

Didier Gincig channeled the warmth and talent of the Orcas Senior Center at the second annual “Seniors Have Talent” show last Saturday. He dedicated the afternoon’s performance to local songstress Eleanor Peterson.The great news for those who missed it is that the show will have a second performance on Saturday, Nov. 12 at 2 p.m. at the Senior Center.

Gincig thanked United Way, “who have been very kind, year after year, after year.” He also thanked the Orcas Island Community Foundation and the “Silver Tsunami,” to quote Dennis King of Lahari, the crowd of community elders who provided the entertainment and the audiences for the “Seniors Have Talent” events.

Yuko Horikawa began the afternoon with a poignant Japanese song of the seasons.

Yuko Horikawa opens the afternoon’s entertainment, singing a Japanese folk song a cappella

Carolyn Cruso led the beginning ukulele class in a sing-along rendition of “This Land Is Your Land, This Land is My Land.” The group of six players will grow to 24 at the Nov. 12 performance, it was promised.

Lesley Liddle, who arrived breathless after chasing her playful dog, played squeezeboxes ranging from the concertina to the button-only accordian, accompanied by Z, Dave Zoeller, “Lesley save dogs and Z saves people,” Didier remarked following several songs.

Fred Klein introduced “The Halls of Bragha” by David Whyte with an introduction that was a second poem itself, about “pondering my worth as a person.

During set breaks, Didier reminded the audience of some of the services available at the Senior Center: the Caregiver Support Group “to uncork the emotional stresses” of those giving care; the Meals on Wheels volunteers who deliver Senior Center meals to those who are home-bound, among other services.

The BoDaLo Trio of Bob Littlewood on clarinet, Dale Heisinger on cello, and Louellen McCoy playing piano gave the audience “Adagio” from Ferrenc, and the ephemeral “Oblivion” by Piazzola.

Mike Speece and Jo Crock performed “Crazy” by Patsy Cline and “Rose in Paradise” by Waylon Jennings.

Tish Knapp, Marj Franke and Carl Burger serenade a packed house at the Senior Center

Carl Burger, Marj Franke, Tish Knapp, sang the ultimate tongue twister “Go Go Pogo” by Walt and Selby Kelly, and “The One on the Right” by Jack Clement. Then Tish Knapp movingly sang “The Rose by Amanda McBroom, made famous by Bette Midler the movie of the same name.

We had to leave at intermission, and so missed:

• Tish Knapp, “Ithaca” by Cavafy
• Bill Gincig “Autumn Leaves” and “It Had to Be You”
• Odd Fellows “Gospel Mashup”
• Parking Angels: “Dig a Little Deeper in the Well”
• Ron Myers “Phantom of the Opera Compilation”
• and a Surprise from Martin Lund

Hopefully these acts will be part of the Nov. 12 performance.

A Silent Auction accompanies the entertainment, with all proceeds benefiting the Orcas Senior Center.

What will you do if tickets sell out by Saturday? Better get them now at Darvill’s and the Senior Center, ($15) each.

“Seniors Have Talent” is sponsored by the Green Construction Company, Crow Valley Gallery, Island Hardware, Orcas Island Realty, San Juan Insurance, Sara Dailey-Smith and Alan Smith, TWilliams Realty.