This month we were excited to introduce another new program. As you know, I’ve been trying new people and groups for our entertainment. This was another unusual one and it was fun. I think everyone enjoyed the comedy, music and audience interaction. I know that I did and I received a number of favorable comment requesting that we bring this one back.
We started with more great music by Grace Averitt at the piano, for our Early Bird Prelude time. Following the mini piano concert, we introduced several first timers and our trips that are coming up. Incidentally, it appears that our Fall Trip to Niagara Falls and Toronto, Canada will be cancelled for lack of interest. After this, I introduced our special guest from Michigan, Jim Cruise, The Spoon Man.
As you all know we work hard to get good entertainment; but there is always a risk when using people from outside our church circle. Sometimes, I go purely by word of mouth that the entertainer is good and has a clean act. Jim assured us that he has a totally clean act, no dirty silverware is ever used! Jim has been playing the spoons (and knives and forks) for over 35 years and he actually supports a family doing it! He has performed worldwide and his audience included former President Gerald Ford and Russian President Mikhail Gorbochev.
One thing that I like about Jim Cruise is that he involves the audience. He was always playing to the audience but he also had our audience join him on stage to help entertain! First, he brought up one of our men, Glen, to help him.
Next, he asked for three special helpers. I fooled him by including another Spoon Pro, Jean Prather, and we also added Gene Morrison and Maurine Palmer. They were a Hillbilly Spoon group. So, they got costumed up a bit! 
Gene and Jean both played with the spoons but Maurine was chosen to play a washboard. I guess this means that she is “washed up”! I think from the photos above, you can tell that Jean is the pro of this bunch, but I am pleased to report that all three of them did an awesome job and may be asked to go on the road, soon! Well, maybe I AM stretching the truth a little.
Fortunately, everyone can learn to play the spoons. Jim even has a DVD and book that he offers on his Internet website. Check it out, if you are interested in this or would like to give a nice gift to a grandchild. Perhaps one who is currently too active with DRUMS! Spoons are certainly a good alternative and not nearly as nerve wracking!
Next month, we will have a very special musical duo! Charlie Pagnard and his trumpet will be joined by Leslie Stratton with her Harp. This is a combination that we should all HARP on! Don’t miss our June Young@Heart Program!
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