It was on a Monday and I was sitting by myself eating breakfast at Grumpy’s, a local coffee shop. I noticed that a fellow at the next table was reading the Florida Times Union, the local Jacksonville daily. Now on Mondays the business section comes out and I just love to read that part of the paper. Not being shy, I acknowledged his presence, and soon made known that I’d like to read the business section. I asked if he’d like to join me, so he moved over to the table where I sat. We were soon on a first name basis, his name was Roger, ex Navy and working part time for the Naval Air Station here. He shared his story and a couple of travel experiences and we soon became friends. I asked what his hobbies were and he said one was music. My eyes immediately lit up. I asked "do you play or listen," and he said " play". He played the accordion, banjo and guitar and was an accomplished musician, I was soon to find out. He asked where I lived and it just so happens that his daughter lives in the same community. I then asked the question….would you like to get together with me and a few friends to jam. He said yes. He said he’d bring his sister Sandy, who played bass and brother- in- law David who played guitar.

I phoned Elliot and asked if he’d like to come over and play with us, and in his laid back manner he said "sure, I’ll bring Jerry with me." I then phoned Roger and he said that Sandy and Dave would also be coming. The only thing he didn’t tell me was that they were all professional musicians!

Elliot called back, “ we need pastrami, got enough knishes, want some pickled tomatoes…don’t forget, don’t let them cut the rye bread, I’ll cut it the way it’s suppose to be cut”. I’m thinking music and now he’s become a caterer, but don’t be fooled…he too is a professional musician.

Sunday came, and in his usual way, Elliot arrived with an entourage with a warehouse full of instruments. I looked out the window to see if they were driving a moving van….I don’t want the neighbors to think that I’m moving out. He brought a guitar, mandolin, dobro guitar and banjo…get out of the way he’s ready to play..

“O.K”., he said.…Jerry brought his bass guitar…Missy brought her beautiful voice and following Elliot were two guys Rich and Dale. He did it again…surprise, surprise…big hearted Elliot invited a couple of friends that play instruments, I knew we were going to have fun.!

Elliot and Missy had never been to our house, so my lovely wife gave them a quick tour and then Elliot, walking from room to room talking as he walked, … was checking acoustics.
“What are you doing Elliot”, I asked. He said …“testing the sound,… if we’re going to play I want the best sound”, He went outside and decided it’s best to play outside in our court yard. Meanwhile Roger arrived with his meshpokha. Jerry saw the bass and began to smile from ear to ear. He plays electric bass but prefers the real thing.. He went out to the van and replaced his bass guitar with a steel string guitar. Meanwhile Roger was shlepping his accordion and banjo in….“where are we playing?” he asked. He was out of breath…hmmm I wonder why? …“In the courtyard” I said.

The introductions are made and the ancient Chinese custom begins…it’s called “Tu Ning” For those that are unfamiliar with the term, that’s when all the instruments sound the same on the same note.. It’s nice when we’re all Tu Ned together

I watched Elliot to see which instrument he’d play . Sandy and Dave started with “Jimmy Brown the Newsboy” and Elliot selected the mandolin. We were all having lots of fun just playing and singing, taking turns singing, singing together and just having a good time. Missy sang the St. James Infirmary and I was amazed at how beautiful her voice is. There is something about playing an instrument and singing or just singing that is so euphoric. I looked around and everyone was smiling.

Sandy has a wonderful voice reminiscent of Patsy Klein’s. Dave has a mellow voice that compliments Sandy’s, I was enjoying the harmonies. Roger doesn’t sing much but plays a great banjo. Bluegrass in the Yahre household is referred to as Jewgrass, a term Elliot and I made up and love to use. Roger and his family were playing Bluegrass and Elliot and I were playing Jewgrass…You know what…we all sounded good together. Southern Gospel folk music will never be the same.

I noticed that some famous people had signed Sandy’s bass and she and Dave told of how they had opened for and played with some of the greats of Bluegrass folk music, including Bill Monroe. I too played with Bill Monroe; but he was on a record.!! :o) She then told a personal story about Ricky Skaggs…wow, I was enjoying this so much.

Jerry, Rich and Dale are all excellent guitar players, Jerry plays with the Worship team at our shul and Dale plays at his church. Rich just enjoys playing. Someone yelled…”Lunch”…so we all broke for lunch. My lovely wife Arlene and I prepared bagels and lox, potato salad and coleslaw, sour pickles and other Jewish soul food.

Sandy, David and Roger were really enjoying themselves and wanted to become members of the twelve tribes --the culinary tribe.….we were all laughing.

Elliot went back outside and was looking around then said…”Mel, this area is great for sound. I’d like to record Joseph (from our congregation, not the play) playing the shofar here” I said to myself, look-- the guy’s starting a recording company, using the back of my home as an outdoor recording studio and will soon be bringing in his first customer !!!…I couldn’t stop laughing. “No, no,” he said,” I just want to try it, I think it will work out great.” I live in a golf course community with a house on a golf course green lot. I said…”the golf course is closed on Mondays so let’s do it then”. I didn’t want to shock the golfers into missing their balls and I also didn’t want any complaints. Golf course communities have lots of rules about what you can and can’t do on properties overlooking the course. It’s a very serious business.


What a great day we had. We played till our fingers hurt and our voices were hoarse. Elliot, Roger, Jerry, Dave, Rich, Dale what do you say,--- can you come out and play stick ball next Tuesday?? You too Missy, Sandy and Arlene. We’ll play the boys against the girls…We can win if we cheat.

Eliot, I’d like to hear how you saw the day….Come on Mr. Professional studio guy….lay it on me.

“Mel, I’ll give you my take in next months issue. That’s when you’ll hear what really happened.”

Shalom and until next time, be blessed, El and Mel