Published: September 21, 2008 12:21 am         

Providing entertainment

Musicians volunteer time, talent for dinner events

Looking to entertain a group of young adults with special needs from local care facilities, Elizabeth McQuinn sought out a long-time friend.

McQuinn, the president of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary, said the group had been holding dinners for a group of approximately 30 to 35 young adults Peak Community Services, Cardinal Center, Woodlawn Center and Camelot Care Services.

Wanting to liven things up, McQuinn said she contacted local musician Brad Long and asked if he would be interested in producing entertainment for the program, known as the “Diner’s Club.”

For the third time this summer, Long gathered a group of other local musicians to play Wednesday night at the VFW.

McQuinn said the young adults who participate in the program eat dinner and listen to the music. What makes the events special, McQuinn said, is that many of the participants have never experienced anything like this. She said they treat the music as a rock concert.

“They get up and dance,” she said. “What I thought was so neat was the kids who never responded, they sway their bodies or tap their feet.”

Long said the reaction from those in attendance is positive. He said some of the young adults sing along, while others dance.

“They really get into the music,” he said.

Long said all three times the band has played, the members have changed as well as the music.

The style of music is determined by who is available to play, he explained.

Wednesday’s band was Lincoln Supply Depot. Members included Long, Gary Wooten and Mike Franklin.

Long said Lincoln Supply Depot likes to keep things fresh and mainly played music from the late 1960s.

Other members of the band who have volunteered to play include Doug Denton, John Goodrich, Alex Parkevich, and Jeff and Becky Kesler.

Long said the musicians volunteer their time for fun. He added it allows some of the musicians to gain experience.

“You are playing a free show for people who don’t normally have the opportunity to go to a concert,” he said.

The different band members have been practicing all summer long, whenever they get a chance. Long said the key is to keep things casual.

“We aren’t looking to make a career or money out of it,” he said. “We are giving our time and getting a chance to play where we are appreciated.”

McQuinn has been excited to see how well the music has complimented the “Diner’s Club.”

She said the VFW promotes a variety of programs, including community service and youth activities. The “Diner’s Club” includes both aspects.

The dinner portion is not a new concept, explained McQuinn. She said the VFW Ladies Auxiliary has offered the dinners for over 25 years. The previous auxiliary president was not able to get enough volunteers for the event to continue, she said.

Once McQuinn took over the position two years ago, she said her first goal was start the “Diner’s Club.” With the addition of music, the program has been a success, she said.

Long said he would like to see the concerts continue, whether he provides the entertainment or not. Either way, the main thing is to keep the music playing.

For now, Long and other volunteers just want to make the audience happy.

“We just want to make sure everyone is entertained, has a good time and goes home happy,” he said.

Denise Massie can be reached at (574) 732-5151 or via e-mail at denise.massie@pharostribune.com