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http://accordions.com/news.aspx?d=03-Apr-2020&lang=en&s=16353
http://accordions.com/news.aspx?d=03-Apr-2020&lang=en&s=16353
03-Apr-2020
Fund Raiser Pop-Up Concert in SaddleBrooke, During Covid-19 Lockdown - USAby Christine Johnstone |
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 Shirley and James P. O'Brien (picture left) live in a retirement development north of Tucson, Arizona. Although there are over 5000 homes in this golf community, because of the recent lock-down caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, there was little activity in the area. The O’Brien’s decided it was time for an event that would allow some interaction among the members of community to get them out of their self-isolation while maintaining the mandated “6 feet” of social distancing. So Shirley planned an outdoor event, which was advertised as “SaddleBrooke’s First Drive-By” concert, advising attendees to come in their golf cart or car and enjoy the music from a distance. It was also promoted as a fund raiser for IMPACT, the local food bank. The O’Brien’s set up in front of a neighbor’s house where attendees could see them from all parts of the four-way intersection. Their amplification boosted the sound sufficiently so all attendees could hear reasonably well. Folks certainly did show up, well before the appointed hour, to secure the best dock for their golf carts. There was a festive feeling in the air from the get-go, with the hope there is going to be an end to this pandemic sometime. Folks danced in the streets and horns were honked in lieu of applause. Attendees enjoyed some rock, jazz, polkas, old standards and a few sing-a-longs, cumulating in a heartfelt closing version of “God Bless America” sung by everyone. The day was gorgeous, the sun was bright, the sky blue and $1,000 was raised for the food bank. James P. O'Brien has been a Professor of Music at The University of Arizona School of Music faculty from 1975 and has over 190 arrangements online, which include many famous melodies and has also released 3 CD's. Picture below: the audience lined up in their golf carts, carefully spaced, to safely enjoy the music. |
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