Jackie Allen–sings and plays the guitar and leads the residents in singing the old favorites, while including some of her favorite blue grass and gospel songs. She is a member of the Sweet Adelines, the Arizona Bluegrass Association and Pickers and Grinners.

“Banjo Bob” Menefee–plays the banjo in a banjo band and plays sing-along’s for Audrey’s Angels. He directs a senior choir at his church. Bob taught electronics at Glendale Community College and ASU. He was employed by Honeywell before he retired. He learned to play the tenor banjo when he was 8 years old. He has also been a radio amateur since 1953 so he says he is a “ham” in every way.

Ron and Suxanne Bellrose-see Leisure Creek Duo

Rita & Dusty Beracy–Rita plays accordion and Dusty, her son, plays guitar and sings. This popular duo is only available on weekends. Dusty is also a composer and sings often at Fiddler’s Dream.

The Boston Cowboy-Ernie Winterkorn and Jeanne Benson-play western tunes with a Boston accent.  Ernie plays guitar and sings and Jeanne adds harmony.

Barbara Brice-see Lotus the Clown

Kaaren and Bob Brodesser–Kaaren comes from a family of musicians and has sung all her life in church choirs. She has performed in local musicals as well as with various country western bands. Kaaren”s husband Bob makes instruments and enjoys accompanying Kaaren on the Cubian drum.

Chava Cannon–plays all the favorites on the guitar. Her lovely voice helps the residents to remember the old songs that they love. She is the founder and executive director of Share Network.

Larry and Jacky Christensen–play guitars and sing country-western and gospel. This talented married couple has been delighting listeners all over the valley for years. Jacky’s voice reminds our residents of Patsy Kline. Their voices blend together in a smooth way to bring joy to all who hear them.

Judith Rhodes & Bill Clem–are a brother and sister duo who have sung together since their youth. Bill plays the guitar and Judy accompanies with the tambourine and maracas as needed. Close harmony is one of their strong points. They play with their own band, “Up the Road and Around the Bend” and also with “Country Cousins.” Bill also plays with “Sweet Strings” which does big band music.

Marlene and Virgil Cole–“The Honey Dews,” play guitar and harmonica duets. Their repertoire includes big band, folk, country, gospel, cowboy, sing-alongs, Irish and Hawaiian. Their programs are a mix of vocals and harmonica duets. Venues where they have performed include folk festivals in Phoenix, Prescott and Flagstaff. They also play at coffeehouses, libraries, square dances and private functions, mainly in the Phoenix area. Virgil has won contests judged by harmonica experts for his chromatic harmonica playing.

Lois Collins–enjoys bringing crafts to our residents. She is also involved in the Ragtyme/Jazztyme Society.

Jim Cook and Eleanor Hartz–Jim  and “Miss Ellie” are called “eclectic” when they sing and play for folk and Western festivals and coffeehouses. Their songs come from folk, Western, old-time blues and jazz, sentimental, novelty, movie and favorite songwriter roots. Jim is also a performing storyteller. “Miss Ellie” arrived from Northern California in 1994 and soon was  playing the blues with music friends. She and Jim formed “Howlin’ at the Moon” while joining Western-themed groups “Trail Dust” and “Trail Lust.” “Miss Ellie” also saves time for the Arizona Classic Jazz and Arizona Ragtyme/Jazztyme Societies. Jim strums a classic Orpheum tenor banjo, while “Miss Ellie” plays an Alvarez guitar.

Vincent Coppola–stage name Vinny DiJohn, has performed the multi-platinum #1 hit, “More Today Than Yesterday” to enthusiastic audiences around the world. Vinny thrills audiences with his dynamic stage presence, polished moves, and phenomenal vocal talents. He has performed with artists such as the “Beach Boys” and Chuck Berry. Vinny toured major circuits here as well as overseas, including the Jerry Lewis telethon and USO tours.

Richard Cram-New in 2008.  Richard  started playing on the ukulele and graduated to guitar.  He learned to play pop and country songs from his dad.  He enjoys singing and playing music that brings back memories for everyone. 

John Crowley–started playing guitar at age 13. During that time he began playing in churches every week. Through his late teens and twenties he played  rock and roll in rock bands up and down the east coast. His best rock band was in Key West, Florida from 1963 to 1965. He resumed playing just recently. Now he plays country  music in various jam sessions in Phoenix and Las Vegas.

Steve Decker–began playing the guitar when he was eight years old. He currently plays and sings all over the valley. He organized a singer/songwriter consortium that meets monthly. He plays all the old favorites, and a few of his original songs.

Toni Dimond–is the accompanist for the “Tempe Looney Tooner’s Kitchen Band.” This group performs for schools and nursing homes. She plays the piano and leads the residents in sing alongs. She also plays the accordion. 

Pete Donatella–at the age of three was in a vaudeville act with his family. Vaudeville was replaced by television, and then Pete was busy studying  accordion in New York City. He also taught accordion during  his high school years. He still teaches accordion and plays all over the valley. While in New York City he played in his own band called “For Pete’s Sake.” His old time melodies on the accordion are soothing to the ear.

Arlys Eaton–sings the old familiar favorites accompanied by Cleta Sagramoso on the piano.

Tina Eaton–plays the Irish lap harp, a twenty stringed wooden folk harp. She also plays a  larger thirty-one stringed floor harp. She plays in a folk style and accompanies the music with a lilting, soothing voice. She performed with a group in Albany, New York known as the “IAM Ragtime Team.” She not only was a lead singer for this group but accompanied with the Blok-flutes as well. She has recorded two of her own CD’s. The residents are inspired by her singing of folk songs as well as the old favorites.

Gloria Fair–sings all the old songs that the residents love. She has been a part of the Sun City Players variety show and has performed in numerous variety shows. Gloria was a contestant in the Ms Senior Arizona pageant in 2004 and won two trophies, Ms Congeniality and Ms Motivation. For four years she has sung in the Tribute to Marty Robbins show in Glendale. She is an active member of Marjorie Lane’s Theater arts group in Sun City as well as the Cameo Club. She is also in her church choir. She is a retired teacher whose music is her love.

Florie Freshman–a professional singer and caricature artist for thirty years. She worked on and off Broadway in New York and now enjoys entertaining in Arizona. Florie loves show tunes and other popular music and also sings in Spanish, French, Yiddish and other languages. She’s drawn caricatures of Donald Trump and Mayor Koch and prides herself in bringing out the best in people.

Dave Gilbert–plays the piano every Friday at Mayo Clinic. A retired physician from Payson, he still plays the organ there on Sundays.

Igor Glenn–enertains with the jazz he played with Benny Goodman and the vocals he sang world-wide with the New Christy Minstrels.

His band, Igor’s Jazz Cowboys, performs acoustic Western Swing and Dixieland music. They have taken their music all over the USA and to Holland, Germany, Israel and Austrailia.

Igor and the Jazz Cowboys recently recorded their eleventh album.

Barbara and Jack Harrigan–talented married couple with backgrounds in journalism and music.They have been with the Prime Time Players of Mesa for 18 years. They like to do “retro shows” featuring songs of Bing Crosby, Dean Martin, Perry Como, Marilyn Monroe, Doris Day, Rosemary Clooney and others. Their shows come complete with costumes and props. Jack has appeared with the C.C. Jones Band. Barb has won awards  for her humorous monologues in public speaking contests. Together this couple delights our residents and brings back memories of thier favorites.

Norman Hasman–winter resident brings his friends to play old favorites on guitar and mandolin.

Howlin' at the Moon - see Jim Cook and Eleanor Hartz.

Clyde Jorgensen–Clyde became friends with Wallace and Ladmo in the 1950's, appearing as Sheriff Clyde, saving them from the Nasty  Brothers on more than one occasion. From there he went to work in many television shows and movies as an extra. Clyde has worked and opened shows for Waylon Jennings, Hank Jr., the Oak Ridge Boys and worked with Hank Thompson. For the past few years Clyde has written mostly Christian music and has two CD’s. Our residents love his melodious voice, his humor and gentleness and his talented guitar playing.

Rich Kelley–has been playing music since he was ten years old. He led and managed a folk group for five years, worked as an extra in “Follow Me Boys” with Fred MacMurray at Disney Studios, “Carrie,” “Two Minute Warning” and several smaller films. He has worked as a cameraman and sound engineer. He now plays guitar, sings and shows off his puppet friend “Henry.” Rich is especially effective with the dementia patients.

Annette Kruger–Annette’s stage name is “Accordion Annie.” She attended the Leavenworth, Washington Accordion Competitions in 2002 and from then on she wanted to perform with her accordion. She also works at See’s Candies and Comfortcare Senior Services.

Bobbie Kuni–Bobbie is an RN who worked twelve years in an Adult Day Care Center where  she also played a weekly flute program of sing-along favorites. Since retiring, she has continued to play programs in  nursing facilities and assisted living  facilities throughout the Valley. She plays in the Paradise Valley Flute Choir, Phoenix College Band, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church music group and choir and Valley Voices Chorus. She also plays Native American flutes and belongs to the Native American Flute Circle.

Leisure Creek Duo is comprised of Ron and Suzanne Bellerose. Ron is a regular at bluegrass jams around the area. He has played guitar for 40 years and also plays the mandolin.His wife Suzanne plays the bass fiddle. Besides playing bluegrass music, they play country music.

 

Leisure Creek Duo has played for a number of groups in Leisure World, and the Villa Hacienda Healthcare Center in California. They recently played for the Sons of the Utah Pioneers of Arizona.

Mary Loth–During her high school years, Mary played piano and sang in the choir. She had a musical interest, which was interrupted by raising a family. Upon retirement in 2004, Mary renewed her interest in music, picking up a guitar and starting to take lessons.  She’s been pickin’ and jamming at Nancy’s Music Hall for over a year. Mary has been a volunteer for Hospice of the Valley, Hospice of Arizona and RTA Hospice at Lakeside for more than three years.  She discovered during this past year that God wanted her to play and sing for Audrey’s Angels. Mary loves all kinds of music, especially pop and country music.

Teresa Lugo–plays all the old favorites on the piano. Her happy personality makes the residents want to join in and sing.

Lotus the Clown. Barbara performs all over the Valley and teaches clown seminars. She is happiest when she is making others smile.

 

 

 

Tim McCoy–is a recent transplant from Detroit, Michigan. He grew up  in a very musical family. His guitarist grandfather gave him his first guitar for Christmas at age 3. He played around the country in a traveling band in between engineering classes at Western Michigan University. In the year 2000, his grandfather gave him his first mandolin. That is when he “Saw the Light,” playing bluegrass, country, western, gospel and old time music ever since. A relative newcomer to the fiddle, he plays with a passion and spark that will get your toes tapping. A friendly and outgoing guy with the “Gift of Gab” he is sure to entertain and engage the residents.

Cathie McDaniel–has a background in music performance and Social Services. She has been employed by the City of Scottsdale senior centers and has performed at many theaters and centers as a vocalist. She and her husband are professional musicians in the Valley. She has sung in many musical productions throughout the valley. Her professional voice delights our residents as she interacts with them to try to bring back memories of times gone by.

Pat McGinnis–began writing and singing songs shortly after his 66th birthday. Now at 74, he sings and plays the guitar and dulcimer at preschools, elementary schools and the retired community. He also enjoys playing for family and friends, at local venues and folk festivals in Arizona. He has written over 60 songs. He is a member of the “Mexican Beaded Lizard Band,” a group he really enjoys. The railroad is his favorite musical topic. He has produced one CD called “Railroad Man.”

Richard McKeon–teaches people of all ages to play fingerstyle blues and ragtime guitar. Rick has studied classical guitar and music theory with several of the world’s greatest blues and ragtime artists. He has taught guitar and banjo workshops for the Peoria and Glendale Parks and Recreation Departments. He performs regularly at Phoenix and Prescott Folk Music Festivals.

Bob Menefee - see Banjo Bob

Don Miner-New in 2008.  Don has lived in Arizona for much of his life.  He has played guitar in Miami, Salt Lake City, Reno, Jackpot, Nevada and many other places.  He loves to pick and sing.

Kerry-Lynn Moede–a fourth generation Arizona native has been singing since age six. Her experience includes musical theater, vocal competitions, cabaret performnce and professional  recording. Kerry-Lynn brings classic “torch” singing to the residents, transporting them back to the big band era with music from artists such as Sara Vaughn, Julie London and Ella Fitzgerald. Kerry-Lynn currently perfoms every Friday night at Scottsdale’s Chicago style supper club, Cook ’n Jack’s as well as valley-wide performances with local band Third Street. Also watch for Kerry-Lynn at Christmas, singing with the Dickens Carolers.

Bob Pester–Bob started playing guitar as a teenager, performing and singing in coffee houses, doing mostly folk and country. He currently is the rhythm guitar player for the Phoenix Irish band named “Cork Road.” He partcipates with the Arizona Blue Grass, Old Time music and Old Time Fiddler’s Associations. He particularly loves story songs and ballads which bring back memories for our residents His melodious voice and his eclectic reportoire  add  flavor to the occasion.

Ray Powell–Ray plays a variety of instruments including guitar, harmonica, mandolin, ukulele, banjo and bass. He also plays a variety of music from western to folk, to pop songs and gospel. He has been writing songs since he was twelve years old. He is currently a member of The Desert City Ramblers, a country/folk group. He has played at folk festivals and venues all over the Valley. He wrote a song in honor of

Lori Piestewa and has been made an honorary member of the Piestewa Memorial Committee. Ray has recorded a CD called "Heritage" and will be doing more recordings as time allows.

Vickie Ray–is a retired teacher who leads art parties. She loves to make crafts for herself and as gifts for her friends. She displays her work at many craft shows. She is acitve in her church and United Methodist Women.

Cleta Sagramoso–taught elementary school for 20 years, mostly in the Madison Elementary school district. She was a church organist. She has taught people of all ages to play the piano and currently has thirteen piano students. For the last ten years she has written a listening guide and teaching materials with two of her friends for a project of the Phoenix Symphony Guild. The project is called “music memory” and reaches over ten thousand students all over the valley free of charge. Cleta sings in the choir and plays the handbells at Paradise Valley United Methodist Church.

Alex Sandweiss–seventeen-year-old senior at Chaparral High School. He has taken piano lessons since he was six. Alex plays jazz and ragtime on the piano and keyboard. He also writes arrangements and composes his own songs.

Frank Schweller– He loves to play the accordion for the residents as well as the button box. He enjoys telling the residents the difference as well as the history of the instruments. He has  been a member of the Arizona Accordion Club for nine years. The residents love the mellow music and the music that brings back memories when they sang and danced to those tunes.

Jackie Rena Simmons-after hearing Bluegrass music for the first time at age 23, Jackie knew this was her music for life.  She plays banjo, bass, guitar and mandolin.  She has played with several Bluegrass bands and learned from some of the masters.  She now plays with Jam Pak Blues n' Grass Neighborhood Band.

The Singing Royals–consists of Charlie Royal (vocals and banjo), Eunice Royal (vocals), Don Royal (vocals and guitar), Bob Delaney (guitar and mandolin) and Nancy Meyer (vocals and banjo). Also joining periodically (from Chicago), Ken Royal contributes vocals, mandolin and autoharp.  The Singing Royals have performed at the Marty Robbins Tribute, First Country Baptist Church and the Pioneer Living History Museum. Often you will find its members at the Music Hall jam sessions.

Gary Smith–is a thumbstyle guitarist in the style made popular by Chet Atkins  and Merle Travis. Gary began playing the guitar at age 8. While going to college he played 5 nights a week and cut a record in the local band in 1964. Gary currently has a CD for sale locally and several new CDs in the works. He is a senior engineer and performs as a band guitarist for vocal groups and performs as a solo guitarist at the Glendale Library, Peoria Library, Fiddler’s Dream and the Glendale Arts Festival. Gary is a regular performer at the Encanto Park Festival, Flagstaff Folk Festival and the Prescott Folk Festival.

Wendy Stapley–began her singing career as a child. She began singing solos when she was a senior at McClintock High School in Tempe, Arizona. Wendy has enjoyed doing community theatre and has had the lead role of Maria in “West Side Story” and as Dolly in “The Grass Harp”. She has also sung with the “Sonoran Desert Chorale” for thirteen years and frequently sings solos for them. Wendy teaches piano to children, and has recently started playing the guitar and the Native American flute. Currently she is pursuing a degree in music therapy at ASU.

Kate Stewart–plays the guitar as well as the piano. Her musical interests traverse folk, bluegrass, rock and her favorite–jazz. A singer of jazz standards, she performed with a jazz guitarist for two years in Los Angeles. With three of her sisters, she branched out to sing bass in a Doo Wop group. She recently performed a jazz/gospel program accompanied by a Dixieland band. Her vibrant personality and love of music as well as her enthusiasm for the old favorites spills over to her audience attesting to the healing power of music. She is a retired nurse.

Mike Stramaglio–Mike is retired from owning his own hair salon in Chicago with his wife, Madelyn. While he lived in Chicago he sang with some of the big bands and combos. He also has been involved in fund raising work for Heart of Mercy Village, a home for mentally challenged children and adults. Music has been his passion all his life. His rich, tenor voice brings joy to our residents.

Ernie Storm–has played in bands in San Diego, Yuma and Texas. He delights the residents with his guitar and mandolin. He enjoys playing bluegrass and gospel songs but also plays the old favorites. His mellow voice enhances his playing. He is employed with the Department of Agriculture so can play only on weekends.

Dorothy and John Storms–husband and wife team perform as the “Williwas.” They do novelty, western, gospel, old favorites and sing-a-longs. John plays guitar and banjo and does the vocalizing. Dorothy accompanies him with the bass guitar, dobro, drums and sometimes the accordion. They play along with other groups in the valley called “Orange Peels,” “Cactus Corral” and the entertainers from the Paradise Valley Senior Center. They have performed for folk festivals, church functions and senior centers. They are members of Pickers and Grinners.

Bill Sullivan–started in show business as a young man in San Francisco by singing in USO shows and Veterans’ hospitals. After serving in Korea, he worked in night clubs, theater, stage and television. He has also made his own recordings.He leads a music class group at Rio Salado College. His songs are pure nostalgia and he includes clips of the great Hollywood musicals as part of his presentation. Bill, called the Music Man, interacts with residents to such an extent that they often dance to the music he brings.

 Ron Tallman–Ron began playing guitar in high school and played many of the popular songs back then of the Beatles, Simon and Garfunkel and others. As the years passed Ron turned to more folk and country and still plays a lot of the old favorite tunes from the 70’s and 80’s. He has been involved in many church choirs in California, Hawaii and New Mexico. His love of choir music is clearly expressed in the songs he chooses to play. Ron is also retired from the U.S. Navy and shares his stories of visiting other countries around the world.

Gary and Rochelle Tinstman –husband and wife  musical duo. They perform all kinds of music from all eras. Gary’s talents include vocals, bass guitar, keyboard and the art of sound production and mixing. Rochelle enjoys singing and accents the beat with light percussion instruments. The Tinstmans have performed for numerous organizations and churches in Arizona and Southern California.   

Michelle Toma–art instructor. She is a young mother of three children. She relates well to all the residents as she gets them involved in the projects she makes with them each month.

John Urzi–known as “Johnny Knight” to many radio listeners for 30 years at various radio stations from the St. Louis area to Phoenix. In addition to his professional career as a morning  radio personality, John also performed on stage with many of the entertainers from Branson, Missouri, the Grand Ole Opry, Disneyland and many state fairs. Now retired, “Johnny Knight” enjoys entertaining and playing music for special events and dances, interacting with the audiences. Our residents love to dance to the music he provides.

Charlie Ward–is a retired policeman who has played the guitar since he was fifteen years old. He loves to play folk music, especially the music of “Peter, Paul and Mary.” He won the folk category in music two years in a row for the U.S. Air Force talent contests overseas in Taiwan. He has played solo concerts in California, Arizona, Texas and Georgia. He plays locally at coffee houses as well as Good Samaritan Hospital and the Veterans’ Hospital. He plays several different guitars and sings the old favorites as well as folk music.

Jack Wells–a pharmacist and an accomplished pianist, performing every Monday night at Xtreme Bean in Tempe.He also plays the piano at Mayo Clinic. He loves to play ragtime and the songs of the 40’s. He is a member of the Arizona Ragtime Society.

Betty West–has been singing since the age of 6.  Her mother taught her to sing and took Betty and her older sister to the American Legion as entertainment once a month. She has been a church soloist as well as a guitarist for 30 years. She has played and sung in nursing homes in Wisconsin, Washington, and Arizona and that has brought enjoyment into her life. She also is a yodeler. Her organizational skills helped her conduct many jam sessions for the past 5 years in Yuma, Arizona. Betty specializes in old- time,. country western and religious songs.

Maggie Wilder–leads art parties at three adult day care centers. The responses she gets from the folks who look forward to her visits are evident on our new video tape. Maggie is a water colorist and has had her own art show. She works with the missions and youth at her church. She is also on the Board of Directors for Audrey’s Angels and serves as the secretary.

David Wilson–began playing professionally  at the age of 15. He has performed  as a pianist with such jazz legends as Diahann Carroll, Clark Terry and the Mary Kay Trio. He plays in orchestras, big bands. trios, quartets and other small group formats. He brings a keyboard to our residents and accompanies his playing with his beautiful voice.

Diana Jean Wind–loves to sing the old hymns and brings back memories to our residents. Her melodic voice is pleasant and comforting to our residents. She also brings a variety of the old songs our residents love.

George Wootten–directs a banjo band. He plays banjo and guitar and leads sing-alongs. He is also an active member of an Irish band.

Ernie Winterkorn and Jeanne Benson–Ernie is billed as the Boston cowboy, playing western tunes with a  Boston accent. Ernie plays the guitar and sings and Jeanne accompanies him with her melodious voice, adding harmony to their perfomance.