What The World Needs Now

“What the world needs now is love, sweet love
It’s the only thing that there’s just too little of.”

Those immortal words of Jackie DeShannon, first sung in the summer of 1965 have never rung more true than right here, fifty years later in the summer of 2016.

After the tragic events of this weekend in Orlando, they resonate even more. What the world needs now, is more love.

Not hate.

Not legislation, or posturing, or politicizing, or even higher walls.

What this world needs it tolerance, and love of other people. Love of life itself.

Last Saturday night in St. Claire Shores Michigan, Carl and I experienced, first hand. The other side of the Love / Hate spectrum. All, (and when I say, All, I mean . . . all), of the people we met at the Masonic Lodge 553, Sock Hop / Steak Out, get together were the nicest people we have ever met at an show.

From the moment we walked in, to the moment we said good night, we were absolutely awestruck by how wonderful this group of over achieving adults were.

When I say, over achieving, It has so much to do with what they do for the community and self. I know first hand what wonders the Masons and the Eastern Star do for the community; my father, grand father, uncle and step mother were all involved.

I think that is one reason that they are so nice. They are really happy with where they are in life. How they fit in. They are part of the master plan. Carl and I have also volunteered many times at their functions, through the years.

So, on Saturday afternoon, in the heat, Carl and I arrived at the Masonic lodge in St. Clair Shores. We found the little stage that was awaiting us, and set up in no time at all.

The crowd was small. They were there for a nice steak dinner, cooked to perfection by themselves, and some oldies dance music.

Right after the equipment was set up, I had the opportunity to sit down and talk with some fine people, as I ate my steak. The real joy of a small crowd is that Carl and I feel more at home. It is easier for us to sit down and chat with a smaller, less intimidating gathering, than a big group. We were able to really get a feel for what music they would enjoy the most.

We talked about what music we were going to play. what instruments we played and even chatted about how I play bass with my feet. I know, right?

After talking with a gentleman from Hogs’ hollow Utica, we also knew that some of the folks might like to hear some Blue Grass music as well. No problem!

We started with oldies, with folk, with Do-Wop, with rock & roll, and then took some jogs in the other musical directions.

We played some country, some Island music. We played Irish, pop, country and western and even Blue Grass. There were smiles and cell phones recording every note.

As the night progressed, the crowd go noticeably smaller, but no less enthusiastic. The smiles endured. The hand shakes and the hearty “thank you’s!” still resounded.

We ended the night with some Kenny Chesney favorites, to the delight of all that remained.

This one, we truly enjoyed. From start to finish.

We wish this lodge well. We hope they continue to prosper and grow. Passing their message of service and love to all they come in contact with.

It is the only message that matters.

Some pictures by permission, Lodge 553.