Love was celebrated tonight by me (Arlene), Bill, Dan, Betty, Frank, PJ, Sally, David, Ken, Jen, Leah, Larry, Jack, Anne, and Dawn.

Two noteworthy items of interest: Larry showed off a cigar box uke that he tuned to baritone and our founder, Suzala, breezed in and out late in the evening. She really needs to stay a bit longer next time.

We began with our start up song, SIDE BY SIDE and had the usual biweekly debate on the ending.

First up, Ken gave us UNCHAINED MELODY by the Righteous Brothers. It was interesting to learn it was used in a movie about a prison called Unchained. We did a pretty good job on it.

Next from me was THE MAGIC TOUCH (The Platters, 1956) This was great and Larry applauded.

Anne gave us SOME ENCHANTED EVENING from South Pacific. A very pretty number that, with practice, could make the list. Ken really liked this one. So did I.

We did a good job on PJ’s THERE’S A KIND OF A HUSH (Herman’s Hermits).

Three more from me. The Bee Gee’s WORDS was very nice. WHISPERING is one of those songs that spans several decades and covered by many popular artists. And finally, L-O-V-E notably sung by Nat King Cole.

Larry suggested SWAY made popular by Dean Martin. Very nice Latin vibe.

Betty suggested the next four. Herman’s Hermits CAN’T YOU HEAR MY HEARTBEAT. It sounded great until we ran out of chords. Friends please check your chord sheets to make sure they are complete. There are a few good one for this song out there. Next was Glen Campbell’s GENTLE ON MY MIND and The Beatles WORLD WITHOUT LOVE. Both very nice. Buddy Holly’s EVERYDAY played at warp speed concluded her set. I liked this one and should also go on the list.

Bill’s BEST OF MY LOVE (The Eagles, 1974) was good with an easy consistent strumming pattern most of the way through.

We all really liked Dan’s IF NOT FOR YOU (George Harrison, 1970) with a rockin’ great [G] - [G][D][C] chord pattern. I would add to the list.

Jen’s PERFECT by Ed Sheeran, 2017 was not familiar to me but very easy to play along. Quite nice.

Leah’s SWEET CHILD OF MINE (Guns N’ Roses) quickly fell apart. Was that because that’s when Suzala arrived and created a distraction? Or was it just difficult? I can’t recall. Leah also gave us COUNTING STARS by One Republic. Easy chords but only she knew it.

Jack gave us the final three of the night. LOVE LETTERS IN THE SAND (Pat Boone) was good, ALL IN THE GAME was a fail and best of the night, I WANT TO HOLD YOUR HAND by THE BEATLES. So good and enthusiastically enjoyed by all that we played it twice.

Our next theme will be The 80’s. Now call me crazy but I looked over a list of 80’s hits and I don’t recognize most of them. I can’t imagine how this will work. Prove me wrong.

Until then you keep strumming,

-- Arlene.