What do you get?

What do you get when you cross an “underground bituminous coal mine maintenance manager,” a retired school teacher, a “hazardous waste consultant,” and a couple of former cruise ship performers? Wait, do you give up? You get a rock jam session at the Bentsen Grove Retirement Resort of Mission Texas.

Last Wednesday night while visiting my wife’s folks at their retirement resort in Mission Texas, my family and I were treated to a jam session of several talented musicians from around the US. Grandma had told the kids that they would be playing rock music, but I’m sure the boys had the impression they were in for an evening of Lawrence Welk, although they had never heard Welk, you get the point. They were reluctant to say the least. I reminded them that Mick Jagger and Paul McCartney would be old enough to live in this resort and that helped a little.

Shortly after arriving at the jam session, the performers entertained with “Saw Her Standing There,” by the Beatles. This was followed by “Wipe Out,” “Kansas City,” “China Grove,” “Don’t Be Cruel” and many other favorites. Being from the Kansas City area, we especially enjoyed "Kansas City." 

The two hours went quickly and my family enjoyed the music.

Afterward, I was able to learn that the leader of this group is Larry Christiansen, the hazardous waste consultant from Eagan Minnesota. Larry has played guitar since he was 15 and has performed in other groups. He got together with Brad Piovesen, the “underground bituminous coal mine maintenance manager” and Lee Kusserow, the bass player yet to arrive. This gathering leads them to answer an ad from another musician, also seeking a group to perform.

Along the way the group picks up Jim Demers, a piano player; Rich and Jill Rohrback; and Larry and Melissa Beahm, the cruise performers.

It appeared with each song, Jill would play a different instrument and afterward, it was learned she could play 35. She had been a math teacher and volleyball coach in a previous life and seemed to enjoy music and performing. Her husband Rich played the guitar and provided the vocals on several of the favorites.

The cruise performers, Melissa and Larry Beahm had stopped in to join the session for the evening, but already keep a busy schedule of performances as “One More Time.” I was hoping to hear Larry sing a little Johnny Cash, but perhaps that will get me back to hear them next year.

A group may form out this jam session, as of Wednesday night, they didn’t have a name yet. I hope they do and look forward to hearing more. Even if they don’t, for 2 hours last Wednesday night, these musicians shared their talent and entertained a crowd of folks from ages 11 to, let’s say over 50.

Bravo!