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Vaughn
Wiester Thanks Everybody for
His 70th Birthday Surprise Party
I've often felt a sense
of family or community, not just with the band members, but
also with the house. There's always been an easy conviviality,
ever since the days at Becky's Columbus Music Hall.
Speaking for myself,
last Monday was a peak experience! I was certainty handed the
royal treatment in celebration of my 70th birthday.
Luminaries on hand
included Rick Brunetto along with three of his star vocalists,
Micheal Philips, Chuck Gillespie and Tia Harris. Also, in the
house were Ray Eubanks, Maestro and Mrs. Nicholas Perrini,
Jimmy Seitzer, Lisa Jelle and Randy and Susan Mather. Geno and
Hilda Garcia of Jack and Benny's Restaurant were present with
some of the family. Les Susi was there with his lovely friend,
Betty.
I guess I'm pretty easy
to surprise? Sam Tiberi engineered a large scale undercover
party and despite what should have been obvious clues, I
remained in the dark as to the scale and scope of his big
plan.
After Lisa Clark sang
her opening set, I suddenly found myself being serenaded by
Lori Everhart, Mary Rose Molinaro, Avon Campredon, Misty Doty,
Kelly McLennan, Allison Portnoy, Dee McKean and Brenda Jean,
all led by Lisa! Scott Strohm even elbowed his way into the
act.
Next, Sam Tiberi, the
cruise director, commandeered the microphone and after
ordering me to sit down proceeded to deliver a series of
declarations, pronouncements, honorifics and exhortations.
Meanwhile, I had noticed
the presence of some folks from a couple of my dance classes
as well as two of my favorite dance teachers, Mike Dieringer
and Emily Mertens. But, I still had no idea what was up!
Pretty dense!
It all came home when
the newest member of the band, Barbara Nokes (obviously in
cahoots with Sam) stepped up to me with hand extended!
Now, I found myself
dancing with Barbara as the band played the Niehaus
Arrangement of "So in Love." Next thing I knew I was
being mercilessly passed from one beautiful damsel to another,
each having her way with me! What a traumatic experience!
It was great fun and it
was certainly one of the nicest things that has ever happened
to me, not even the counting (believe it or not!) the dozen
red roses from Allison Portnoy and her mother!
My heartfelt thanks to
all. It was a lovely fun evening, one I shall never forget.
Blessings!
Vaughn Wiester
Click on pictures
below to enlarge.....
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The
invitation that Sam Tiberi made up to advertise Vaughn's
70th Birthday |
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The
Guest Performer for the evening was Lisa Clark |
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Vaughn
being surprised by a serenade of his Guest Vocalists |
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The
cake. |
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Sam
Tiberi, the cruise director, commandeering the
microphone |
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The
dance with Barbara Nokes |
Thanks to Jim
Loeffler for taking these pictures.
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