Reporter: Phil Barr Photographs and Video: Philip Barr

Wakeylele with the Three Amigos at the White Rose Centre, Leeds 23rd Feb, 2022

The band arrived at the White Rose Shopping Centre in glorious late winter sunshine, prepared to give their all as usual. (I was chauffeured on this occasion by Margaret, our treasurer, alongside another prominent band member, Peter J. who, acting as chief navigator, just ignored the sat nav directions, which seemed to lack any common sense.

Boosting our numbers today were Val and her friend and also Melvyn, who, on being asked why he chose Wakeylele over other local groups he’d tried, told me that we seemed  the most professional. (That Melvyn seems like a good bloke to me.) 

   We were all ready to start as 11a.m approached, but after an intended solitary team photo, thanks to  the YAA, there was a rush for follow-ups from the audience and for a few moments it felt like we had got mixed up with some BAFTA awards ceremony as there was a crescendo of clicking shutters. Finally, normality was restored and with Malcolm  next to me positively champing at the bit we launched into a familiar set list with David judiciously editing the first half to suit the location – it being a place  where volume mattered with Mags excellent rythm percussion proving  a godsend against the background buzz.

Notwithstanding several distinguished members of the band being unavailable, along  with complaints of bad backs, feet, shoulders and chests from those present, the usual standards were maintained with glimpses of  progress in looking up from the music while playing. ( There are no statistics available at the moment indicating what percentage of the band lost their place when looking down again.)  

 A welcome interval arrived during which there was an uncalled for kicking over of some coffee, resulting in the appearance of a security guard who looked well equipped to deal with such matters. Here, then, was an opportunity to ask him if it was true that the Centre had to be evacuated yesterday. He confirmed that this was true, although he couldn’t comment on rumours that a suspect package which resembled an Al Capone gun case, in fact, turned out to contain a ukulele left behind inadvertently by a conscientious Wakeylele member trying out the acoustics before the day.

So, to the second half with myself, Stan and Richard just making it back in time despite Richard beginning another one of his entertaining stories with one minute remaining  whilst still sipping his coffee.  

  As the favourite numbers were rolled out so the audience responded, with the youngest cuties dancing spontaneously to each one and our regular adult supporters leading the applause with Mike’s better half Jenny deserving a special mention along with Glyn, (who would have loved to play) and her John.

One highlight of the programme was the more modern take of Somewhere Over the Rainbow, which to me sounded terrific and judging from the enthusiastic reception at the end, this was the majority view. (Maybe subconsciously Pop was the spur to  a top performance of this song on this poignant day for him and his family.) 

So, to the rollicking final medley and another gig successfully in the bag. 

Once again, many thanks to David for all the input and for encouraging us to improve. We had a brief scare when it was suggested we perform Bad Moon Rising without looking at the lyrics or music, but it is something we can work on in stages, at least. Some of us may remember lyrics better than chord sequences (not me) or vice – versa. All to play for… 

  Watch out for details of the next gig through the normal channels.