Have you noticed the music that rings throughout the Platinum Point Yacht Club? Whether on our Harbor View Lanai, inside the walls of our building, our front porch, or on the lawn on a Sunday afternoon! There is a group of dedicated music lovers, instruments playing and lots of singing that has formed over the last 20 years.
We should start at the beginning. Dean Wiley and Dale Wiegand were neighbors with condos close to together. Both sat out on their respective patios strumming their guitars, when they decided it might be nice to just play together.
With so much activity around their patios, they sought refuge at PPYC – inviting any PPYC members with like musical ability to join them. “Jam Sessions” were born. Enter Ann Singer, a trained pianist, joined when the move to PPYC was made. Ann has been a major contributor to improving the quality and variety of music.
The performers come and go at will, just a fun bunch of members and friends who enjoy playing music together when the opportunity presents itself. All instruments are welcome – piano, singers, banjo, harmonica, and bass guitar just to name a few! Working around the busy PPYC calendar – Sunday evenings became the selected time. Gathering to learn, play their favorite tunes, sing, and just enjoy the fun of being a musician! Often times, PPYC members would just stop by to listen to the practice sessions.
Song selection – what do we play tonight? Each member picks a song they like to play or sing and has the others join in. This can range from easy to difficult depending on the skills of the person. Beginning instrumentals to advanced are played.
Time went by and the group took “flight.” They now perform in front of an audience at “Music on the Lawn.” Three Sunday afternoons during the months of January, February and March are selected, and a very appreciative crowd forms. Sometimes 100 people in lawn chairs and golf carts will join in singing some of their old favorites, starting at 4 p.m. and lasting an hour, with commentary by member John Sauer. John often gives anecdotes about the songs chosen for the Sunday event.
“Songs of the Sailors,” the Annual opening event for The PPYC Blessing of the Fleet week, is a huge hit. Organized by “Jam Sessions” Pam Stewart, and accompanied by Ann Singer, piano, Debra Broxterman, Dean Wiley, John Sauer, David Isley and Jamie Jones to name a few that have joined this annual event – this is a fan favorite! It’s two hours of rollicking songs, some mournful in nature, but also crowd-pleasing Jimmy Buffet renditions filling the Harbor View deck and spilling into the club house with libations and food for all to enjoy.
Special events – occasionally individual “jam Session” members are asked to play at the Trading Post, at PPYC Friday Happy Hour or other venues. Whether the entire group or just a one-man evening with John Sauer, there is always Music in the Air at PPYC.
Platinum Point Yacht Club – Always something new and fun to join. It’s a place to belong.
