While they can't lay claim to any groupies, The Park Avenue Playboys really drive the females wild. "Some of the ladies have told us that they come prepared with dollar bills," said Bandleader Bill Mickelson. "But it isn't that type of show." What it is, is a high energy performance by a band that loves to play. The band, made up of six retired or semi-retired local men, plays oldies, country songs, Hawaiian melodies, cowboy songs and novelty music. John Aude plays banjo and harmonica. Emil Grande plays fiddle. Mickelson plays ukulele. Dave Santamaria plays guitar. Les Simpson is on the bass, and Al Rehn plays the mandola. Two of the members are Spencerport residents and the others are scattered throughout Rochester. The Rochester band, which has been going strong for nearly two decades, will be playing almost 30 shows this year. Each performance will be held in a nursing home, assisted care facility, or a senior apartment complex. "We always kid that this is a great way to meet chicks," said Mickelson. The band first started playing senior centers because it was easy to get gigs scheduled. Quickly they realized something even more important. "The people really appreciate what we are doing," said Aude. "Just look at their faces when we are there and it is obvious that they are happy to see us." The adoration of their fans is all the Playboys will accept as compensation for their work. Mickelson said they found that most senior facilities have small entertainment budgets. By not charging for their appearances, the band is giving the facilities an opportunity to book more entertainment acts for the residents. "There will probably be a day when I'm on the other side of this," said Aude. "I'm blessed to have great band mates and pleased to be able to do what we do." June Weltzer, Director of Therapeutic Recreation for St. Ann's Community, said the residents look forward to the band's arrival. 'They are one of our best groups we have all year. They are very lively and very funny," said Weltzer. "They are good professional musicians and their generosity allows us to provide even more recreational programs for our residents." Mickelson said he sees the band continuing to entertain and continuing to have fun jamming together. "We'd play if we weren't doing this for an audience," said Mickelson. "It's is part of our identity." Note: To contact the group, call Bill Mickelson at 352-5116. |
