A recent Sunday found the Cleveland Jumping Fleas gathered in the Cleveland Metroparks Brecksville Reservation for the Second Annual Pickin' Picnic in the Park. This amazingly enjoyable event took place at the same location as last year's picnic -- the Harriet Keeler Memorial Picnic Area. It's a great place for a gathering. There is a nice big pavilion, which can accommodate more than one group. The catch is that the pavilion can't be reserved, which means that somebody has to go to the park super early to stake out some tables. That person would not be me! Early birding is not my strong suit. One of our members, however, can be counted upon to be prompt, so he was drafted to go to the park at around 7:00 a.m. -- in plenty of time to get us some prime real estate. I showed up about an hour later with the coffee, etc., and then the rest of the group began to arrive bearing delicious food. Everybody tucked in to the goodies and there was much merriment. One artistic and hard-working member of the group had made a whole bunch of humorous ukulele-themed buttons to pass out, which added even more laughter to the mix.
After people were finished eating, it was time to get out the ukes and play! I thought it would be best to get a photo of everyone with Sal before we got so involved in making beautiful music that we forgot about her. A nice man from another group took this photo so I could be in it, too.
 |
| A fun-loving bunch of ukers! Sal was happy to be hanging out with them on such a beautiful morning! |
As is usual when we meet, we formed a circle and took turns picking songs from the yellow and blue Daily Ukulele books. We also were treated to some solos, duets, and trios by members of the group -- an al fresco Open Mic! This was a chance for everyone to stick their toes into the waters of performing in front of a friendly and supportive audience. I must say that I admire everyone who did something. It takes a lot of courage to put yourself out there. As expected, the group was appreciative of the performers' efforts. They even applauded for the trio consisting of Bruce, Thomas, and me, who did a unique (and not in a good way) version of Sometimes I Think I Love You. We had practiced together only once -- the evening before via Facebook chat -- and to describe our performance as ragged would be charitable. Let's just say that nobody called for an encore. ;) (On a happier note, the rest of the performances were much more polished! We've got some very talented and accomplished people in our group!)
 |
| A few more Fleas arrived after the other photo was taken. Here they are -- along with a couple of us who had to be in both shots. Sal, of course, is the most important one. |
We were having amazing fun, but alas, the party had to end. Some Fleas had other social engagements, and some had to go to work. Gradually we all trickled off to our various commitments. But what a great morning it was! I'm already looking forward to our next big Flea confab -- UkeToberfest -- and to all the uke-filled events we'll be having in the future!
Some necessary thanks:
1. To Bruce for going to the park early and setting up.
2. To Tabitha for making uke buttons for all.
3. To Christine for suggesting the Open Mic idea.
4. To everyone who attended. The food was great, the company was super, and the music was lots of fun!
5. To everybody who helped load my car when it was time to go. There was way too much stuff for me to schlep and still be on time for work.
Hooray for the Pickin' Picnic in the Park!
P.S. Notes to self! Important things to remember! The stuff I already know that was reinforced by the Sometimes I Think I Love You performance:
1. Pick a song far in advance and stick with it.
2. Practice, practice, practice.
3. Extra practice is required for the beginning and ending of the song. This is where unpreparedness is the most obvious.
