Bread & Roses

I guess most of you have heard of Bread & Roses, the organization founded in 1974 by the late Mimi Fariña, Joan Baez’s younger sister, that provides volunteer entertainment—performing arts of many types—for communities not typically able to access the clubs, shows, etc. that many of us enjoy. It’s a wonderful service intended to “uplift the human spirit,” as their site states. And as of this month, Domestic Harmony became part of that work.

We volunteered during the summer, and our first opportunity came in September when we were asked to play for a nearby lock-down mental facility. The inmates, we were told, were mainly Baby Boomers, with some older seniors, ethnically diverse, with a wide variety of diagnoses—but all mentally and/or emotionally challenged.

We would play one set for about 45 minutes. Recognizable material—standards—was suggested. No problem. We’ve got tons of that material.

But the real question, going in, was what would the audience be like, and how would they receive us?

The answer? They were fabulous. Attentive, involved, responsive, appreciative. You name it. They smiled, sang along, responded to questions, made requests, laughed at my jokes (always a litmus test on any date), bopped along, even in the hallway outside the performance area, and at times stood to applaud. Okay, there were occasional odd moments. Like the gentleman who said he was glad two of us were wearing Levi’s. And asked about the BVD’s underneath. Or the guy who told us, after we announced a Beatles tune, of meeting George Harrison in Marrakesh, twenty-some years ago. Okay! Maybe so! But on the whole, the experience was beyond many club and restaurant dates we’ve each known through the years, where many customers don’t pay attention and talk rather than paying attention (or letting others hear), etc. Given the choice, we’d take this crew any day.

The administration and staff were terrific, too—helping us set up and load out, and making us feel welcome and appreciated. Yay.

Afterwards, our host from Bread & Roses was very enthusiastic as well (and she had helped set up our mics and stands) and told us she could imagine us pleasing any adult audience that they serve. We were, she said, “A well-honed trio.” Well, shucks.

So we’ll be figuring out how often we want to do these volunteer gigs. We’re looking forward to it!