The Vanilla Extract, my Bay Area ’60s band (I’m at upper right) performed for The Cedars in Marin County, California.
On May 25, The Vanilla Extract performed for another audience of developmentally disabled adults at The Cedars’ facility in Ross, California, for Bread & Roses. We look forward to these shows, as the audience is unfailingly enthusiastic and generates tremendous amounts of energy and appreciation. Following is a write-up of our show by Bread & Roses’ Lucia Whitney:
Vanilla Extract came on like a bombshell with an opening of “Hang on Sloopy, Sloopy Hang On” and the room sprang to life with dancers. The room was small for this many people wanting their space to gyrate, swing arms, sway and jump and feel their rhythm with elegant movements. The entire audience got up to dance and enjoy except two who were in wheelchairs, however they participated closely with their friends and danced in their chairs with the same gusto.
Each of the band members has their own special talent. Anne on guitar did great renditions of “Get Together” and ”Woodstock”. Dan on bass, was fantastic on “Time Is On My Side”. The lead singer, Joe Paulino is almost difficult to describe because he does everything you can imagine with a song. Each word of the lyrics has a movement and Joe’s whole body and facial expressions interprets each song. His body and face dramatize the lyrics while the fast paced movements draw you in. Each song is a performance and for one hour Joe danced and belted out the songs.
Vanilla Extract was a fantastic match for The Cedars as the people who live here abound with energy. The band gave them that and more in spades. They rocked wildly, loudly, titillating and, vibrating the room with fantastic numbers.
Bread & Roses is a wonderful organization who brings music to audiences who normally don’t have access to it. You can visit their website at www.breadandroses.org and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/bread.roses.1
Check out The Vanilla Extract at www.thevanillaextract.com and www.facebook.com/TVEbass
Hi Dan: Thanks so much for all the great shows Vanilla Extract continues to perform for Bread & Roses. All of the musicians in your band perfectly embody a positive, upbeat spirit and connect so well with all our audiences.
we look forward to more shows for people who are isolated and need music most! Best wishes, Marian