Luke McKean, friends bring the gift of music to seniors

MOSES LAKE - Luke McKean brings a lot more to Emeritus at Hearthstone senior center than a few friends and instruments.

On the third Friday of each month, he brings a little happiness in the form of bluegrass and country music to the residents. The group plays for about two hours, with band members taking turns singing lead. They even take requests, and for some, this country jam is the highlight of their month.

"I've been looking forward to this since the last time they were here. They are really good. It sure doesn't seem like two hours. Time just passes by so fast when they're here," Marie Green, of Moses Lake, said.

McKean's group plays a lot of Hank Williams and traditional bluegrass songs, tunes the residents grew up listening to.

Resident Ida Radache said the music reminds of her of younger years, when she and her husband owned and operated a pear and apple orchard in the Wenatchee Valley. She said she gets lonely at times, as her husband passed away a few years ago. She is much happier when McKean and the band play on Friday nights.

Residents don't exactly jump up and dance when the group plays, but they do tap their feet, keep time by clapping hands and give a vibrant round of applause after each song.

McKean, who plays upright base and sings during most of the songs, half jokes that he picked the senior center to hold the jam because of its location, just across the street from his law office.

But after talking to the group, there is obviously more of a reason than its convenient location.

Dobro player Rich Starr, of Ephrata, said he can tell residents enjoy the music. Starr is a huge hit and plays like a polished musician. His voice wails high and his dobro playing is crisp yet haunting.

Charlie Root, of  Moses Lake, plays guitar and sings what he calls "cowboy songs." Root also plays solo at other area senior centers. "I guess you could say that I like having a captive audience," he says as he smiles beneath his large cowboy hat.

Gordon Radom plays lively piano and is originally from Canada. Another favorite of the residents, Radom has a vast knowledge of country music.

The couple that may have got all of this started have been playing music for the least amount of time.

Debby and Elliott Kooy, of George, host monthly jam sessions similar to this at the George Community Center. McKean wanted to expand their jam session and had the idea of holding a second monthly session and picked Hearthstone.

Debby and Elliot never played musical instruments until their four children left home, they said.

"We were empty-nesters and one day just decided to start playing music," she said. Debby picked the guitar and Elliot started playing a 5-string banjo.

"We have a good time here, and they feed us," Debby said between bites of cookies. After each session the residents return the favor, but sharing cookies and ice water with the musicians. No one appears to be in a big hurry and residents and musicians mingle after the jam.

Debby and Elliot also host professional music acts at the George Community Center during the summer, including a Fourth of July Bluegrass Festival. Their house turns into the only hotel in tiny George during the events.

Debby said she likes the music, but even more, she likes getting together with friends and sharing things they love.