Well, What’s so Special About Wells?
This was sent to me through JW Pepper:
Gals Kazoo Band
Every summer the 700 inhabitants of Wells, New York hold their “Old Home Days” parade down the only main street in town. Wells sits on a stream-fed lake tucked between lush green mountains of the Adirondacks, creating a beautiful backdrop to the string of fire trucks, antique cars and handmade floats that pass by.
This celebration of community happens all over our country, with each town finding it’s own unique voice for celebration. In Wells, the musical voices are heard in the form of a catchy tune played by the Wells Central School Band as they were pulled along on a flatbed cart. Soon to follow was ”A Pretty Good Band,” a community group that performs at local events. (And yes, that really is their name.)
I strained to see if my favorite group in the parade was marching (ok, walking) again this year, and sure enough, I soon heard the soft familiar hum of the Gals Kazoo Band of Long Lake, NY. The pleasant buzz of the “Caisson Song” kept them moving down the street, their punchy red outfits projecting cheerful confidence. And why not, ladies? Maybe some of you are learned musicians. Maybe some are music parents, or grandparents. Maybe some of you can barely carry a tune. The truth is, none of that matters. For one glorious August day, you strut down the main street in town, celebrating both your community, your music and friendship, and left us all a little happier for having seen you. Let’s hear it for those brave enough to kazoo!
