Published: September 07, 2008 10:36 pm            

MICHELE MIKESIC BENDER | In the mood for oldies

When I drive, I sing. But I never waste time on tunes I don’t enjoy. I’ve mastered pushing “change” buttons – radio, cassette and CD.

I only inflict my singing on certain friends, one being Sharon. Sharon and I met at the college entrance exams more than 40 years ago. We’ve stayed close ever since.

We sang our way through the ’60s and early ’70s, commuting to Pitt-Johnstown and cruisin’ Route 56 to Stuver’s.

Briefly, a guy named Zane carpooled with us. Zane possessed an amazing tenor voice that sounded exactly like Dennis Yost of the Classics Four (think “Traces”).

One afternoon, British rocker Mary Hopkin’s only hit came on.

“Those were the days, my friends ...” we harmonized. Then we reached the point in the song where Mary wailed, “We’d fight and never lose. ...”

From the back seat, Zane sang out, “We’d fight an AVALOOSE ...”

Sharon and I froze. “What did you sing?”

“We’d fight an avaloose,” Zane repeated. “It’s an animal, right?”

That incident spawned a slew of “avaloose songs” because we could never allow Zane to live that down. My personal favorite remains “Home, home on the range, where the deer and the avaloose play ...”

My endless button-pressing made Sharon crazy. One night she exclaimed, “Someday, I’ll hear an entire song in your car and faint from the shock”

That event occurred three weeks ago. Sharon, who lives in Harrisburg now, came for a weekend visit. Friday we dined in Richland.

As we drove past Em’s Sub Shop, Sharon spotted the classic cars on display.

“You know you’re old,’’ she observed, “when you see a car just like one you used to make out in, and it has an antique plate!”

Suddenly, a familiar melody came on my favorite oldies station. We both sang along. When it ended, Sharon gasped, “Finally! It took 40 years, but I just heard a whole song in your car.”

What was it? Jan ’n Dean’s “Little Old Lady From Pasadena.”

Go, Granny, go!

A while back, my aunt and I attended a party thrown by talented local musician Jerry Intihar and his sister, Barb, to celebrate their mom’s birthday. Jerry skillfully entertained the crowd with his accordion.

As he played the 1940s swing number “In the Mood,” partyers got to their feet. Folks with canes and even walkers bounced to the rhythm. Then, the song ended.

Jerry started another tune, but the guests sat down.

“Jerry,” Barb called, “play ‘In the Mood’ again!”

The people danced again.

“That’s us in 30 years, Barb,” I whispered.

“No foolin’!” she replied.

“But with one difference. Our song will be ‘Louie, Louie.’ ”

So, what’s Johnstown’s favorite rock song?

I know, but I’m not tellin’. Not yet! Join me Sunday at the Roxbury Bandshell when the Johnstown Classic Rockers count down our area’s 10 most popular choices. We’ll find out then!

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.