“Please, call me Vince, and the pleasure is all mine,” he says as he gives me an approving wink. “Looks like it’s time to get started, are you ready?”
“Yes, give me just a minute.” I turn my attention back to Rose, “Let’s get you to your seat, shall we?”
“Yes, please.”
I offer her my arm and she threads her arm through mine as I escort her to the back row, center stage, a seat I reserved especially for her so she would be in my line of sight during the show. We stop beside her seat, “Thank you again for coming tonight.”
“Thank you for inviting me, but if I remember correctly,” she teases trying to fight a smile, “you promised there would be music.”
I chuckle at her teasing, “You do indeed remember correctly.” I slightly bow in front of her, “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a show to do.”
Since this is a less formal show and more geared to the children, there is no introduction as I take the stage. Instead, I stroll out playing Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star, and by the second time through the voices of those in the audience have joined me. When I finish, I lower my instrument and applaud the crowd the best I can with my violin in one hand and the bow in the other.
“Very well done,” I praise as I look out at the audience. “That was the very first song I learned to play, so I thought it was an appropriate way to start the show. Thank you all for joining me tonight.” I begin to walk the stage, taking advantage of the microphone attached to my shirt. “I’m Alek Berringer and just like many of you, I spent a good portion of my childhood in the hospital. While I was there, one of my nurses introduced me to a program called Musical Medicine.” My eyes go wide and I notice a few of the children giggle. “Now to a five year old kid, the thought of your medicine playing music is kind of awesome. Right?” A chorus of “yeahs” echo back to me. I glance at Rose, and find her smiling right along with the children.
“I’ll admit I was a little disappointed when I found out what the program was really all about. Then, the instructor started bringing out instruments. There was a guitar, a flute, one of the volunteers played the piano, and then they brought out the violin.” I lift my instrument and begin playing my favorite warm up piece. As my eyes drift to Rose, I see hers close a soft smile on her face as she lets the music envelope her. When I finish the audience applauds and I lower my instrument once again.
“I thought the sound was unlike anything I’d ever heard before.” I begin to walk the stage again, “Now I know what you’re thinking, violins are meant for classical music. If you thought that, you’d be correct. But, violins have a place in every kind of music, from Bluegrass to Heavy Metal.”
Raising my violin, I begin with a Bluegrass classic the Orange Blossom Special, ease into my favorite songs by Bruno Mars and Ed Sheeran and finish with a Heavy Metal crowd pleaser by Metallica. Surprised by the enthusiasm of the audience, I continue to play some of my favorite popular tunes. By the time that I finish my set, the smiles from the children are bright enough to light the room.
Handing my violin to Vince, I step off the stage and spend some time talking and answering questions from the children. When the director of the arts program declares it’s time to return to their rooms, a chorus of groans fill the air. I high-five each child as they are wheeled out of the room, and then make my way over to where Rose has been patiently waiting.
“Alek, that was incredible,” she gushes as I stop in front of her.
I give a slight bow of my head, “Thank you, I’m so glad you enjoyed it.”
She laughs and the sound is sweeter than any melody to reach my ears, “That may be the understatement of the year. I’ve never heard anyone play Metallica on a violin before.”
I shrug while sliding my hands into my pockets, “You have to be able to keep their attention with more than the classics.”
“Well you certainly did that.”
I smile at her compliment, “I need to check in with Vince, but I like to take you to dinner, if that’s okay with you?”
She smiles and gives a slight nod, “I’d like that.”
“Great, I’ll be right back.”
I make my way over to where Vince is speaking with the program director, Phyllis Lamb. “Mr. Berringer,” she says as I approach, “thank you so much for the donation to our program, and for your performance tonight. The children and patients truly enjoyed it.”
“It was my pleasure, Ms. Lamb. I hope to make your hospital an annual stop during my tour.”
She offers me her hand, “Please know that you are welcome anytime.” Looking to first Vince and then me, “Good night gentlemen, and safe travels to you.”
“Thank you,” Vince and I reply in unison.
Once we’re alone, I turn to Vince, “Do you need anything else from me?”
Vince shakes his head, “No, as far as I’m concerned you are free until Saturday.”
“Great, thanks Vince,” I say as I begin to walk away.
“Hey Alek,” Vince calls, stopping my forward progress and making me turn around. “Good luck.”
I smile and nod before making my way back over to Rose. “Ready to go?”
“Whenever you are,” she replies.
Offering her my arm, her delicate fingers wrap around my bicep as we walk to my car. When we reach the passenger side, I open the door for her and help her inside before rounding the vehicle and climbing in behind the wheel and then pulling out of the parking lot.
“I saw an Italian restaurant on my
