If you had come to my pirate party, you would have had so much fun! Most members of the band had come to one of the multiple pirate practice parties and were feeling pretty good about the music. Everyone else came understanding that this was a participation-required party, and people who hadn’t the strongest voices were hoping that the band was as loud as was promised.
In anticipation of the party, some people bought special pants or pulled out white blouses from the back of the closet. Some dresses were pirated up with a corset, scarf, or pirate hat. Justin and his friend Isaiah had pirate T’s with full pirate dress printed on.
Even if they didn’t dress up, the guests felt like they were entering the world of play when they walked up to the door and saw a six-foot-six-tall pirate ship to the left of the front door. This sunken ship had holes smashed into the side and golden rivets holding together the dark brown painted cardboard planks. Paper-mache barnacles in clusters added further to the illusion of potential sunken treasure. Little boys inside shouted, “Arrg” or sang a preview of the sea chanties to come.
Two easels held signs, one indicating the timetable for the performance and the other demanding some first steps before entering. All performers, musicians and singers alike, must sign in the guest book and then put on a name tag, but not just any name. They must have a pirate greeting and their name like “Yo ho ho, Syra.” Then when they walked in the door, they were greeted with their individual pirate greeting and name. Mark was the most enthusiastic with his pirate voice. Other people took a little nudging, but the effect of the sound of hearty greetings with piratey accents was well worth it.
The first thing a pirate would see when they walked in the door was a long table covered in edible pirate treasure. Sophia made gelatin rock candy, crusted over and painted with shimmery edible glitter. Her chocolate cake pops were coated in edible gold flakes, and scattered around were chocolate medallions in golden foil wrappers.
Jonah gave wagon rides to kids who came. They held the Jolly Roger from the pirate ship and waved the flag as they sped back and forth. The adults gathered in the kitchen from noon to one for the eating of meatballs, mashed potatoes, and whatever other potluck pirate fare had arrived. Best meatball award goes to Kelly and Vicente, who made green chile alfredo meatballs!
At one o’clock, the musicians gathered around on the sofas and tuned their instruments. We had me banging out chords on my birthday banjo. Dorothy and Jenna on cello. Christa played violin. The beat was kept by Sam on the washboard and Jonah on the drum. The melody was played by Hermione on the piano, Esther on the accordion, and Cousin Ari on her harp. Matt strummed his electric bass. Justin played chords on his ukulele with his friend Isaiah on the guitar. Everyone else was in the choir including the rest of my family: Mike, John Ben, Basil, Xenia, and Coryn.
We started strong but had two different versions of the chorus of Drunken Sailer. I stopped us to clarify that we wanted “Way Hey” and not “Hoo Ray.” The musicians also opted to slow the pace. It was, after all, an excuse to play music together. Then everyone, musicians and singers alike, threw themselves into a joyous cacophony! Drunken Sailor, Wellerman, and Wayfaring Stranger were performed too slow not to be painful when rewatching it on video, but at the time, it was glorious! We finished our three-song set with a feeling of pride in our exquisite execution.
That was a soft close if someone needed to get home, but most friends stayed for dessert. We sang the birthday song for Esther and Sophia, who turned twenty-five and twenty-three last week. I made Strawberry Dessert for Esther, and Sophia had her Chantille cake. Mark brought his pumpkin bread. Dorothy made the best ginger molasses cookies ever. We also had baklava. People stayed to visit in the kitchen and great room or out on the front porch. Some people went for a walk on the trail close to the house.
It’s been less than a week, and I’m ready to do another one. Plaid and Denim Music around the Campfire Night next fall? Maybe Country Roads and Sweet Caroline? Our pianist is moving, but two saxophones may be joining the band. We are looking for amateur musicians and singers with courage, imagination, and a willingness to participate with their whole heart.
The best part of the party was the feeling of camaraderie as we set ourselves to the serious business of play. For three hours, we could consider ourselves the best private performers in Corrales.
Check out the video from the party.
Syra's Scribbles 