Celebrating Over Two Decades of Music and Community
The Village String Band, a beloved musical staple of Laguna Woods, has been captivating audiences with lively performances for over twenty years. As a vibrant part of the Saddleback Emeritus Community, we offer residents the chance to immerse themselves in the joyous experience of playing and singing a rich variety of country, folk, and novelty tunes.
Our Musical Journey
Origins and Evolution: Originally known as the LW Variety Band, our ensemble embraced its new identity as the Village String Band in the early 2000s following its integration into the Emeritus College curriculum as an Instrumental Performance class by Saddleback Community College. Under the skilled leadership of our instructor and band leader, Louise Jacobs, who has been with us since 2009, the band has flourished, becoming a community favorite.
Membership and Instruments: The band boasts over 20 members who play a diverse array of instruments, including acoustic and electric guitars, electric bass, slide guitar, ukuleles (both soprano and baritone), drums, fiddles, accordion, auto-harp, harmonica, and even a unique banjo-lele. This variety allows us to create a rich, full-bodied sound that brings our music to life.
Performances and Events
Annual Concert: Every spring, typically in early May, we take center stage at the Performing Arts Center to perform a full set of 20 or more songs. This eagerly awaited concert draws friends, relatives, and all who enjoy a tuneful good time. Our repertoire includes old favorites that are sure to bring joy and evoke nostalgia.
Special Highlights: Among our talented lineup is Elsie Pearson, a featured vocalist and the club’s former president. At 95 years old, Elsie continues to perform and inspire, embodying the spirit and passion that define our band.
Join Us
Meetings: We gather every Thursday during the school year from 10:00 to 11:45 a.m., sharing music and camaraderie. Whether you are an experienced musician or a beginner eager to learn, we welcome you to join us and share in the joy of music.
Contact Information:
- Sharone Rosen, President
- Email: [email protected]
Club Officers:
- President: Sharone Rosen
- Treasurer: Debbie Byrne
- Additional officers include Barbara Landsman, Bern Smith, Sunshine Lutey, Melanie Delgado, and Paul Lambert.
Whether you play an instrument or simply love the sound of live music, the Village String Band offers a welcoming community where you can explore your musical interests, develop your talents, and enjoy the fellowship of fellow music enthusiasts. Join us to continue a tradition of musical excellence and community spirit in Laguna Woods.
What a heartwarming story! The Village String Band sounds like a fantastic group. It’s incredible to see how they’ve brought joy to the Laguna Woods community for over two decades. Hats off to Louise Jacobs and all the talented members for keeping the spirit of music alive. Elsie Pearson is an inspiration to us all!
This is wonderful! I love how the Village String Band includes such a variety of instruments and welcomes musicians of all levels. The annual concert sounds like such a fun event, and it’s amazing that someone as seasoned as Elsie Pearson is still shining on stage. Kudos to Sharone Rosen and the entire team for fostering such a warm and vibrant musical community!