A brief history of LW’s favorite country rock band
GRF WEEKEND DANCES
by Jim Greer
LW Contributor
Abilene will return to Clubhouse 2 on Saturday, Sept. 27, at 7 p.m. Free line dance lessons begin at 6:30 p.m. Reserving tables is prohibited. All concerts are free, but tips are accepted and appreciated.
In 2002, Terry Otte—then a recent Leisure World move-in—was introduced to Rod Anderson through a mutual friend. A performer of country-western and classic rock and roll, Otte found in Anderson a kindred spirit with the lead guitar skills of Chet Atkins. That friendship continued well into the mid-2020s and became a mainstay of Leisure World entertainment until Otte’s death in early 2025.
Originally known as “Our Gang,” Otte and Anderson sat side-by-side on chairs on the stage at Clubhouse 2 in 2004, playing and singing their favorite country and rock and roll songs to the Red Hat Society. To avoid any association with Los Angeles’ gang scene, they adopted the name Abilene and expanded band members to include bass player Harry Reichman and drummer Michel McCarthy.
A mother-daughter vocal team— Lori Porter and Nola Meredith—were later added to provide a fuller, sweeter sound. Tina Schaffer later followed the duo with a driving vocal force with hits from the likes of Linda Ronstadt, Shania Twain and Reba Macintire.
When Otte and Anderson made the difficult decision to retire from the band in 2024, remaining band members Tina Schaffer, Jim Greer, and Doug Decker knew there was no replacing Otte’s robust, warm voice and Anderson’s engaging guitar. To continue their legacy, the band added dynamic keyboard-vocalist Greg Johnson and versatile guitarist Robin Johnston.
In 2025 when Doug Decker’s health waned, bassist Bob McAlister was brought onboard, along with vocalist Vickie Van Ert, and guitarist Andre Dusomme to create the current edition of Abilene. The band has added to its traditional country roots and added additional classic rock tunes from the likes of The Eagles, Santana, The Traveling Wilburys, Van Morrison and more.
