LW’s original country band has long, storied history

MEMBER COLUMN

by Jim Greer

LW contributor

Scrapbooks and photo albums have evolved since the advent of the internet. Billions of subscribers now store old and new images, videos, and audio recordings in the cloud through services such as YouTube, Google Drive, and Forever.

Thanks to local content creators such as Joe Osuna (@ JoeSeniorVideo) and Jeff Plum (@ JeffreyPlum), hours of video recordings of Abilene, one of Leisure World’s oldest and most popular bands, are archived on YouTube to watch on demand.

The earliest online video of Abilene performing live was posted on YouTube by Joe Osuna, on Sept. 27, 2010. The 10-year-old video features founder Terry Otte with Rod Anderson, Lori Porter, Nola Meredith, Dutch Kerckhoven, Michel McCarthy and Harry Reichman performing classic country and rock tunes to a packed crowd of Clubhouse 2 dancers. On May 2, 2014, Jeff Plum captured and posted video of Abilene, featuring one of the earliest recordings of longtime resident and vocalist Tina Schaffer singing with Terry, Rod, Michel and Harry. Joe and Jeff have chronicled many of the band’s performances throughout Leisure World, including at the Amphitheater, outdoor mini concerts during the COVID-19 pandemic, rehearsals in homes, and annual Halloween and New Years Eve dances.

YouTube videos cataloged by Jeff and Joe provide historic glimpses of configurations of Abilene over the past 20 years.

The June 2021 Leisure World Amphitheater performance featuring Tina Schaffer singing 'Delta Dawn' was captured by Jeff Plum. It includes band members Mike Simpson on bass, Jim Greer on drums and Jim Long on guitar and synthesizer.

The video of Terry Otte’s performance of “Pretty Woman” shot in 2022 includes Doug Decker on the bass, and “Tina’s Final Show” video from earlier this year, includes appearances by Robin Johnston on lead guitar, Greg Johnson on keyboard, and Bob McAlister on bass.

Abilene’s current band members Bob McAlister, Jim Greer, Greg Johnson, vocalist Vickie Van Ert and Andre Dusomme on guitar entertain regularly, most recently performing for costumed revelers at Abilene’s annual Halloween Dance Party Oct. 31. Everyone wore their favorite costumes, brought food and drinks and partied the night away to songs such as 'The Monster Mash,' 'Spooky,' 'Black Magic Woman' and more.

Abilenes popularity and staying power have stood the test of time. The band continues to draw large audiences at its regularly scheduled shows.

All residents and their guests are welcome, and there is no charge to attend. Everyone is also welcome to check out Jeff and Joe’s postings on YouTube to see themselves online making history ( show schedules are printed in the Arts section).