Abilene to appear in concert June 27 in CH 2
LW'S COUNTRY ROCK BAND
by Jim Greer
LW contributor
For over 20 years, there have been numerous iterations of Abilene—Leisure World’s country-rock band.
When Terry Otte and Rod Anderson first formed the group, they couldn’t have imagined the joy Abilene would bring to thousands of Leisure World residents from the Clubhouse 2 stage each month.
On Saturday, June 27, beginning at 7 p.m., the latest edition of Abilene will celebrate its oneyear anniversary performance as Leisure World’s longest continuously performing band.
Following the retirement of legacy members Terry Otte, Rod Anderson and Tina Shaffer, the remaining band members— drummer Jim Greer, and bassist Doug Decker—were tasked with assembling a new ensemble to continue playing the band’s versions of classic rock and country hits.
They first brought in noted South Bay keyboardist/vocalist Greg Johnson, Harvest Moon vocalist Vickie Van Ert and former Legends of Rock guitarist/ vocalist Andre Dusomme. Shortly after the band’s restructuring, health issues forced Doug Decker to assume an off-stage role as sound engineer for the band, which prompted the addition of Greg Johnson’s former bandmate, bassist/vocalist Bob McAlister.
Each member of the band brings a wealth of virtuosity, and extensive experience in live performance.
Bob McAlister, a retired contractor, began his music career as a union musician, including a stint as bass player for “Ode to Billie Joe” recording artist, Bobby Gentry.
Jim Greer, a retired aerospace executive, began performing as a teenager in rock and jazz clubs throughout the southland. He also performed for hundreds at the 1974 World’s Fair, and for over 50,000 at a July 4th celebration in the Rose Bowl.
Andre Dusomme, a retired supply chain manager, came to Abilene from “Legends of Rock” and is well known for his participation in Leisure World’s Theater Club, Cabaret, Greenbelt Singers, and the Entertainers.
Vickie Van Ert, a real estate agent working within Leisure World, joined Abilene while a vocalist with “Harvest Moon,” and is known for her performing in the NOCE Choir, Cabaret and The Entertainers.
Greg Johnson, who retired after a 32-year career in parks and recreation, began performing as a young man on the south side of Chicago, later moving to the LA’s south bay to found “Midnight Flyer.”
With a more robust instrumental sound, four-part vocal harmonies, and expanded repertoire, today’s Abilene fills Clubhouse 2 and draws Leisure World residents and their guests out of their seats and onto the dance floor.
The band’s hit music from every decade beginning with the 1950s, is irresistible to dancers and brings back happy memories those who love to sing along to the songs that shaped their lives.
Clubhouse 2 doors open on Saturday at 6:30 p.m., and the music begins at 7. GRF shuttles are available to pick up and deliver residents to the dance. Those who want to book rides may call 562-472-1367 and arrange to be picked up at home.
Dances end by 9:20 p.m. when the last shuttles will return residents to their units.
