EDMONDS — Music has influenced their lives in different yet equally influential ways.
The members of The Huckabillys have fused their love of performing and music with a set filled with popular country and classic rock songs. The band covers hits from Hank Williams, Creedence Clearwater Revival and even Tin Pan Alley standards like “Ain’t She Sweet.”
The Huckabillys perform on Sunday afternoons at the Edmonds Senior Center, 220 Railroad Ave., Edmonds. Their crowd of couples and line dancers has grown to about 30 people.
“Music breaks down barriers,” said pianist Carolyn Meyer.
People come and have fun, said Vern Percival, the band’s singer and guitarist.
“When I see people singing along, it’s inspirational,” Percival said. “It lifts the mood and people are laughing and smiling; it’s in the air.”
Percival and Priscilla Huck, on mandolin, started playing music and singing together nearly four years ago. When he first heard Huck singing in her front room, Percival said he knew he needed to snatch her up.
“My first thought was to get this sweet little lady out there,” he said. “She’s just wonderful.”
Percival has been involved with singing and writing songs since he was a child.
“I got my first guitar when I was old enough to get a job and, well, get a guitar,” he said.
The two played in the pool hall at the Edmonds Senior Center and after four songs liked how they sounded. A senior center member walked past, heard their sound and told them they should perform.
Without formal lessons, Percival and Huck don’t rely on sheet music. Instead they play by ear.
“Priscilla is amazing; she plays melodies,” he said. “I throw her curve balls every once in awhile with different chords.”
Percival met bassist Dan Parker at church and encouraged him to join. Drummer Bill Bell joined. But when Percival tried to recruit Meyer, she was hesitant to join.
“She didn’t think she was accomplished enough, but she joined after realizing she doesn’t play better than us,” he quipped.
After a few practices, Meyer shifted her classical training to fit rock ‘n’ roll chords and thrives on the energy and camaraderie they create during practices.
“The classic country I was familiar with. But when Vern mentioned a CCR song, I had to ask what that was,” she said. “Vern encourages us to step up to the next level.”
The band is named in tribute to Huck.
“No one else’s name fit,” Huck joked.
The band is seeking corporate and individual sponsors.
During a two-hour set the band performs about 35 songs. “We click out a lot of songs, just bang, bang,” Percival said.
After a set, Percival says he is always ready to rest – well, maybe.
“You’d play one more song if they asked you to,” Meyer said with a smile.
The Huckabillys
WHERE: Edmonds Senior Center, 220 Railroad Avenue, Edmonds
WHEN: 1-3 p.m. Sunday afternoons
COST: Suggested donation of $3 per person which includes refreshments
INFO: Call Carolyn at 425-778-8428
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