Everyone needs a “Cheers” type place in their lives. A place that is comfortable and warm when you need to relax. A place that is loud with fun when you need a pick-me-up. I found mine in a most unusual place–Gio Fund. Gio Fund is a no kill animal welfare fundraising organization that is a non-profit. I know it’s pretty odd, calling that my “Cheers” place, but in addition to the animal thrift store and food pantry, it has a bar and seating area on the other side that they rent out for various events or, just to entertain the residents of Leland.
A neighbor of ours is a wonderful singer and at a recent social event, he told me he was going to be performing at Gio Fund on September 25 so my husband and I decided to go and hear him sing. It wasn’t a big crowd, but we were all enthusiastic and happy to be entertained for the evening. Our friend, Maz Mazzola, performed a variety of songs–some country, some romantic and some just for fun, like “Galaway Girl,” from Steve Earle and songs by Bobby Darin. Pretty soon, people were dancing and singing along. Maz is a wonderful entertainer. He sings from the heart and often, when he is singing a fun song, has goofy facial expressions that match the tone of the song he is singing. He is fun to watch and you find yourself singing right along with him.
Also entertaining that night was a man named Johnny Winston, with his drummer, Suzanne Matteson. Johnny sang songs from our era–you know, “the old folks” time. He performed songs from Gordon Lightfoot to the Beatles. Now I was really getting comfortable! He was very much at home with the music of the ’60’s and 70’s and so was the crowd. Here we were, 50 years plus out of high school and we still remembered the words to the songs he sang and relived our glory days through them. Johnny was very entertaining and hit the crowd right in our hearts.
After that, the group, “Shades of Gray” got up and sang “That Will Be the Day,” which the audience loved. I got the impression that they weren’t scheduled (could be wrong) but it was a nice, pick up set that we all enjoyed.
My husband and I had a great time. Who knew that Gio Fund was such a rockin’ place. I have found my cheers and will be going back often to cheer others. Gio Fund is located at 117 Village Road in Leland, in the CVS plaza. Google them to see a list of their upcoming charity events, or stop by on Tuesdays for Karaoke, Wednesdays for Live Music or Thursday for Shag Night. I guarantee, you will enjoy yourself.
