As I was sitting on a stool singing for swimmers recently at the Rainier Beach pool (you’ve heard of “Birth of the cool”? Welcome to “Birth of the pool”), I was observing all the different age groups, colors, shapes and sizes of the patrons, and digging the whole scene. The word “LIFEGUARD” was printed in 7 different languages! What a treat for me it was to have tiny children come up and wave, clap or dance, and there was one lady in a shower cap bobbing in time to the music like a grinning mushroom when we honored her request of “God Bless the Child”. Afterward, when several women in saris smiled and thanked the band as we were on our way out the door, I felt very honored to be part of something that was able to transcend language barriers and make someone’s day a little lighter.
-->
Jazz Singer