The summer went by without “Concerts in the Park,” schooling has been remote, movie theaters are empty; and the Santa Clarita Bella Vida Senior Center is closed. Or is it?

On Friday night in the Bella Vida parking lot, as the sun was descending with a soft breeze blowing the American flag, “Tess and Friends” elevated the spirits of a test group of seniors to have a concert created by the Senior Center staff.

The pandemic forced many older adults into isolation, and across the country, we have had to adapt to this new situation. With Bella Vida located on land with a large parking lot, why not take advantage.

The week before, with seniors remaining in their cars, they played BINGO. For safety reasons, no bathrooms were available (especially important to seniors), but this is now remedied. Each week there is a challenge, but creative ingenuity solves the problems.

“Tess and Friends” were broadcast over FM car radios, reminiscent of 78 LPs of yesteryear. The sound system is being perfected and worked on for next week’s event, a drive-In movie featuring Grease.

Plus, the crowd was into it, honking horns for applause, and acknowledging each other with waves through car windows. Singing along and clapping could be heard, and there was a belief in their rendition of the Beatles “I Saw Her Standing There”, Tess sang:

“Well, she was just seventy
You know what I mean
And the way she looked
Was way beyond compare”

As the sunset and “Tess and Friends” wound up their one-hour gig, cars were carefully guided out of the parking lot, with some occupants still clapping hands, snapping fingers, and lipping favorite songs.

Thank you to the SCV Bella Vida Senior Center for continued creativity and inspiration, uplifting our community even when they are “closed.”

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