A bed ban, presumably not used, a toilet plunger and a tin can, are just some of the items this ‘crafty’ group of ladies put together to make their musical ensemble a roaring success.
Two of the members of the Ding-a-Lings, Irene Shaefer, 94 and Florence Kozelka, 92, alias cori and cedi, have been traveling around entertaining locals for thirty years.
“We are the two old bags, we have been doing this for thirty years, we are like the ‘apple sisters’ cori and cedi,” they said in harmony, chuckling.
There were 14 members of the group present at the Great River Care Center entertaining the residents, Tuesday, Feb. 26. Lucy Dodge, a local freelance writer, was playing the spoons, Hazel Lechnir played an extraordinary instrument that she made herself, it sounded somewhat like a guitar but it consisted of an unused bed pan that was attached to a toilet plunger and had guitar strings affixed.
Lechnire put on a great show and often went out into the audience of residents playing to them and chatting with them while also singing and strumming on her instrument.
Olga Corlett played piano during the show, and Karla Traester played tambourine as did Betty Cejka. The group maracas shaker was Donna Mara and on the larger washboard inscribed with the group’s name was Ginny Cooper.
Another interesting instrument was played by Beverly Kelley, she called it a kazoo, and it consisted of a washboard with what seemed like a bird caller affixed to the top, which she blew on from time to time as though it were a harmonica.
The show was an absolutely hilariously entertaining extravaganza of interestingly crafted instruments and eccentric personalities.
On the ‘gut bucket’ was Ruth Caldwell, the gut bucket consisted of the traditional large bath tub placed upside down with a broom stick affixed and a rope. Believe it or not, it really did have the sound of a bass and could be heard keeping the beat despite all the singing and sounds of the other instruments, including a piano.
On the funnel was Doris Johnson and on a smaller oil funnel was 94-year-old Irene. 92-year-old Florence also had an exceedingly interesting piece of equipment, it was a type of percussion instrument which she called a ‘Boomba.’ It consisted of a pogo stick, a tambourine, and a drum stick. The tambourine was strategically placed on the pogo stick which she struck to keep the beat of the songs.
Last but not least was Ruth Ertel on a flute can, which was basically a pipe with holes in it affixed to an old tin can, but it worked!
This fabulous little ensemble kept the crowd well entertained with their renditions of songs such as, O Bring back my bonnie to me, Four leaf clover, Roll out the barrel, Ain’t she sweet, When you’re smiling and Show me the way to go home.
The bands musical director, or leader, is Ruth Ertel. On this occasion there was a guest performer, Kathy Herring, who sang all the songs with a hearty voice. She had been present to visit a relative.
That was not the only help the band got. Thoroughly enjoying the whole set was Edward Smith, a resident, who whistled, clapped and danced to every song with great enthusiasm.
All the ladies are members of the Eagles Club in Prairie du Chien, Iowa.
“We have performed at every Prairie du Chien Telethon on the TV raising money for heart and cancer since it started,” they said.
The Dingalings, complete with the original and very comical apple sisters, have five performances coming up in the near future. There next show will be at Garden View assisted living center in Monona.
