"Graying" RVers Drive Entertainment Reprise
The Smothers Brothers? What are Smothers Brothers?Our daughter--and no doubt grandson--raise similar questions while the two of us are chuckling as we mention that ancient comedy team. Fine, we're dating ourselves yet again. But we've got plenty of company: According to the Arizona Republic, us old geezers, part of the "graying generation" are bringing big name, albeit dinosaur era, acts back to the stage.
Southwest area RV parks are adding top entertainment to shuffleboard in an attempt to pull us off the road and into their resorts. Here are some of whom you might be able to see this year: Frankie Avalon. Brenda Lee. Tanya Tucker. And yes, Tommy and Dick are coming too.
Looking back on when she first started lining up acts for a chain of seven southwest RV resorts, Jacque Lamoree relates, "The very first year it was difficult sometimes just to say they would be performing in an RV park," Lamoree said. "But when they came in, the audiences were terrific and it was warm and exciting for the entertainers. I remember when Frankie Avalon was here and some of the women were in tears."
That's not why I'm in tears. Mom always liked you better.
For the full story, visit the Arizona Sun.
posted by Russ and Tiña De Maris at
1/21/2008 08:38:00 AM
11 Comments:
"ancient comedy team" and "dinosaur era"
How unfortunate, unattractive, and patronizing to use those terms to describe talent that is still as valid today as it was just a few years ago. Each generation gets their turn and RVers and entaintainers should be applauded for extending their turn as long as they can.
By
Anonymous, at 8:13 AM, January 26, 2008
"Us 'old geezers'"? The Boomer Generation just started turning 60 last year...hardly dinasours or geezers. We're nowhere near as old as our parents were at this age. We're in better health, more active and will live longer. 60 is the new 50. I propose that we not use these types of terminologies to describe ourselves. It's negative and unflattering, and we should discourage others (including our grandchildren) from describing us in these ways too. As for RV parks where these entertainers are performing, they're not what they used to be either. They're doing what they can to stay alive by attracting the Boomer generation who'd rather be on the road rather than sitting in one spot for the entire winter season.
By
Anonymous, at 8:54 AM, January 26, 2008
We were camped at the Blue Mesa RV Park in Gunnison, CO about 3 1/2 years ago. The owner is a friend of Rex Allen, Jr. He visited the park and for $10 each, we had a steak dinner and a performance by Mr. Allen. Both were great!! Call me a Geezer" if you want, with benefits like this, who cares?
By
Anonymous, at 12:04 PM, January 26, 2008
Hey, lighten up, folks!
Sounds like the writer was just trying to have a little fun.
I just turned 60, and, working in an RV sales showroom with a bunch of "kids", I rather enjoy the respect and reputation as "the ole geezer".
I look forward to seeing you on the road, or perhaps at a Rock & Roll Reunion Show! Let's dance!
By
JimStevens, at 5:10 PM, January 26, 2008
I agree with other comments about "geezer," "ancient," and "dinosaur" terms. I don't like hearing them from younger people, as who usually use them in a derogatory way. (Fact is, I don't like to be called "You Guys" by 20 y/o wait staff either.) What became of "respect for elders?" If we use these terms about ourselves, we invite them from others.
So there!!
By
Anonymous, at 7:27 PM, January 26, 2008
I agree with jimstevens, To me this article is done tongue in cheek. I'll be turning 59 in May,and I sure don't want to be one of those cranky old geezers that always had a " when I was your age" comment to make. Your only as old as you feel.
By
Anonymous, at 2:06 PM, January 27, 2008
Voyager J says .....
Ditto... Lighten up!
I am 63, don't feel old and still have most of my faculties (unless you ask my wife). I sometimes refer to myself as an "old ....." I'm a dinosaur and proud of it!
Besides, I encourage all those "kids" I deal with (that's anyone under 55) to keep working. They're helping to pay my retirement.
By
Anonymous, at 2:15 PM, January 27, 2008
Boy, it's funny how the generation who rocked the world in the 60's now wants to "correct" everyone just because they're now in their 60's! I'm 61, graduated from high school in the mid-60's and think some of the folks writing here are wound up a little too tight! What happened to "make love, not war?" huh?
By
Anonymous, at 10:45 PM, January 28, 2008
Hey y'all,
Lightening up is definitely in order! I'm an old fart and proud of it!!
Keep on keeping on!!
Holly
By
Holly, at 5:41 PM, January 29, 2008
The only thing wrong with this article is that now my husband and I are going to "stalk" The Smothers Brothers with our rig from campground to campground!
Thanks for the info.
By
Doreen Orion, at 4:58 PM, February 05, 2008
What I got out of it and correct me if I'm wrong, I mean I will be 59 this year and have a couple of mistakes under my belt, lol! This was an article, written quite likely by a younger AZ Sun reporter. As a retired Army type I know that in some ways I'm wore out but in others I'm stronger than I ever was and as a combat veteran of the worst kind- A survivor, I am proud to be called "Old Geezer". My Father was my age when I was a teen and I called him Old Geezer with a lot of love attached. I was proud of him and I'm proud to be an "Old Geezer" in my own right.
By
desertratdan, at 9:10 AM, February 21, 2008
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