Mary Kae Waytenick: Lucy in the Sky with Elvis

Mary Kae Waytenick retired from 25 years of public school music teaching. Now, she is the director of music and organist at a Rock Island church, directs a flute choir, accompanies performers, volunteers with the symphony, and has time to do some composing. She has a B.M.E. from Augustana College and M.M. from Indiana University.

Mary wrote, “I attended an outdoor concert in the city park of Orion, Ill. Elvis and the Beatles were the performers in the 100-year-old band shell. It was a beautiful night, and the sights and sounds seemed almost surreal as the memories from those years crossed time. I felt compelled to write my impressions of that evening.” This scene is Pepperland before it falls under a surprise attack by the music-hating Blue Meanies.

Lucy in the Sky with Elvis

Summer eve concert in Orion with so much to savor,
A big slice of American pie filled with robust flavor.
Diamond chips glitter in the paling sheet of sky.
The moon plays peekaboo with aviator flies.
Rows and rows of lawn chairs, each placed to see the sight
Of wild vibrations in kingly fashion, middle-aged music piercing the night.
Elvis romps and stretches, struts and calls the tunes.
His spotlight seems brighter than the man in the moon.
“Yeah, yeah, yeah!”

Purple dressed ladies wave their hats to beat the band.
And the shocker of it all: They do the can-can!
“Yeah, yeah, yeah!”

Ringo gives the beat for the rock and roll show.
Behind his drums the keyboard hides that makes brass and strings go.
Floating down is Elvis in his jumpsuit that must swell
With pride to have the strength to hold in the King so well.
“Who could ask for more?”

Just one more thing would take this evening over the top.
The audience was sated, but Elvis wouldn’t stop.
While singing Memory, with a spray can he painted,
And soon a six foot portrait of himself was created.

So much music from this vintage band shell:
Even had ice cream and the town band played as well!
They shared their public home with Elvis and the Beatles.
“Look out! There goes Alice chasing a rabbit!”
“Let it be! Let it be!”