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Band has performed at nursing home for more than 10 years

Photo

Photo by Matthew Wisniewski

A local country band has played at Rock Haven for 15 years.

Photo

Photo by Matthew Wisniewski

A local country band has played at Rock Haven for 15 years.

Photo

Photo by Matthew Wisniewski

A local country band has played at Rock Haven for 15 years.

JANESVILLE — The band's loyal fans packed the room.

Couples filled the dance floor, swaying to Johnny Cash and Travis Tritt covers.

The jukebox in the corner had everything from The Kinks to Johnny Mathis, in case anyone was in the mood for more dancing after band's set.

It was a Tuesday afternoon party.

One Tuesday a month for more than 12 years, the four core members of the Janesville-based Southbound Band have entertained residents of Rock Haven, the county-run nursing home at 3418 N. County F, Janesville.

"They love it," said rehabilitation therapist Carolyn Wagner. "Oh! Sorry! I've gotta go dance," she said.

Wagner was a popular dance partner during this week's show, smiling as she deftly but gently spun wheelchairs around the dance floor.

Wagner has worked at Rock Haven for more than 18 years, and the Southbound Band has missed only one show in her memory, she said. The exact length of the gig is unclear. Rock Haven Director Sherry Gunderson said it's been more than 15 years, but band member Jerry Dabson said it's more like 12.

Either way, their performance looked like more fun than work. "The General"—he declined to share his real name—strolled across the dance floor in his denim overalls to give less mobile residents a better view of his guitar work.

Dabson, who's been playing country music in Janesville for "nigh on 50 years" told the obligatory "So I went to the doctor the other day, and …" joke between songs.

Bass player Dave Wilson and drummer Doog O'Donnell were all smiles, too.

"What a good looking crowd," they said between songs.

Dabson talks modestly about more than a decade of volunteering and describes it as "just playing for friends." Before they lived at Rock Haven, many of the residents came to see Dabson play in other venues, he said.

"They have their favorites that they like to hear," Dabson said. "We're mostly a little country band. We try to do some of the tunes that they recognize from different musicians way back in the 60s. All you gotta do is sing that mess."

Southbound Band started playing at Rock Haven when Wilson's mom was a patient. They keep playing because it's the right thing—and a fun thing—to do, Dabson said.

"It's an hour out of our life," Dabson said. "It ain't no big deal."

TO VOLUNTEER

The Southbound Band plays country music once a month in the commons at Rock Haven, 3418 N. County F, Janesville. The band has been volunteering its time regularly for more than 12 years.

The county-run nursing home has many opportunities for groups or individuals who want to volunteer. For more information, call Sue Lewiston at (608) 757-5000.