Singed Synapses and Deranged Dendrites

Playing to the Coconuts (#band)

Juan finished helping his uncle George's band set up for an evening seaside wedding. He'd helped his uncle play for the last three years since he had turned seven and was strong enough to carry the big drums, the guitar cases, the mics, and the amps.

On the beach stood an arch under which the bride and groom had exchanged their vows. Palm trees waves in a pleasant breeze in front of a glorious sunset.

As it grew dark and the wedding guests feasted, torches were lit and colored lights illuminated a wood dance floor set upon the sand.

"Juan," said George beckoning his nephew to follow him to the truck that housed the band's equipment.

Juan followed his uncle, obediently as always.

But instead of handing Juan something to carry back to the stage he lowered himself to Juan's height and his face turned serious.

"Juan," have you practiced your trumpet, that piece that I asked you to learn."

Juan laughed. "Of course Tio, you know I play it every day." Indeed it was Juan's favorite. A show-stopping trumped solo, one his uncle's band frequently kicked off an evening with.

His uncle nodded. "Then I have something for you Juan." He reached into the truck and pulled out a small gold dinner jacket exactly like the ones the members of the band wore.

"Oh, Tio," gasped while his uncle helped him into it. His uncle spun him around and smiled with approval.

"Tonight you lead the first set with that trumpet solo, Juan. You get the bride and the wedding party ready to dance all night."

Juan couldn't believe it. While his uncle and father had always talked about how one day Juan would play in the band, he had no idea it would happen so soon.

He was still admiring his sparkling jacket when his uncle led him onto the stage and put the trumpet in his hands.

"Play to the coconuts," whispered George into Juan's ear.

Juan soon understood why when he looked down and dozens of faces were fixed upon him.

On stage the jacket sparkled in a rainbow of colors. Everyone was silent. Juan could feel his uncle and the band behind tense with anticipation and Juan felt the tingle on nerves run down his spine.

"Play to the coconuts," his uncle whispered again.

Juan looked up a the palm fronds above him. He put the trumpet to his lips. And then he blew into it the opening notes with more gusto than he had ever mustered before.

When he reached the end of the opening bars, a roar rose from the guests. The bride and groom rushed to the dance floor and the band started up behind Juan.

Juan looked back and saw a nod of approval from his uncle.

Then he lifted his trumpet once more and played on.