Classic Touch does benefit for Scribes fundraiser
By Lyn Bliss, Senior Scribe
Two ladies, one from Greenville and one from just southeast of Chicago, are often seen on stage together. Their story is unique and heartwarming – as is their music.
They bill themselves as “Classic Touch” and have been performing in Darke County and the surrounding area for several months. They will be giving a free concert to benefit the Senior Scribes Scholarship Fund on September 18. It will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Lighthouse Christian Center. Admission is free.
Nancy Livingston grew up in Greenville, and daughter-in-law Amanda grew up in Michigan City, Ind. (just southeast of Chicago). Nancy’s son, Darby, met Amanda (Mandy) while in college in Dayton. They met at a nightclub over 13 years ago, and as the saying goes, “the rest is history.”
“I couldn't have asked for a more loving, supportive husband, and I got a pretty cool Mother-in-law thrown in for free,” says Amanda.
The two ladies found they shared an interest in and talent for music. About nine years ago they started playing gospel music together, Amanda on the guitar and Nancy playing bass on the keyboard. That duo has grown into a full praise band.
They eventually decided that their music should be more than just a fun thing to do at home.
“It was as though it was decided for us!” Nancy said. “The music came together so fast! It seemed very natural and comfortable playing together. And, the more times we got together, the better it sounded. Soon, our husbands were telling us we should be doing more with it. At that point, we started considering the idea of actually sharing our music with others.”
Once that decision was made, the two were faced with the problem of coming up with a name.
“Many years ago, I had a concept of doing music programs where I might sing a whole evening of classic hit songs, by one, maybe two famous recording artists. I thought of calling it ‘Classic Moments.’ I even had a banner made up with that name! But, my idea fizzled out, because I just couldn't get sold on making it a reality,” Nancy said. “Once the two of us decided to ‘take our show on the road,’ I ran that name by Mandy. She thought about it, and then added her personal input by dropping the word ‘Moments’ and substituting the word ‘Touch.’ Then she added the slogan ‘music you can feel’ to go along with the name. I really liked the sound of it so much better.”
“I thought ‘Classic Moments’ sounded too much like ‘senior moment’ and it made me feel old, so I worked on it a bit!” added Mandy.
Nancy noted that teaming up with Mandy led to performing classic hits from the ‘50s through the ‘80s.
“I didn't have much say so! Mandy was calling the shots! I'm just kidding!” she said. “Actually, I'd already been singing as a Gospel soloist for about ten years. I knew Mandy was a talented guitarist and I thought about how great it would be if we could combine our talents and form a Gospel Duo. While she wasn't opposed to playing and singing Gospel music as a duo, she shared with me that she had always loved the Rock’n’Roll music of the ‘60s and ‘70s. She went on to say that she would be much more inclined to join me as an ‘oldies Rock’n’Roll’ duo. Several months went by. It seems like we were at a fellowship meal at church, and afterwards we were jamming on some Creedence Clearwater songs. It kinda’ went from there.”
They said they had four practices before they actually sang at an open-mike event held at the Performing Arts Center in Union City, Ind.
“At this point, we were still both uncertain if we could even pull it off. But the response was so over-whelming we decided to take a serious approach to making it happen,” explained Nancy. “We just wanted to get some feedback... from the people, not the equipment!”
As a result, the two began practicing in earnest. They sometimes practice in a church and other times at Nancy’s home.
“We’ve done much practicing in Nancy’s office/studio/wardrobe/storage room. Sometimes we set up outside and give the neighbors a free concert. We also practice at our church building.”
“Sometimes at her home,” added Nancy, nodding at Mandy.
They talked about those sessions and some of the crazy things that have happened. They agreed that they have often joked about finding it odd to be singing non-Christian music in a church.
“Practice has had its share of hilarity. Trying to get the singing parts down ─ and then the times when the equipment isn’t working right. That might not seem funny to some, but what are you gonna’ do, cry? We’d rather laugh!” observed Nancy.
“Sometimes, when we have to set up our own equipment, we look more like Laurel and Hardy than musicians! We are blessed to have husbands who are fully supportive and usually available to take care of the equipment and mechanical details so that we can get to the fun stuff. Although, watching us set up can sometimes provide great entertainment,” added Mandy.
Classic Touch has done several private engagements.
“No, not bachelor parties!” quipped Nancy.
“We played at a Shriner's dinner, at Farm Power of the Past, but we were a fill in and totally unadvertised. If I recall, the three people who heard us really enjoyed it! Then we played at the Darke County Fair. Again, I was amazed at the response of the people! We had a great crowd, and the Living Statue even came down to sit and listen! That was a highlight for me! When he actually complimented us on how wonderful we sounded, my son said, ‘See, you can even make a statue talk!’” continued Nancy.
Nancy plays the keyboard, providing various organ and piano sounds, and is a vocalist. Amanda plays acoustic and electric guitar. She has also played saxophone, drums/percussion, and ‘dabbled’ with some other instruments.
“I hope to add some of these other sounds to Classic Touch in the future.” explained Mandy.
“I think we both see this as a wonderful opportunity to be with people!” Nancy said. “Of course, the driving force behind it is the amount of joy that it brings us both! Another reason will soon have to be income ─ if our husbands don’t stop buying us equipment! Just kidding!”
Nancy and Amanda said that Classic Touch is in its infancy, but based upon what they have been told, and their successes so far, they think it has a stable place in the entertainment field.
“You know, I'm not even looking that far! I feel blessed to be part of Classic Touch. I know that wherever we go as an oldies duo, will be okay with me! Love for each other as family, and mutual love for our music is the driving force behind it. One thing I foresee is a super great time at our official debut night coming up September 18th!” Nancy explained.
“I think that the Lord is going to take Classic Touch wherever it needs to be. We hope that we can continue to bring “music you can feel” to the Darke County area for years to come.” added Mandy.
Their concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. September 18 at the Lighthouse Christian Center, 5256 Sebring Warner Road, Greenville. Admission is free. Refreshments will be available. For further information, please contact Senior Scribes Scholarship Board Member and Concert Committee chairman Delbert Blickenstaff at (937) 547-8539.
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