Enduring duo has been belting out tunes night after night through karaoke sessions for a quarter of a century
In the heart of Santa Cruz, California, a unique story unfolds almost every night for nearly 350 days a year. Bob and Patti Vasconcellos, aged 82 and 78 respectively, have been regulars at Coasters Bar and Grill for nearly three decades.
The bar, a popular spot among locals, tourists, and college students, boasts a dance floor where patrons take turns belting out their favourite tunes. For the Vasconcellos, their signature number is "My Humps" by the Black Eyed Peas, a song they perform with infectious energy at the end of each night.
However, it's important to note that the Vasconcellos don't particularly care for the song. It was Bob's love for "I Got You Babe" that first drew him to the karaoke stage three decades ago, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Bob and Patti spend their evenings taking turns singing a variety of songs, from "Babe, I Got You Babe" and "Country Roads" to more contemporary hits. Their arrival, accompanied by their walkers, is always met with excited cheers from the crowd.
The couple's home in San Francisco is adorned with hundreds of jigsaw puzzles, a new hobby they picked up during the pandemic. But it's the Coasters Bar and Grill that provides them with a sense of community and has helped them make many friends.
Patti discovered her love for singing in her late 40s, starting with "Crazy" by Patsy Cline. She believes that singing helps her forget her problems and have fun, while Bob became hooked on karaoke after his first performance of "I Got You Babe."
As they step onto the stage, hand in hand, the Vasconcellos hope to continue their karaoke journey for many more years to come, bringing joy to the crowd and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
