By Linda Elissalde
It is always a thrill to receive an invitation from the Sargent family of Galveston, Texas. The first 2026 invitations asked for presentations that,“Told A Story”. Bill, Jean, Mary Jean and Anna Leigh are famous for their SING FOR YOUR SUPPER events. It is always an adventure in talent, semi-talent, and most of all, fun. Whether you can actually sing or not matters not. Whatever you put together for that moment is always awarded with vigorous rounds of applause. A 5 star dinner prepared by the multi-talented Sargent family is a most fitting finale to the evening.
Mary Jean is ready at piano to accompany when needed. Miss Sargent can play anything in any key requested. Marcel and I always try to be first as we do not have a lot of talent. However, we do have imagination. Marcel sang by memory The Kingston Trio’s “Merry Minute” as wife Linda (sort of) acted out the parts. This was followed by a unique number from The Johnston Trio. Glenn Taylor gloriously crooned “El Paso” with wife Martha as beautiful Felina and Will Johnston as the “handsome young cowboy who lay dead on the floor”. Lovely, talented and 100 years young Marjorie Rasche captivated with, not just one, but two piano numbers. Well known singer David Bridgewater delighted audience with a sweet Christmas arrangement. Then came The Johnston Family. Members include Brett, Katie, Eliana, Addie and formerly “handsome young cowboy who lay dead on the floor” Will. That whole family is very entertaining! Another special group were James Black, Stan Heerboth and Bill Sargent -aka-The Terrible Tenors. Yep! They lived up to their hype and were awarded with great applause. Michael Salinas’s “If I Were A Rich Man” from FIDDLER ON THE ROOF was simply magnificent. Mike has a fabulous voice. Anna Leigh Sargent is not only a violin virtuoso and gifted teacher. She also has an enchanting soprano voice to entertain listeners. Julia Fitzgerald’s rendition of “Ode to Billy Joe” rivaled the famous recording by Bobbie Gentry. Mary Jean’s “The Fall of Rome” included much marching and dying by Johnstons and Elissaldes. Jean, Mary Jean and Anna Leigh Sargent were the fine finale that led to a march into the dining room.
Thereupon all enjoyed multiple servings of cheesy spinach main dish, tossed salad and buttered bread along with a variety of beverages. Peach and strawberry cobbler with vanilla ice cream closed out this scrumptious meal.
What a delightful group gathered together for music, food and laughter. Everyone heartily thanked the Sargent family for such a musical, magical evening. Now all guests keep checking their mailboxes, computers and phones for another invitation to SINGING FOR YOUR SUPPER WITH THE SARGENTS!
