100-Year-Old Drummer Performs at His Own Rockin’ Birthday Party
“Don’t wait until you’re old to live life and do the things you love," says longtime drummer Roger Wonson
The Current Beverly
Roger Wonson performs at his 100th birthday partyDrumroll, please!
Days after Roger Wonson’s 100th birthday on April 20, staff at the Current Beverly senior living development in Beverly, Massachusetts, threw the centenarian a party complete with loved ones, a custom cake — and a performance from his newly formed band, The Current Voltage.
The retired engineer started playing drums in jazz and swing bands in the 1930s and still uses his very first Zildjian cymbal in his set. Getting wind of this, the company presented him with a signed commemorative cymbal at his party.
Wonson formed The Current Voltage with some fellow residents and Current Beverly staffers, often jumping between the drums and his other favorite, saxophone. The move aligns with the advice he had to share with those younger than him: “Don’t wait until you’re old to live life and do the things you love."
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Speaking at the party, he also offered his mantras on ways to live a long, full life: "1. Everything in moderation; 2. The power of positive thinking can strengthen the immune system; and 3. [Use] empathy and compassion, to build a better life and healthy relationships."
The Current Beverly
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What may not have been enjoyed in moderation that day: Wonson's cake, a drumset-shaped confection from local favorite Flour(ish) Bake Shoppe made with his favorite flavors, vanilla and maple.
Some of Wonson's parting words to partygoers were poignant ones: "Be careful what you say to those around you, because you can’t take anything back once it’s been done or said," he shared. "Always keep that in mind.”
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