Sing what? In what Style?

So, it's Mother's Day 2013 and I've scheduled my first meet-up for the Valley Village Vocals. Yes, an alliteration at it's finest. lol Extra points! Any way....wth was I thinking? Who's gonna show up on Mother's Day? Now, don't think I'm callous. I spent Mother's Day with the important women in my life (my mommy....yes, I said mommy, and the grandma) the day before. But, I digress. Love you mom and grandma! Who's gonna show up? Well, people, of course. It was a small, but mighty group. I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised. It was a group of mostly strangers, who by the end of the day had become.....well.....acquaintances with something in common....a love for music.
The group started out with the usual "hi, my name is...." and "I love music, because..." blah, blah, blah. People were shy at first, but once music was brought into the conversation, inevitably, the walls came tumblin' down. It was an older group, so I scratched my "Be Banana" activity, thinking that nobody would want to "peel banana." Instead, I went straight into the main event.....head first. Now, hindsight is 20/20, and I do think some of them would've liked it, especially "go bananas!" Who doesn't wanna do that.....every day! Pick me, pick me! I do....and I do it! lol
Now, for the main event. A small sense of uncertainty enters the room as the victims....ahem....I mean....talented singers and musicians are given the following instructions: break into groups of three or four (math skills.....tested....passed), pick a song (decision making skills.....tested....passed), and sing that song in a genre other than the one in which it is written. Wha??? Yes, ANY other genre. Confusion filled the room, but the results were pretty NICE!
After about 30 minutes of team work, deliberation, and rehearsal the groups came up with the following: "Theme from New York, New York" sung as a Gregorian Chant (with harmonies......yes!!), "Stand by Me" sung as a good ol' Country song, and "Twist and Shout" as a modern Rap. The highlight? "So Darlin'......Darlin'....now Darlin;.....oh Darlin'....Stand By Me" sung with the twangiest accent you can come up with. Classic Country!! 
What did everyone learn? Taking risks in music is easy and fun, working together produces good results, and it helps the self-esteem when people actually applaud after your performance. Oh, and many discovered a new talent they never knew they had.....remixing songs. Oh, and if there's food....people will come. :) Until the next meet-up on August 4th.