Houston couple leads nightly pots-and-pans clanging celebration
Houston couple Clifford Pugh and John Dascoulias simply wanted to thank local health care workers and those on the front line. But their Facebook Live sessions, in which they clang pots and pans with kitchen utensils to a catchy tune, have grown into something more.
For two months straight, their webcast has hit the socialmedia platform (facebook.com/cliffordpugh) at 8 p.m. sharp. It not only serves as a way to connect with people but, for those watching at home, it also provides a steady stream of joy.
“We didn’t know it would go on for this long, but it has been amazing. We have people tuning in from Houston, New York, Ohio, South Carolina, Arkansas, Alabama and Massachusetts,”
said Pugh. “I was surprised by the outpouring of people who really enjoy it. I didn’t expect that.”
Pugh and Dascoulias got the idea when they saw people banging kitchenware from balconies and windows across Europe and other coronavirus hot spots, to show support for front-line health care workers.
The retired couple launched their Facebook Live series from their Montrose balcony on March 19, days before the city went on lockdown to help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus.
“We live in a midrise. Our neighbors above and below us periodically join in. They are drumming and banging on a pot. It’s been neat,” said Pugh.
Pugh and Dascoulias’ daily five-minute segment starts with a warm greeting, followed by a singalong to a pre-chosen track.
The right song is key.
“It has to have something to it that helps people get through the pandemic,” said Pugh.
Thus far, their pandemic playlist includes “Don’t Stand So Close to Me” by The Police, “I’m Still Standing” by Elton John, “Dancing With Myself ” by Billy Idol and “When Will I See You Again” by The Three Degrees.
Dascoulias’ mother, Bessie Dascoulias, who lives in Ohio, never misses a session. On her 90th birthday in late March, Dascoulias and Pugh sang along to “Birthday” by The Beatles in her honor.
“It is fun. When you think you are going to run out of songs, people suggest them,”
said Pugh.
Their audience started with a handful of people but has since ballooned to more than 100. While Pugh and Dascoulias don’t always sing every note on key, their enthusiasm is catching.
“Clifford and John are putting on a show. It is delightful,” said Houston resident Mary Flood. “Those two are a gift to all of those who log on.”
Flood was so inspired by Pugh and Dascoulias that she began her own daily pots-andpans session with her neighbors.
“We do it for one minute at 8 p.m. and then I turn on Facebook to watch Clifford and John,” said Flood. “It’s a way to thank people. It is also kind of a safety check. I fell asleep one night and then heard from my neighbors.”
They hadn’t heard her clanging pots and wanted to make sure she was all right.
Flood is one of a group of 20 loyal core viewers who watch Pugh and Dascoulias’ on Facebook every evening without fail. Houston’s Craig Hartley is also a regular. He’s been tuning in since the first week.
“I’ve started setting an alarm clock so I don’t miss it,” said Hartley. “It is a real lift to the day. I get a big smile every time.”
Pugh and Dascoulias are not sure how long they’ll continue their nightly routine. Although the experience has been positive, they’re looking forward to the day they can be with members of their audience in person.
“Some might think it is silly. But people are so down and out about the news. It’s nice to take five minutes out of the day to celebrate that we are still here. We are still hanging in there,” said Pugh. “It is fun, but it will be fine to end it because it means this is all over. We’ll have a big dance party all together one day. Hopefully, soon.”