WATCH: Get Serenaded by Grand Junction’s Bicycling Minstrel
Have you encountered a man with a beachcomber bicycle and a song in his heart cruising the streets of Grand Junction? That's Edward. He'd like to share a song with you.
I've known Edward for years. You've probably encountered him a time or two on a Grand Junction trail or somewhere downtown. He's usually riding his beachcomber, singing along to a song blasting from his mp3 player.
Edward Ybarra is a fixture at several local jam nights, especially the Tuesday Blues Jam at Charlie Dwellington's. You'll catch him singing and playing percussion.
A couple of Saturdays ago, I was walking the Audubon Trail, just minding my own business, when I heard "When a Man Loves a Woman" emanating from about a quarter-mile down the road. The sound continued to grow closer.... and closer. Before long Edward appeared out of nowhere, singing at the top of his lungs.
About two hours later I stopped by Hart Music at 4th and Main. Before long, the unmistakable sounds of "When a Man Loves a Woman" could be heard in the distance. The door opens, and voila, it's Edward, sans bike, stopping by to share a song and pay his tab.
That's two-plus-hours of an uninterrupted rendition of Percy Sledge, as interpreted by Edward. Check out the video, and I think you'll agree, he's a born entertainer.
I used to run into Edward all the time back in the Ultimate Fitness days. Right about that same time, you could spot Edward working as one of the foremen on the Avalon Theatre remodel. Come to think of it, I sold him a remote-controlled airplane somewhere back about 2003.
Thanks to Aaron Hart from Hart Music for capturing the video. Keep an ear open for Edward. He'll be cruising a street near you before you know it.