TOM CONNELLY: Physicians group hits the stage tonight for Albany ARC fundraiser

One Friday evening a few years ago after finishing my exercise routine at the YMCA, I journeyed downtown and looked for a place to eat and hopefully take in some entertainment.

After taking a right off of Gillionville onto Slappey and crossing the railroad tracks, I noticed a number of cars outside of a restaurant called Casa Tapatia’s. Taking this as my cue, I pulled in, parked the car and entered this establishment.

After being greeted by someone who I learned was the manager, Natalie Diaz, I heard some music emanating from the front of the building. And, to my delight, it was the type of music popular in my younger days.

Then, as I entered the room and walked toward the area where the band was, there appeared a familiar face. The lead singer of the band, Jose Tongol, was someone I knew from the running club we used to be in (Albany Running and Fitness Club), as well as the church we attend (St. Teresa’s Catholic Church).

Accompanying Jose were a few of his Filipino friends, Beltrahn Azarraga on the lead guitar and Heldi Villareal on the bongos, as well as Mark Moore on the bass guitar, and Felix Amankwa on the maracas. This group, collectively known as the JT YoYos was playing songs ranging from the 1960s up to today. Although the melodies weren’t played in chronological order, the band played songs by the Beatles such as “Help” and “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” Paul McArtney and Wings’ “Band on the Run” and “I Love You,” and The Rolling Stones’ “Satisfaction.”

Later, the JT YoYos played songs such as Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Proud Mary,” then segued into other tunes such as “Labamba,” “Twist and Shout” and then “Mustang Sally.” The group also performed songs by America, including “Tin Man,” “Horse with No Name,” “Sister Golden Hair” and “Ventura Highway.”

As the evening progressed, the band sang hits by the Eagles, such as “Hotel California” (Jos