They may no longer be kids, but the guys and gals in The Villages Pop Chorus showed Monday they can still be hip, greasy and even a little funky.
This gang of 130 singers came bopping down the isles for the “Hooray for Hollywood” concert wearing shades and jiving to “The Blues Brothers Review” by the Pops Chorus Band. The Chorus played two, sold out shows at the North Lake Presbyterian Church.
“This is just going to be a huge amount of fun,” said Bill Davis, director of the group. “The best thing about this is the money we raise for charity. We’ve given over $45,000 in the past three years, and we’re going to add a lot more after today’s concerts.”
The Chorus, aided by accompanist Jo Ann Hanebrink, opened the concert in rousing style with “Hooray for Hollywood.” Then came a charming, “A Whole New World” from “Aladdin.” They rocked out on “You’re the One That I Want” from “Grease.”
The A Cappella Gold group hit the street corner for some vintage doo-wop harmony on the Five Satins’ “In the Still of the Nite.”
Davis and his crew cooked up something special with a vocal version of the famed “Pink Panther Theme” by Henry Mancini. The men were making panther-like sound while the women kept the beat by snapping their fingers.
It was –as they say in Hollywood and The Villages –tres cool.
Special guest Phil Caltabellotta delivered a masterful and emotional harmonica solo on another Mancini classic – “Moon River.” He added another stirring performance on “Autumn Leaves.”
Jim Bleau had some fun singing the old Bing Crosby song, “Swinging On a Star.” Debbie Chambers, who missed a previous chorus concert with laryngitis, showed her voice is back in top form.
Chambers sang the Paul McCartney song “Goodbye,” made famous in the 1960s by Mary Hopkin. Chambers delivered a sparking version of the song, and even led the audience in a sing-a-long. Jan Lavin was equally skilled singing “The Rose,” accompanied by the female Pops Folksingers.
The male Pops Folksingers joined the concert with a somber version of “The Green Leaves of Summer,” a hit for the Brothers Four. The song was featured in John Wayne’s movie, “The Alamo.”
Other highlights included “Dear Heart,” with a flute solo by Sallie Matteson; “Nine to Five,” and “New York, New York.” The Chorus did a tender and masterful presentation of “Pure Imagination” from “Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory.”
Another powerful number was the closing song, “Over the Rainbow.”
The concert was dedicated to three members of The Villages Pop Chorus who have passed away this summer: Karen Martin, George Dallas and David O’Dwyer.
“Your wonderful singing and friendship will be never be forgotten,” the Pops Chorus stated in the program dedication.
