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The Villages
Friday, March 29, 2024

Villages Pop Chorus puts cool spin on Christmas classics in pair of sold-out shows

“Frosty the Snowman” never sounded so cool.
Mrs. Santa Claus gave her old man a run for his Christmas money.
And the guys in The Villages Pop Chorus channeled their inner Elvis.
It all happened during two sold out concerts Monday at the North Lake Presbyterian Church.
The Pops Chorus, under the direction of Bill Davis, has a knack for turning some songs and musical traditions upside down.

Bill Davis directs The Villages Pops Chorus as Sallie Matteson plays the flute.
Bill Davis directs The Villages Pops Chorus as Sallie Matteson plays the flute.

The Chorus’ version of “Frosty” featured some rock and roll, a little bit of a waltz and even a tad of rap in the beginning.
“We like to take a variety of songs and make them fresh,” Davis said before the opening concert. “We try different arrangements. Sometimes, it’s just whimsy.” 

Watch video from the show:

Bonnie Williams was overflowing with whimsy on a delightful “Mrs. Santa Claus.” She wore a bright red apron and added plenty of sugar and spice to the Jerry Herman tune. Mrs. SC earned some R-E-S-P-E-C-T.

Bonnie Williams belts out Mrs. Santa Claus Monday during The Villages Pop Chorus concert.
Bonnie Williams belts out Mrs. Santa Claus Monday during The Villages Pop Chorus concert.
The A Cappella Gold singing group sings under a video screen at the North Lake Presbyterian Church.
The A Cappella Gold singing group sings under a video screen at the North Lake Presbyterian Church.

Next up were the guys.

“Now the men are going to see if they can channel Elvis,” Davis said, introducing Presley’s early rocking classic, “Santa Bring My Baby Back To Me.”

The guys, sporting blue shirts, did everything but shake, rattle and roll and made the song work
The concert was called “Getting In The Mood for Christmas” and also featured The Villages Pops Chorus Band. It opened with a rollicking “Sleigh Ride.” Next came a holiday take on the Glenn Miller classic, “In the Mood,” with some Christmas lyrics.
Sallie Matteson provided a flute solo that enhanced the soft harmony on “The Peace Carol.” Davis teamed with Dennis St. Germain, Don Hainlen and Frank Corbin Jr. on the folky “The Marvelous Toy.” Dave Czohara played trumpet for the Chorus ladies on “Christmas Shopping Blues.”
“We Are Lights” featured the vocal teamwork of Karen Martin, Gloria Blankenship, BJ Odendahl, Joanne Johnston, Lynne Greenberger, Sharri Duval, Bob Brandoni, Luma Green and Bruce Greenberger.
The music turned hot with “Zat You, Santa Claus” by the group A Cappella Gold. Soon after, you could almost feel the sentimental warmth on “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.”
The concert closed, fittingly enough, with the inspirational, “Let There Be Peace On Earth.”

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