The Villages Pop Chorus hopes to find solace in music for what has been a bittersweet and mournful summer.
Three members of the Chorus have died in the past month: Karen Martin, George Dallas and, in the past week, David O’Dwyer.
The Chorus holds its annual summer concert on Monday, July 31, at 3 and 6 p.m. in North Lake Presbyterian Church. It is called “Hooray for Hollywood” and features “a choral celebration of songs from the movies.”
O’Dwyer, a tenor with the Chorus since 2015, passed away after suffering from cancer. In addition to singing with the Chorus, O’Dwyer also sang with the A Cappella Gold group and also performed with a barbershop quartet.
“Dave was instrumental in bringing “Tutors For Kids” to our attention as a charity, and was a volunteer for that group,” said Bill Davis, director of the Pop Chorus.”
Karen Martin and George Dallas died within days of each other in late June.
“This is a very difficult time for all of us,” said Davis, director of the Pops Chorus, which has about 130 members.
Monday’s concert will be an emotional event.
“It’s not going to be easy, but we’re going to get through it, and we’re going to honor Karen, George and David,” Davis said.
He added the concert is dedicated to Karen, George and David. The program reads: “Your wonderful singing and friendship will never be forgotten.”