Notice Larry walking like a Boss as we headed to a free concert of a premier Navy choir, The Sea Chanters.
One of the things that Larry and I have in common is our love of singing. While in our respective high schools, we were each in select choirs that sang difficult pieces. In the very auditorium where we were headed to, Larry sang with his visiting high school and qualified for the All-State choir. These days, we LOVE to sing together in church! I knew that he would enjoy this concert and we called to get some free tickets when we heard about it. Incidentally, upon enlisting at 18, Larry was promised that he would get an audition with the Navy choir but sadly, that never happened.
I'm sorry that I caught Dad's eyes closed in this picture and assure you that he was awake! We made a fantastic choice in asking these two patriots and lovebirds to join us for this concert. They got to the auditorium an hour before it started and saved 8 of the Best Seats in the House for our family!
Talent, professionalism and pure entertainment followed for the next hour and a half. This group of about 20 men and women from the Navy sang and danced their hearts out for us. The movements to the songs were classy and in perfect rhythm. They sang together with the accompaniment of three Navy musicians, a gal on keyboards, a fellow on drums and another one playing the bass guitar. Those were the only instruments they needed because their excellent voices provided the music.
Only a few songs were sung with the whole choir together and many of these were absolute tear jerkers like The Star Spangled Banner, America The Beautiful and The Battle Hymn of the Republic.
For most of the songs the choir broke up into small groups who moved with terrific choreography as they sang, like the three ladies who performed " Bugle Boy" as the Andrews Sisters used to. A small group of men put on a Temptations or Four Seasons skit and sang numbers from the 60's like "Big Girls Don't Cry". Some of the guys had perfect Falsetto voices and could really hit the notes in " Oh What A Night." They did a Soul Spiritual song and put on an act from an Opera in Italian in costumes that was hilarious.
Most of the audience were Seniors and Baby Boomers. We knew every song they sang. They even had an extended sing-along which included " Jeremiah was a Bullfrog!" and "Hello World, There's a Song That We're Singing" from The Partridge Family! The talent and energy that they conveyed made us all so happy. It was spectacular! As an encore, they sang for at least another ten minutes with each individual member of the choir stepping forward as a soloist to sing a few verses and the chorus of a different song that really showcased their particular voice. One young lady sang " Son of a Preacher Man."
The very last song was "My Country Tis' of Thee" sang by the only Black fellow who was at least 6'4", had a very rich, deep voice and gave it his all in the most compelling way as he sang the words " sweet land of Liberty"....He interpreted it in a Black Gospel church choir kind of way that was fabulous! This concert was one beautiful emotional ride and stirred our patriotism further by continually saluting the Vets who are serving or who have served, especially those now disabled. What a gift!!!!! The kids loved it as much as we did! Additionally, it is always a privilege and a pleasure to spend time with Mom and Dad!
In the lobby after the show, the kids took a few pictures with a beauty queen who was in attendance. The Sea Chanters were available to chat and we told them how much fun we had.
The Sea Chanters are beginning their Spring Tour in many states particularly in the midwest. If you ever get a chance to see them, go! We will always remember this wonderful concert.
