Sweet Adelines Opens Shop In Area

Barbershop music is an all but forgotten American music derivation.

Long replaced by boom-boxes and roadside prophets, the ‘30s and ‘40s a cappella-style chorus music once wafted from urban street corners.

Though the style influenced doo-wop, which, in turn, influenced modern pop music, traditional barbershop music today is reserved for preservation groups like the Sweet Adelines of Spokane and Coeur d’Alene.

Both all-women groups, which are umbrella organizations containing several quartets, are throwing concerts in the area this weekend and next.

Spokane’s Sweet Adelines will perform their spring concert “Back at the Ol’ Bandstand” at the Spokane Community College Auditorium on Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m. The Coeur d’Alene Sweet Adelines perform at the “Harmony Soup” concert at North Idaho College’s Schuler Auditorium on March 8 at 8 p.m.

The Spokane concert includes performances by six barbershop ensembles - the Hi-Lights, Esprit, Upbeat, the Aristocrats, Northwest Blend and the Harmonicrats. All groups will sing to the tune of the Chris Moyer Orchestra. The CdA show features sets by Simpatico, Nancy Benun Persuasion and the Lake City Harmonizers. Pianist George Conrad will accompany.

Tickets for Saturday’s performances are $12 for adults and $10 for seniors, available at G&B Select-a-Seat outlets, or call 325-SEAT. Tickets for the March 8 show are $10 for adults, $9 for seniors and students and $2 for children 12 and younger, available at Medicine Man Pharmacies, Burt’s Music and at the door.

, DataTimes