Sweet Adelines Return For Competition

Thu., April 2, 1998

William Berry Correspondent

The Sweet Adelines are back! Yes, those bubbling belles of barbershop are congregating in Spokane for a wild weekend of close harmony singing, camaraderie and serious competition.

Region 13 of the Sweet Adelines International includes Alaska, Washington and North Idaho. There will be choruses and quartets traveling to Spokane from all over this region to compete for “Center Stage!” this year’s theme.

Competitors are judged rigorously on musicianship, expression, sound and showmanship. The women who participate work hard on their presentations, with an eye toward moving on to international competition, so they bring their very best to this weekend’s performances.

New this year is tonight’s Showcase 13, which presents last year’s Region 13 winners at the City Center DoubleTree. Performers will be the reigning champions, the Pacific Sound Chorus, the quartet Simpatico, small chorus champions, the Fairbanks Frontier and a guest men’s quartet, Don’t Get Me Started. There will also be a guest performance by Sarah Lynn Aanderud, Miss Spokane.

On Friday afternoon, there will be a mass sing at the Big Red Wagon in Riverfront Park. Hundreds of women from all of the choruses will get together for some huge four-part harmonies.

The Quartet Competition, Chorus Competition and Festival of Champions take place in the Opera House Friday night and throughout the day Saturday. These events are all open to the public and are a good cross-section of the best there is in the world of women’s barbershopping.

Sweet Adelines International activities include:

Showcase 13, today, 8 p.m. at the DoubleTree City Center. Tickets: $8 at the door.

Mass Sing, Friday, 4 p.m., at the Red Wagon in Riverfront Park. Free.

Quartet Competition, Friday, 7 p.m. in the Opera House. Tickets: $10.

Chorus Competition, Saturday, 12:30 p.m. in the Opera House. Tickets: $10.

Festival of Champions, Saturday, 8 p.m. in the Opera House. Tickets: $17.

Tickets are available at the door, at G&B Select-a-Seat outlets or call (800) 325-SEAT.

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