Musically, what a weekend it was in Federal Way! On Saturday, Aug. 28, a score of female barbershop quartets, under the aegis of Live Wire’s Quartet Extravaganza, performed legions of riveted songs at the Federal Way High School.
Patrons were ushered inside the school’s cafeteria-turned-music-hall to the haunting sounds of nostalgic tunes. Attendees made themselves quite at home to indulge in this musical rendezvous.
The evening began, most fittingly, with Teresa McCafferty and her “Live Wire” quartet, unleashing “Let’s Get the Party Here and Now” to an appreciative audience.
Dressed in coruscating jade-colored jackets and black slacks, the ladies shimmied their way into the hearts of their captivated fans.
“Live Wire” has captured first-place medals and the “Audience Favorite Award” in regional competitions, and took first place at the Puyallup Spring Fair Choir and Ensemble Competition in 2008.
A few mixed quartets like “Sweet Gerkin” made appearances, too. Don Rose and Dan Hofkamp of “FastTrack,” and Amy Rose and Nikki Blackmer of “Lionsgate Chorus” comprised this group.
Singing the Negro Spiritual, “No More Sorrow,” the velvet-voiced foursome dazzled the audience to no end.
After a brief intermission, the performers lost none of their verve or panache as they stormed into songs that reverberated in people’s hearts.
“Frenzy,” with three of its members from Canada, rolled out “Be My Good Luck Charm,” and literally brought the house down with their melodic voices.
Sparing no emotions, they not only connected with each other but with the audience as well. And enthrallingly so!
Some of the other groups that performed were “Matters of the Heart,” “Tangerine,” “Sunbreak,” “Classroom Based,” “Illumni,” “Cattywampus,” “Allspice,” “Four Evergreen,” “Aspire,” and “Champagne.”
What I like most about barbershop singing is that performers strive to transport their audiences to a time and place where music becomes the food of the soul, which has the ability to give life to the mundane and lifeless.
Singing “Bells are Ringing,” Live Wire perfected its showmanship for a magnificent and exhilarating finale. The ladies earned rapturous standing ovation and shrieks of delight, which the grateful audience heaped upon them.
At the last minute, I was told about “Concert for the Cure 2010,” a breast cancer benefit musical performance at the Knutzen Family Theatre.
I raced to the theatre as fast as I could, and was able to revel in the musical enchantment of Federal Way’s own, Robert McPherson.
Hailed by the New York Times for his “robust voice, agility and confidence,” the internationally-acclaimed tenor did not disappoint.
Sharing the stage with McPherson on this Saturday were renowned baritone, John B. Cooper, actress/singer, Elise Campello, and Jennifer Bromagen.
The team showcased a number of well-known musical theatre tunes as well as a popular variety of opera arias. Indeed they did a stunning performance for the local audience.
Guarded grandparents used to warn that eating mixed food could lead to indigestion. I suffered no such upset stomach with the mixing of musical genres on this Saturday.
The short time spent listening to the classical powerhouses felt like my having a double helping of mouthwatering desserts.
As this musical pie was served up by the generous performers, I watched with delight to see patrons equally lapping up every bit dished out to them.
Learn more
For more information on female barbershop music, contact Teresa McCafferty: director@jetcities.org or (253) 631-2130.
