By Jeremy Carr
The Desert Aires Chorus presents its 27th annual show at 2:30 p.m. on Feb. 19 in Sundial Auditorium, Boswell and 103rd avenues in Sun City.
This chorus is composed of retirees in the Northwest Valley ranging in age from 65 to 90 who represent 23 states with a collective total of 1,200 years of a’cappella four-part close harmony singing.
This year’s theme is “Hooray for Hollywood,” with each member dressed as a famous movie star singing their great songs.
Add to this the 2016 International Champion Senior Quartet, “High Priority,” with its multiple honors and accolades as the guest quartet. The show also will feature quartet singers from “Just in Time,” “Entrenous,” “Rainbow” and “Time Was.”
The
Desert Aires Barbershop Chorus is under the direction of its two co-directors, Bill Shaw and Dave Moses, who have more than 50 years of a’cappella four-part harmony singing.
Reserved tickets cost $15 and are available from individual chorus members or at the Sundial box office from 9 a.m.-noon through Feb. 18. Tickets also are available one hour before the performance.
Originating in September 1976 with just eight men wanting to sing four-part harmony, the group grew over the years to its present 55 members with the title of Desert Aires Barbershop Chorus. The chorus joined the 'Barbershop Harmony Society' (formally S.P.E.B.S.Q.S.A), receiving its charter in May of 1996, as the Sun Cities Chapter D-101.
The Chorus has presented annual concerts for thirty consecutive years, and has performed hundreds of times for various groups, as well as donating performances for charitable organizations and the Sun Cities Recreation Centers functions. They have contributed substantial amounts to local charities each year.
Editor’s note: Mr. McGill handles publicity for the Desert Aires.
