Another season comes to an end...

Last night, December 12, 2014, I had the privilege of going to the Kenny Rogers Concert in Van Wert to hear not only Kenny, but our own Voices of Ohio.  Those of you in the group know the amount of work that went into the performance last evening and I'm sure your families are well aware too.  The concert was worth the effort!  The Voices sounded like the professionals they are and were told so many times by both Kenny and Linda Davis, the special guest.

The Niswonger Performing Arts Center in Van Wert, Ohio, was truly a surprise.  Having lived in Lima for 11 years before we went to Georgia, and then in Columbus for two before returning to Lima just this past August, I never knew there was such a fine arts center in Van Wert.  Now, granted, I was away for a decade and in that time a lot changed - not the least of which was the building of a new high school for Van Wert and the addition of the performing arts complex as part of the high school.  It's a fair sized venue - 1,600 seats on two levels, but has the appearance and sounds of an exceptional location for entertainment.  High tech lighting, digital imagery on various surfaces, comfortable seating, great sound...well, this isn't a review of the center so  I'll stop there.  (But, it's really nice!)

A sold out audience welcomed "the gambler" to the stage with warmth and appreciation.  He talked candidly with the audience about his age (70ish) and the fact he was a little unsteady on his feet because of  knee replacement surgery.  His candor and interaction with the audience was just right as he reminisced about past hits and sang renditions that brought applause as soon as the opening notes were heard.  I don't think I could name one favorite song, because as he went from song to song, I smiled and hummed along. When he was finished with the past hits, he left the stage for 20 minutes to prepare for the Christmas part of the program.

Well, this was the part I really came for since VOO was performing and I'd lived with a member of the group for the past several months...lots of practice, lots of trepidation, stress, anticipation, and finally the day had arrived.  I went over all the parts of Bob's wardrobe Thursday night, checked for shoes, the right socks.  Friday morning, we went over it again together, removing items that would be excess, and assuring the right tie, studs and cuff links were all there until he left for the concert.  Then I relaxed!  I knew he would be keyed up until after the concert but he would be with everyone else in the chorus. They would take care of one another.  I just had to get myself to the concert by 7:30.

Now, the Christmas part of the program was beginning and I watched as the chorus quietly took the tiers across the back of the stage and naturally looked to find Bob - there he was right under the center of the Christmas graphics on stage. Luckey I could see him.  He and Derrick Davis are tall men but somehow get in between Malcom and Jeff, both of whom make them look short.  The local children performing with Kenny and Linda Davis acted as if they always had been on stage.  The chorus sang back up for one song with Kenny and Linda and then came quickly off the tiers to stage right and lined up with Girard at the ready.  Linda Davis' conversation sounded so natural as she started "Go Tell It On The Mountain" and the chorus joined her with a up beat, happy rendition that had the audience clapping along.  Her praises for the quality of the group were warm and professional as she got Kenny to agree with her that they might have a song of their own prepared.  "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"  accappella never sounded so good. I say that honestly because I heard them practicing several times and knew there were some spots that needed work...but last night every voice hit the right note at the right time and gave me chills. Then they moved across stage behind Kenny, Linda and the kids, as they accompanied on the final songs of the evening.  The audience was on their feet even before the music finished.

I think the group sounded the best I've ever heard it since Bob has been involved.  There have been very few performances that I've missed over the last several years, both indoors and outside.  The blending of  voices seems so much stronger and cohesive when not competing with vendors and amusement rides - although they're good then too.  The only disappointment for me was the lack of recognition for the Voices of Ohio to the audience.  Yes, Kenny said their name and gave the director's name too and thanked them profusely...That was great.  However, the program guide I was handed when I went to my seat didn't give any indication that a chorus would be there...the program gave biographical information on Kenny, Linda and all five of the youngsters who performed (local children).  When I heard people around me, both while seated and as I was leaving, ask where the choir was from, I made my way to them and told them about the group and director.  I don't know who's decision it was to not include a few lines recognizing the guest chorus members and director.  I'm not even sure if it's appropriate to do so...maybe it was to comply with some professional standards...I don't know.  I just think when the Voices perform, there should be sufficient recognition that people can say, "I'd like to hear them again wherever they perform."  If they don't know the name they can't find the Voices and I want the group found!!

Well that was the final performance of the season.  I didn't write much this season with teaching, moving and then breaking my foot at the Dayton fair; I couldn't find what I  wanted to say.  Guess you could say my voice was hindered by my own problems and I didn't think you needed to hear all of them.  I am looking forward to next season....I remain a little ole lady groupie!  Bye y'all. Garlene
P.s.  there is a web site www.voicesofohio.com for information and pictures.