The Danville Barbershop Chorus will be performing at 3 PM this coming Saturday at the Fischer Theatre. Director Marty Lindvahl and one of the Danville Barbershop Chorus quartets, Four on the Floor, all joined us on 1490 WDAN’s News Makers over the weekend. Lindvahl, a retired music teacher, said when she first looked into being the director, it was kind of on a “see how it goes” basis.
ABOVE: They approached me about five years ago, and they were looking for a director. And it was kind of between my husband and I. But, I don’t know, they convinced me. And I said, “Guys, I’m going to get you through ‘Arts in the Park,’ we’re just dating. I don’t know if you’re going to like me, I don’t know if I’m going to like you.” And then I went to the first rehearsal and I was real organized, and we just sort of started dating. Now, we’re in a serious relationship, I guess.
We should also mention that, yes, the Danville Barbershop Chorus will once again be singing the National Anthem in St. Louis prior to a Cardinals-Cubs game; set for Friday June 24th. Wes Beritz, who makes up Four on the Floor with Mike Westphal, Bob Boesdorder, and J.P. Calvin; says they’re somewhat used to doing this now; but everyone said it’s such an honor to perform the Anthem in front of 35,000 people.
AUDIO: Well, we certainly have been treated well because they’ve asked us back now for the fourth time in a row. I think they like the way we sound and I think they like the arrangement. It seems to hit a nice note with them. I remember that someone said that the owner, how he came by, and said, “my goodness.” He liked that sound, so we’ve got him on our side too.
As for this Saturday’s show at the Fischer, what do Barbershop singers do or not do prior to performing to make sure their voices are ready? Well, J. P. Calvin; with the Danville Barbership Chorus since 1966; he told us he’s got his own way.
AUDIO: Well, you don’t eat too much, you know, before you sing. And then, you always have a double shot of hot damn. And just let it go down your throat to soothe it, and then you sing like a bird.
About 40 Barbershopers will be singing with the Chorus at the Fischer this Saturday. And some other named quartets make up the group; including Heartland Harmony, Second Time Around, an eight person group called Young Plus One; and then some folks from Charleston called Sentimental Journey. The U of I student group The Other Guys will also be making an appearance. Get your tickets at the Fischer door, or go ahead of time to AttheFischer.com.
