Choirs Bring Nostalgic Swing and Jazz to Spring Concerts

The Community Chorus of Port Townsend and East Jefferson County travel back in time to perform Sentimental Journey: Swingin’ through the 1920s, 30s and 40s. Concerts will be at two different locations: Friday, April 10, 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church located at 1111 Franklin St., Port Townsend, and Sunday, April 12, 3 p.m. at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer located at 45 Redeemer Way in Port Hadlock.

Community Chorus of Port Townsend and East Jefferson County

Director Jon Stafford urged singers to embrace the heart and passion of these nostalgic favorites during rehearsals. The program features charts from beloved American songwriters such as Cole Porter, George Gershwin, and Irving Berlin. Highlights include Summertime and They Can’t Take That Away from Me by George and Ira Gershwin, Blue Skies by Irving Berlin, a Cole Porter medley including You’d Be So Nice to Come Home To and I’ve Got You Under My Skin, and Sentimental Journey by Bud Green, Les Brown, and Ben Homer.

Chorus representatives say they grew up with these songs and find them personally satisfying. Chorus president, Linda Atkins stated, “These songs bring back such sweet memories of riding with my mom in the car and singing together.”

Chorus accompanist Liz Hopkins is featured on a Gershwin piano solo. Guest instrumentalists Aaron Spieldenner on guitar and Conor Sisk on percussion join the singers on some numbers. Also featured are two special guests: the newly formed Port Townsend Women’s Chorus and the Wild Rose Chorale, both directed by Leslie Lewis. Pianist Lisa Lanza accompanies the women’s choir. Wild Rose Chorale sings a cappella.

George Gershwin said, “True music must repeat the thoughts and inspirations of the people and the time. My people are Americans and my time is today.”

Tickets are a suggested $20 at the door. For more information, please visit ptchorus.org, or call 360-643-3345 or 360-385-1912.