The USA at the USO performed by The Lake Country Chorus at Festival Hall on April 30 was a truly memorable evening.
Through music, singing, and dancing, it celebrated the men who set the USA on a path to freedom 250 years ago, as well as the men and women of the United States armed forces who have protected the country.
This tribute to America, under the guidance of vocal director Cat Williamson, delivered a musically patriotic spirit to the almost 500 audience members and brought a standing ovation as it featured the patriotism of America’s United Service Organization – the USO.
At the request of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the USO was founded in 1941 by Mary Ingraham. It brought together six existing non-profit organizations, including the Salvation Army, the YMCA, the YWCA, National Catholic Community Service, the National Travelers Aid Association, and the National Jewish Board.
The USO has supported US forces in every major conflict since and maintains more than 250 locations worldwide, reaching military members in 134 countries across and 54 U.S. states and territories.
This show, lasting 90 minutes, opened with “You’re A Grand Old Flag” and ended with the “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” Soloists performing included Deidre Crawford, Molly Fox, Steve Pond, Vern Sumner, Drace Langford, Sid Shamshoian, Rich Farmer, and Norris McElroy.
The Arts Barn Dancers — Helen Garcia-Carreras, Lilly Carcia-Carreras, and Sofia Monroy — danced to “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” and “Sing, Sing, Sing.” The opening song following intermission was “The Boston Tea Party” with the ensemble Ellen Marrin, Bruce Angier, Greg Tantum, Harvey Kart, and Norris McElroy performing.
The band, under the directorship of Bob Williamson, who played bass guitar, also included Louis Romanos on drums, Mia Eaton on percussion, Marc Gilley and Stan Flanders on saxophone, guitarist Brian Smith, JoJo Glidewell on synthesizer, trombonist Kevin Hyde, and on trumpets, Karl Liberatore and Timothy Otis.
Anyone interested in singing with the Lake Country Chorus may contact executive director Melanie Schultz at rometavo@aol.com.