Choraleers wow audience with ‘Sounds of New York’

BY Aprile McKinnon

Sunday‘s Canyon Lake Choraleers spring concert, “Sounds of New York,” was a night full of talent, laughs and music. The first concert since being shut down by the pandemic took place before a large audience at the Canyon Lake Lodge.

The night began with Choraleers director Lorilee Bajema singing a tune and engaging the audience by bantering back and forth about the slow start. Her comedic style warmed up the audience as choir members were getting ready backstage.

Act 1 opened with songs from West Side Story. Husband and wife vocalists Casey and Brittney Johnson captivated the audience with the song “Somewhere.” The song, which talks of a new way of living and a new way of forgiving, touched the hearts of the audience. The crowd remained quiet until the end when the applause broke the silence.

Jeanie Johantgen captivates the audience with her dancing during a sing-a-long of Yankee Doodle Dandy.

Sharon Curcio provided an introduction to a Gershwin medley, dressed to the nines and portraying a character that made the crowd listen. During her number a movie played in the background from the era of the songs.

Next to enter the stage was Jeanie Johantgen, dressed in a sexy outfit, who danced to a sing-a-long of “Yankee Doodle Dandy.” The crowd went wild as she strutted her dance moves and encouraged the audience to have fun.

The kids choir was a great addition to the night‘s performance. As the children entered the stage, the crowd was full of wonder anticipating the children‘s voices.

The children‘s song was performed with Christal Walsh, a regular vocalist from the Choraleers, freely singing, “This is Me” from the Greatest Showman. Christal sang with a calm confidence as she focused on the children. Her humble act of giving the children the spotlight was obvious to all. The children gathered around her and sang along with choreographed movements, and the audience loved it.

Act 1 concluded with Kent Skidmore’s epic rendition of “Luck Be a Lady Tonight,” from Guys and Dolls, in a true Frank Sinatra style. The audience went wild as he entertained with his smooth voice and suave moves. The song was a perfect ending to the first act, leaving the crowd to wonder what could possibly top that performance.

Act 2 started with “There‘s No Business Like Show Business,” which led into more songs from West Side Story. “America,” a duet sung by Fredda Koupai and Loretta Iannalfo with dancer Jeanie Johantgen proved to be entertaining as the night continued.

The Canyon Kids Ensemble gathers on the stage prior to the final song of the evening. The kids choir sang a couple of numbers during the concert Sunday night. Photos by Aprile Deanne Mckinnon

The night was full of talent and surprises. “A Boy Like That,” performed by Loretta Iannalfo and Brittney Johnson, left the crowd in complete awe. The duet acted out the number with the mother trying to tell her daughter that the boy was not the man for her, while the daughter expressed love for her man that was so believable the audience was silent during the performance.

Casey Johnson sang with the children‘s choir towards the end of the night. His voice was strong and clear as he led the children in “From Now On” from the Greatest Showman.

The choir numbers throughout the night were beautifully performed while led by Lorilee. The concert concluded with a standing ovation after Larry Garland performed his well-known rendition of “New York, New York.” A perfect ending to a perfect night.

The Choraleers are looking for more singers for its upcoming performances. Various levels of talent are welcome. The Choraleers aim to create a warm and inclusive environment where choir members can all grow as musicians together.

Practices for the Christmas program will start in September and do not require a huge time commitment. For more information, contact the Choraleers at canyonlakechoraleers@gmail.com.