We had our final concert of the season last night, and it was one for the ages. Amazing considering the time crunch we had putting together. Seems like time gets tighter every year, but we somehow get it together and, if I do say so myself, nailed it. It was one of the most enjoyable shows in recent memory. Each night as we came up to sing the final number, I found myself wishing the show could just keep going. That's a nice feeling to have.
Here's a smattering of scenes from the last 2 weeks.
Here we see the women of Summer Bounty engaging in the time honored tradition of squeezing in just one more run-through before the show. Each hall is different, so there's always a mad scramble to sing in the space during that precious time before the doors open. If you've ever been stuck out side waiting for us to get the show on the road, well now you know what we are up to!
The Green Room is a great place to do this show. The acoustics are fabulous. There were a number of tunes that sounded there best here on Sat. And as if that wasn't enough, it's beautiful! Here's a shot of Old MacDonald revving up the audience for the show.
Somehow we ended up with a lot of props this year; Armageddon cloaks, wigs, bling, feather boas, and a pick-axe! You know, I'm not so sure the foreman is gonna let those ladies go down in the mine dressed like that...
This year there were a lot of languages. One of the hardest to memorize was Tour de France. There were German and French lines to memorize over a very repetitive melody. Someone had the bright idea that the Tenors should be lucky enough to get that assignment. W
e were cramming right up to the last (and maybe could have crammed harder, if you know what I mean...) At the City Club, Bryan came up with a solution that amused some, but was met with stern disapproval from others...:
After the last show everyone congregates to unwind and relive the highlights of the show. This year we found ourselves once again at TCs house (Thanks TC!). The party was a blast and we sang through a couple tunes from the show. The high point of the night was a rather robust rendition of With a Little Help From My Friends, complete with revival clappin' 'n' stompin'. In TCs house the thing sounded amazing... and loud! I don't think Gretchen's relatives from NY knew what hit them!
As usual, the singers were ravenous after the show, so when some smart guy brought a Zach's pizza, the feeding frenzy began. Gone in 30s!
It was a great show and a great time. Thanks everyone who helped make it happen and thanks to those of you that came to watch the show.
You can view the entire slide show here:
PME Jazz & Pops 2008 Pictures
See you next year!
-Eric