SPIRITED SPRING CONCERT WOWS TWO AUDIENCES

Audiences know that an Upscale Singers concert is truly a show. But now the show is larger and more spectacular than ever.

More singers (44 this spring, most in the group’s history) and a larger venue (Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center) combined for two appreciative crowds for “Stage, Screen and Bandstand!” Afterward, director Margaret Watson and the performers were overwhelmed by the positive comments of audience members. Once again, our musical and theatrical energy was a hit.

The concerts began with the music of “Oklahoma!” and also featured the beautiful harmonies of “People Will Say We’re in Love” and “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’” and fun songs, such as “I Can’t Say No” and “Kansas City.”

The “West Side Story” selections included what Watson considered some of the most beautiful music in the show: “‘Tonight’ and ‘Maria’ are arguably two of the Leonard Bernstein’s greatest creations, and the choir sounds fabulous singing them," she said.

The movie tunes included several classics, such as “Moon River,” “Singin’ in the Rain” and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”

The music of the ’60s, which resonates for everyone from Baby Boomers to younger people who have discovered how fun that music is, featured a fun, fast-paced medley full of top-40 hits, such as “Teenager in Love,” “Hit the Road, Jack,” “Leavin’ on a Jet Plane” and “All You Need is Love.” The show closed with a lively rendition of "Let's Twist Again" with everyone doing the twist -- including members of the audience.

The Upscale Kids were back again, this time with an audience member-turned-singer who was so enthralled by the Christmas concert she just had to join the fun. The group performed Broadway hits, including “When I Get My Name in Lights” from “The Boy from Oz,” “Do-Re-Mi” from the “Sound of Music” and “Consider Yourself” from “Oliver.”

We'll see you again in December at our Christmas concerts. Don't miss them!

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Help us support young vocalists! Please mail donations to Upscale Singers, P.O. Box 86, Cave Creek, AZ 85327.