Summer Stock Choral Festival
The Oak Park Arms Chorus will feature a Summer Stock Choral Festival performance at 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 19, at the Oak Park Arms retirement community, 408 S. Oak Park Ave.
The chorus first formed more than three years ago under the direction of Desi Vasquez, also the social director at the Oak Park Arms. Because members had such different levels of experience, the group began with choral selections only. They soon transitioned into solos, duets and trios, which helped strengthen their skills and confidence.
For the Aug. 19 show, they have reverted back to their roots and will perform only choral selections.
A combination of pieces has been selected ranging from light rock to blues, show tunes and traditional jazz standards like Duke Ellington’s “Satin Doll.” More contemporary pieces like “I Can See Clearly Now” will also be performed, as well as an original composition, “I Forgot.”
“Everyone has so much fun at our performances, and we’re always excited to add new members,” Vasquez said. “Our group has a vast array of experience levels, so everyone fits right in.”
While most members are residents of the Arms, there are a few community members as well. Currently members include: Howard McClain, Charles Costello, Doc Doolin, Henry Turkowski, Marian Menges, Susan Lewy, Mary Deady, Faunti Wilcoxen, Nancy Elsmo, Rose Mary Cellini, Marie Munoz and Dolores Newell.
Visitors are welcome to attend weekly rehearsals at 2:15 p.m. on Wednesdays.
The Oak Park Arms is a rental retirement community which provides independent and assisted living apartments and a full schedule of activities and services. Furnished apartments are also available for a short-term stay – a weekend, a week, a month or longer.
The event is free and open to the public. For more information call Jill Wagner at 708-386-4040.