Here come the sassy Potomac Harmony Chorus ladies truckin’ down the red carpet to present the Glitz and Glamour Awards. The sparkling evening, a spoof of the ubiquitous award night, showcases the 85 singers ages 13 to 80 performing jazzy numbers by Duke Ellington and songs by other popular composers infused with comedy.
Their signature a capella, four-part barbershop style is executed with pizzazz and enhanced with choreographed routines by the entire chorus or the select quartets. Throughout the year, PHC and/or their quartets entertain at county fairs, parks, schools, holiday concerts, homes for seniors and many other venues. The annual fall show, their largest fundraiser, supports travel to compete at Sweet Adeline regional and international conventions.
This show’s guest quartet, the Four Bettys, hails from Chicago. The 2008 International Quartet champions, they are close friends and a mother-daughter combo who have been singing for a total of more than 40 years. Not long ago, they headlined a show at the Kennedy Center. The four-part harmony songs on their recording, “Good Queen Fun,” encompass jazz, gospel, turn-of-the-century Tin Pan Alley hits and pop standards.
Mary Alex Blanton, the publicity and marketing chairman of PHC, and charter member Jackie Bottash chatted enthusiastically about the musical fun members have in the chapter that has been going strong since 1976. Everyone who loves to sing is welcome at Wednesday evening rehearsals held at the Hermitage Center in Alexandria. Some are music teachers, others sing with various local choirs, while still others have only sung in the shower. Following a successful audition, each new member participates at rehearsals and performances.
“We offer broad opportunities musically and administratively that may lead to becoming involved in a quartet, working on publicity or finances, writing arrangements and creating stage routines,” Blanton said. “Our ongoing educational program encourages attending the Sweet Adeline Music Camp with members from surrounding states. At one held this past summer at Radford University, we learned the showmanship techniques that appeal to judges.”
Following the holiday show at the Thomas Jefferson Community Center, the focus is on preparing for the regional competitions that take place from March through May. They determine the winning chapters that qualify for the Sweet Adelines International Competition to be held at Houston in October 2011.
“This show is for folks who love harmony, spectacular routines and surprises,” Blanton said. “We’ll perform numbers bound to please everyone and introduce glamorous characters like those you might see on TV … even a Betty White-like guest.”
