Gulf Coast Harmonizers to perform Saturday
Once known as the Cape Chorale, the Gulf Coast Harmonizers will perform its 25th annual Cabaret Show, with the goal of raising thousands of dollars for area charities.
The show will be 2 p.m. Saturday at the German American Social Club at 2101 S.W. Pine Island Road, where hundreds of people are expected to hear the best in barbershop-style harmony.
John Wickes, the event chairman, said the group changed its name earlier this year, and the event moved from the Cape Coral Yacht Club to the German American Social Club three years ago to alleviate the parking problems, but that’s about all that has changed.
“It’s a mixture of traditional barber-shop music and more contemporary things such as the Everly Brothers and other newer music,” Wickes said.
The Harmonizers will perform “The Star-Spangled Banner” to start the show and “God Bless the USA” to finish it. In between will be songs such as “Hello. Mary Lou,” “Everyone Loves a Lover,” All I Have to Do is Dream,” an interesting arrangement of “What a Wonderful World,” some gospel and more.
Among the highlights of this show will be a performance by the Fort Myers High School Green Wave Singers, who will do a 20-minute set before everyone returns to the stage for a patriotic grand finale with “God Bless America.”
The Green Wave Singers will perform an interesting variety of music in their set, including “Danny Boy” and “Lullaby,” under the direction of Blake Hudson.
“I’ve gone over there to hear them rehearse and I was really impressed,” Wickes said. “These young people have worked hard to entertain our audience with an excellent performance.”
A portion of proceeds from the show will be donated to local charities such as Lee Health’s Pediatric Speech Therapy Program, the Harry Chapin Food Bank and veteran’s organizations.
A portion of proceeds from the show (and from most of the activities they do throughout the year) will be donated to local charities such as Lee Health’s Pediatric Speech Therapy Program, the Harry Chapin Food Bank and veteran’s organizations.
“We do a variety of things throughout the year. We did a golf tournament and the Singing Valentines in February where we send four guys out with flowers and they sing a Valentine wish,” Wickes said. “We’ve given over $30,000 to the pediatric speech unit.”
Last year’s event, which featured the North Fort Myers High School chorus, raised nearly $6,000 before expenses. Wickes said he hopes to at least equal that this year.
The event will feature door prizes as well as 50/50 and prize raffles. Munchies and bottled water will be served. Tickets are $15 before the event and $18 at the door.
For more information, contact Wickes at 462-8444 or www.gulfcoastharmonizers.org.