The choruses performing at the United Methodist Church in Santa Fe in 2019. Courtesy photo
The Lasses and Lads helping raise funds for the Salvation Army and LA Cares in December. Courtesy photo
POSTPONED – Due to a rise in local COVID-19 cases and at the recommendation of the New Mexico Department of Health for the health and safety of singers, staff and guests, the Lasses and Lads of Enchantment Barbershop Chorus performances scheduled for tonight and tomorrow are postponed until further notice.
By BERNADETTE LAURETZEN
Los Alamos
Have you ever had a day when you just needed to see or do something that made your heart sing? If so, then do we have a program or two for you.
The annual Lasses and Lads of Enchantment Barbershop Chorus is in swing this year after three years of being sidelined in the pandemic. The LALOE will join the Santa Fe Harmonizers in a Barbershop Extravaganza.
The shows are Oct. 20, in Los Alamos at the United Church of Los Alamos and Saturday, Oct. 21, at the United Methodist Church in Santa Fe. The choruses will share songs that elevate your spirit and provide a few snacks during intermission.
The shows will feature two hours of music that cross the spectrum of time and genre from Broadway to spiritual. What’s the favorite of Board President John Baillie of the Lasses and Lads of Enchantment?
“I have had several favorite songs over the years but the one song I love to sing with the Lasses and Lads of Enchantment is “Ride the Chariot”, especially when the tenors go into the higher key,” Baillie said.
Anne Urbanski found her first friends singing with the Santa Fe Harmonizers Fe after moving from Wisconsin in 2018.
“I love the camaraderie and the mutual love of singing for the joy of it. Barbershop singing hits all those notes for me, pun intended,” Urbanski said. “It’s a great way to make friends doing something you love.”
“I Believe in Music” is the theme for 2023, and will feature the combined choruses and four additional quartets. Three quartets from both communities will participate, along with a special guest quartet. Sound Check, is a Salt Lake City based, 2018 Rocky Mountain District Champion silver medalist for barbershop quartets.
The cost of tickets is $15 for adults, students are just $5 and children under 14 are free. Your ticket price, will include some light refreshments to sweeten your time with the choruses as they hydrate for the second half of the show.
Why should people come to see these great groups gather for the first time in three years?
“Because they will spend approximately two hours absorbed by the various songs that we will be singing and they will leave the show emotionally charged,” Baillie said.
If barbershop fills your very soul, a special event for an additional small donation takes place after the first show. The “Afterglow” includes an additional array of refreshments and hosts another level of barbershop, in a foot loose and fancy-free atmosphere.
Purchase tickets at the door, online, from chorus members, by calling 505.660.0484 or visiting www.laloe.org.
