Members of the Silk City Chorus sing an impromtu rendition of “Let Me Call You Sweetheart” at Nevers Park in South Windsor CT on June 9.

Write-Up & Photo by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com

An impromtu encounter with the award-winning Silk City Chorus which is celebrating its 50th anniversary, resulted in a beautiful serenade sung just as one would expect – in perfect harmony….   “Let me call you sweetheart, I’m in love with you, Let me hear you whisper that you love me too, Keep the love light glowing in your eyes so true, Let me call you sweetheart, I’m in love with you.”

One of New England’s premier groups of its genre, members of the Manchester, Connecticut-based, 80-man chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society gathered Sunday, June 9 for an annual barbeque at Nevers Park in South Windsor.

“We’ll probably do some quarteting,” said member Dan Fontaine.

The group was just setting out food but graciously stopped for a photo op. It was anticipated that most of the chapter members would attend.

According to Fontaine, this was about the tenth year the Silk City Chorus – SCC – had selected lovely Nevers Park for their summer get-together. Formed in 1963 with just 20 members, the group has grown steadily and is now comprised of members ranging in age from 20 to 70 who come  from some 45 communities and several states. It was noted 2013 is not only a benchmark year for the Manchester, or Silk City chapter, it is also the 75th anniversary of the barbershop society. In addition to spontaneous harmonizing, it was as well, a day for everyone to relax and enjoy recreational activities such as croquet and volleyball.

Known for its big annual shows each winter and popular “Singing Valentines,” the Silk City Chorus has upcoming performances at the Bicentennial  Band Shell at Manchester Community College and at a Rock Cats baseball game in New Britain where SCC is scheduled to sing the national anthem and a 7th inning rendition of “Take Me Out to The Ballgame” – other barbershop chapters have been invited to join SCC at the ballgame.

For SCC calendar information visit: http://www.silkcitybarbershopchorus.org

(Writer’s note: To read other newsandviewsjb posts featuring the Silk City Chorus go to “Silk City Chorus – A Connecticut Gem” 1/13/2012 and “Crusin’ On Main Draws Thousands to Manchester, Connectciut” 8/6/2012)