LAST WEEK
There isn’t time or space to print all the jokes that were told following our pulled pork BBQ eating fest last week. Some jokes were better than others, however several men seemed interested in the “Spoonerism” that Randy Turner recited. He did it from memory (why can’t he remember songs that well? : – )
Note: Older experienced barbershoppers may remember how “Buzz” Haeger (Tenor – 1965 International Champs, The Four Renegades) frequently used “Spoonerisms” on their shows. Here’s Randy’s.
Starkle, starkle, little twink,
Who the hell I are you think.
I’m not under what you call
The alcofluence of incohol.
I’m not as drunk as thinkle peep.
I’m just a little slort of sheep,
Tee martoonis make a guy
Fool so feelish, I don’t know why
I don’t know who is me yet,
But the drunker I stand here the longer I get.
So one more fink to drill my cup,
I’ve all day sober to Sunday up.
YOU PROBABLY DIDN’T KNOW THAT
Gary Hawkins, the contest Presentation Judge who rewarded us so highly for our military package last spring, is himself a career soldier. Word has it that he will start an 8 month deployment to Afghanistan, starting in August.
Chris Linzey’s wife is a very competent musician and directs the music at Central Christian Church (Mattoon) where Chris is the pastor. They build much of their worship service around music. Now that is quite a husband/wife coop deal. Chris, a former college athlete, now has a dozen church members in the CCC Running Club…Spiritual and Physical Fitness – a great combo.
Longevity is a good thing. Brad Smith’s mother turns 93 years of age tomorrow, while Rich Helton’s mom will be 92 years old on Friday.
For several years, the BHS, through the Harmony Foundation, has been aggressively soliciting donations that are being used to encourage, teach appreciation and provide many opportunities for young men to get actively involved in the society. The mid-winter convention/contests now feature some fantastic young choruses from around the country who come to perform with all their expenses paid. At the Portland Convention, thanks to a very generous “matching funds” agreement, nearly $200,000 was raised for the Harmony Foundation. Young men are starting to fill the empty spaces being left by the old SPEBSQSA guard. This is good news.
Here comes the Judge. Denny Thomas (Our Outstanding BBQ Cook and bass singer) will judge his first contest this Saturday. The Kansas City Barbeque Organization is sponsoring the contest (25 competitors) in Morton, IL. He’s had to undergo training and will get to sample the best efforts of others in several different categories. Maybe he can bring some to practice next Tuesday.
It was 50 years ago…
When the Keyless quartet sang a performance for a large crowd recently, they sang the “Armed Forces Medley”. When very few people stood up as they requested when the theme songs of the various military branches were sung (Marines, Navy, Army, Air Force, etc.), quartet members were somewhat surprised. After the performance they realized that the audience was largely made up of Mennonite friends who had not served in the armed forces.
After Hours (our show guests last June) sang well at Portland, in spite of some distraction. Their luggage was lost by the airline and so they sang their first set in interesting attire. They wore jeans, borrowed shoes, matching inexpensive shirts that they purchased just before the contest and suit coats they borrowed from Vocal Spectrum (former International champs). Maybe it relaxed them for they moved right on to the semi-finals.
A few days ago, the local newspaper ran their weekly column called “50 years ago”. Interestingly, the names of two barbershoppers appear in the story about the State Fair 4 H Contest in 1962. Larry Briggerman sang with us for 20 years, but is not currently singing. But Rich Helton is a regular (we didn’t know he was that old).
Interestingly, within the last year, Rich has befriended Lowell Gillespie (his boyhood friend mentioned in the article) as Lowell has undergone some serious medical issues. Times changes but friendships are lasting.
LAST NIGHT
The Sweethearts of Brookstone Estates
Though we ended up with 27 singers, we started out with a few less because we started early in order to sing a program at Brookstone Estates (Senior Apartments) in Mattoon. We sang for about 25 people…mainly ladies. They seemed to especially enjoy “Let Me Call You Sweetheart”.
CCC at Brookstone Estates
These are some of the singers who were able to sing early…before practice. The site was great..check out that high, hard ceiling…really ringing acoustics.
Jones, Smith, Woodall, and ‘Doc’ Larson
We had specifically planned to sing for long time friend and member, “Doc” Larson, but were told that he no longer lived at Brookstone. Following their directions, we drove across the street to Mattoon Health Care and found “Doc” half asleep in his bed. That didn’t last long! Almost immediately, he was singing “My Wild Irish Rose” in a quartet with Bob, Brad and Tom. Mrs. Larson stands in the background.
Tom and Doc
A candid shot of a great bari/bass duet by the two oldest guys in the room : – )
Doc thought ‘a friend’ was coming to visit!
It was hard to squeeze everyone in the small room, but we surrounded “Doc” as best we could. It was a meaningful time for all. When he gets his strength back after a recent hospitalization, plans are that he will return to Brookstone.
The rehearsal saw a wide variety of songs – “The Little Drummer Boy”, “That Old Black Magic”, and “Swing Down Chariot”, just to name a few. It was 100 degrees outside, but pretty “cool” inside.
JULY 1st through AUGUST 31st GUEST NIGHTS Bring a friend….expose him to the CCC and our Musical Fellowship
JULY 26th Thursday WOODSHED LUNCH 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM Call Ron Leathers (345-5814) to reserve a meal.
JULY 29th Sunday CHURCH WORSHIP SERVICES ( Seven Charleston Churches) 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM)
AUGUST 18th or 25th Saturday (tentative) INFORMAL GOLF OUTING FOR CCC MEMBERS The day/date is still being considered but the place will be the Charleston Country Club. Tell Ron Leathers if you’d like to play. He is coordinating the event.
SEPT 28-29th ILLINOIS DISTRICT QUARTET CHORUS CONVENTION/CONTEST Springfield, IL
OCTOBER 22nd Monday 9th ANNUAL YOUTH IN HARMONY FESTIVAL CCC hosts at EIU…All Day
Some 250 high school boys, girls and their teachers are expect to attend. An excellent staff is being assembled.
NOVEMBER 3rd Saturday ANNUAL CHAPTER OFFICER TRAINING SCHOOL (CSLT)
Charleston (First Baptist Church) All day.
DECEMBER 2nd Sunday ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BENEFIT CONCERTS
3 PM Charleston (Wesley United Methodist Church)
7 PM Mattoon (First Presbyterian Church)
SINCE WE ARE ON A BARBEQUE KICK PERHAPS THIS CARTOON IS APPROPRIATE
If you think this summer is hot…
