Middleville Show

June 19th, 2009 The Grand Rapids Barbershop Chapter Great Lakes Chorus performed for the free Middleville River Bank Music Series outdoor concert in Middleville MI. Due to the chance of rain the concert was moved from the Stagecoach Park to the Middleville United Methodist Church just a couple of blocks down Main St. from the park. It didn't rain during the concert but the church provided dry seats and a break from the humidity. Not only did the church open it's doors to us but the concert was also made possible thanks to the fine area business sponsors Middleville Downtown Development Corporation, Middleville Marketplace, and Pharmacy Care! Many thanks to GLC Music Librarian and Middleville resident Derek Hatley and Middleville Council Member Catherine Beyer for working so hard to help organize the show.

This was an emotional concert for the chorus and in particular the Grand Rapids Chapter 2008 International Quartet Wildcard. Our Director Curt Struyk who is also Wildcard's baritone is retiring. Although at the May Great Lakes Invitational Grand Rapids Chapter spring show was Wildcard's official farewell performance they agreed to this one last hurrah in Middleville.

Middleville MI is a charming little town on the banks of the Thornapple River south of Grand Rapids. The audience filled the church's sanctuary including the balcony and seating in the wings. It was one of the most electric performances I've ever been too. After the chorus sang the first song the audience applauded enthusiastically and did so after every song. Director Curt Struyk was smirking at the chorus the whole time like the cat who caught the canary. There were many standing ovations for the quartets and for the big finale with all the quartets and chorus on stage singing America The Beautiful. Wildcard's performance was stirring and the guys hugged each other at the end to yet another standing ovation.

In order of appearance quartets that sang were...

Reverie- Ralph Mueller, Robert Ryan, Jeff Chesnut, and Patrick Ryan.

Reverie webpage is www.GreatLakesChorus.org/Reverie

Vocal Artisans- Doug Weaver, Robert Ryan, Michael Baribeau, and Patrick Ryan. No that's no typo, father and son Robert and Patrick Ryan sing in both quartets.

Vocal Artisans webpage is www.GreatLakesChorus.org/VA

Showtime- Wayne Hodgson, Tom Weidner, Al Smith, and Jim Johnson. International Seniors Quartet.

Showtime webpage is www.GreatLakesChorus.org/Showtime

Fountain Street Four- Phil Spencer, Andrew Magnussen, Owen Sharpe, and Dan Winer. Collegiate quartet.

Fountain Street Four webpage is www.FS4quartet.com

Wildcard- Peter Westers, Dave Miller, James Masalskis, and Curt Struyk. 2008 International Quartet.

Wildcard webpage is www.GreatLakesChorus.org/Retired/Wildcard

At the end, after loading the risers onto a small open box trailer, Curt generously treated the entire chorus and quartets out to pizza at Phil's Pizzeria in Middleville. Director Curt Struyk and Wildcard have admirably represented our chapter and our district not just in performing but in coaching, supporting other quartets, and encouraging formation of new quartets. They exemplify the ideals expressed in the once tongue in cheek old society acronym SPEBSQSA, Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America.

Director Curt Struyk Bio Webpage is www.GreatLakesChorus.org/About/CurtStruyk

Thank you to Lynn Weaver for providing many of the photos.

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