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courtesy photo
Saturday night, Bristowans of all ages were treated to fun music and a free trip down memory lane during 'A Motown Revue' at the Freeland Center for the Performing Arts. Despite a few challenges with the sound system, attendees clapped, sang along, bobbed their heads, rocked in their seats, and cheered with a few adults and children dancing in place or in the aisles.
The Ambassadors' Concert Choir and Ambassadors' Children's Choir performed hits like 'My Girl', “Shop Around”, and 'War' in a family-friendly performance showcasing many soloists as well. Young children of the children’s choir enthusiastically and confidently belted out impassioned solos to the delight of the audience.
At intermission, Chip Cooper, Director of Entertainment for the Freeland, announced that “the choir wishes to give recordings of its music and other goodies free-of-charge as a gift to Bristow”. All items were first come, first served in the vestibule. Attendees appeared to be extremely grateful for the choir’s generosity.
During at least two musical numbers, members of the audience lit their phones' flashlights and waved them in the air in moments of tribute. A handful of young children gleefully giggled, clapped, sang along, and danced throughout the Freeland during the performance. One preschooler danced in his lightup sneakers and loudly sang and cheered with the choir. His face revealed the joy and delighted wonder he found in the performance. His toddler sister threw her arms in the air and hoorayed as well. Other toddlers and babies, scattered about the center, giggled and cried out but only added to the family-friendly experience as a reminder that all were welcomed to the event.
Local jazz musician Carmen Bruner beautifully and emphatically sang with the choir in addition to performing a solo during the second half of the concert. She noted it was a blessing to sing with the choir for her hometown audience, expressing her gratitude to the Ambassadors, the Freeland, and Chip Cooper for the exciting opportunity.
Assistant Director Patti Drennan noted that the organization hopes to perform in Bristow again in the future. As a fellow hopeful, I and others look forward to that day.
Next up at the Freeland, be sure to catch the “Buddy Holly Jolly Christmas” show on December 2, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $25 plus fees and are available at www.etix.com or by calling the box office at (918) 637-3540.