PORT TOWNSEND — The Beatles, “The Music Man” and a few surprises await listeners this weekend as the Wild Rose Chorale steps up for a pair of concerts.
The 10-voice ensemble will offer a mostly a cappella set of rock, pop and jazz songs at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 3:30 p.m. Sunday at the same uptown venue: Trinity United Methodist Church, 609 Taylor St.
The Wild Rose singers have a fondness for popular music from many eras, but what they really appreciate, they say, are well-crafted a cappella songs whatever the genre.
These singers are nimble, says director Leslie Lewis, and for these concerts, they plan on mixing new material with some of their favorites from years ago.
Now 21 years old, the Wild Rose Chorale is known for its harmonies. The singers like to have a good time up there. They also like to break the rules now and again, said member Lynn Nowak. So this weekend’s program has one un-a cappella song, on which Lewis accompanies the chorale on piano. Then there are some songs without words — and words with no tune: the spoken “Rock Island” from “The Music Man.”
The music of James Brown, Stevie Wonder and Duke Ellington will also make an appearance, as will the Charlie Brown ditty “Linus and Lucy” and the children’s song “I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly.”
Alongside Lewis and Nowak, the Wild Rose Chorale includes Al Thompson, Marj Iuro, Dave Spaun, Barb Matter, Blaine Lewis, JES Schumacher, Charles Helman and Brian Goldstein.
Tickets to either show are a suggested donation of $12 at the door. For more information phone 360-385-1402, email wildrosechorale@gmail.com or visit WildRoseChorale.org.