We had a grand, cozy, vocal time last night at the Showcase. Fun for the whole family! We began the evening with Showcase stalwarts Mike Barrett and Chris Eastburn, joined (as they often are) by Jack Donahue and his daughter Kate.
A really nice set of American originals (with at least one British interloper) -- from quiet folk to Buddy Holly stomp. Great stuff! It got the audience limbered up for the next set, a sing-along bunch of holiday favorites.
Chris Eastburn led the next part of the program, ably assisted by three other members of his family: Adrian Rigopulos (bass), Simon Rigopulos (vocals), and Quinn Eastburn (violin). As an audience member pointed out, this quartet had both the biggest instrument and the smallest performer in Showcase history!
These guys were a whole lot of fun, with some terrific musical chops -- serious talent! We particularly enjoyed hearing from swinging violinist Quinn. His spot-on intonation, excellent tone, and syncopated rhythms wowed the crowd. Adrian flew in from Canada only an hour earlier to lay down a rocking bass line with experienced authority, while Simon's harmonies were confident, accurate, and soulful.
Then it was time for general singing of old favorites. Jack returned to lend his harmonies, while David Keevil helped out on guitar. Too bad we didn't get a good picture of the audience -- you'd see everybody belting out "Frosty The Snowman"! You'll have to take our word for it...
Finally, we had the great pleasure of hearing from Showcase favorites Random Chants. They were in fine form last night, singing holiday songs interspersed with favorites from their year-round playlist.
There are usually nine Chants singing, but one of them had more immediate demands on her time...
No matter, the eight-voice group did a bang-up job, and everyone had a great time!
