Noteworthy to offer "Keeping It Light" concert May 15

HOUGHTON -- The women’s chorus Noteworthy will present "Keeping It Light," a free concert of cheery, familiar melodies dating from the early 1900s to the 1990s, at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 15, at Grace United Methodist Church, on Montezuma Street in Houghton.

At their May 2013 concert Noteworthy chorus members have fun with their rendition of "Wild and Wooly Ragtime Cowgirl." At left is Noteworthy Director Joan Petrelius. This year's May concert will again offer lively and cheery familiar songs. (Keweenaw Now file photo) 

Noteworthy, the only women’s barbershop chorus in the Copper Country, is recognized for its lush tonal quality and intricate, a cappella harmonies.

Songs on the program range from the sassy "Please Don’t Talk About Me," which dates from the flapper era, to the last song the Beatles recorded together, "Let it Be." Other favorites include "Why Haven’t I Heard from You," made famous by Reba McEntire in 1994, "The Lion Sleeps Tonight," George and Ira Gershwin’s "Nice Work if You Can Get It," "What a Wonderful World" and a medley of old-fashioned barbershop love tunes.

"We’re singing light-hearted, happy music that many people know and love," said Director Joan Petrelius. "It’s the perfect concert to welcome spring after such a long, cold winter."

The Copper Notes quartet -- with Marilyn Sager, Bonnie Horn, Shelba Marietta and Hollie Pierce -- will perform the 1950s standard "Mr. Sandman" and the Beatles favorite "When I’m 64."

The quartet One A-chord -- with Marcia Goodrich, Sarah Niemeyer, Joan Petrelius and Jean Rilei -- will present "It Had to Be You" and "I Wanna Come Back as a Man."

Admission is free. A free-will donation will be taken to benefit Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly and the Keweenaw Spay and Neuter Group.

Noteworthy welcomes new members. If you are interested in joining the group, contact Petrelius at petreliusj@cts.k12.mi.us or 482-5088.