Towne Singers Celebrate 19th Birthday

The Towne Singers, La Cañada’s internationally-acclaimed theatrical chorus, founded by Phyllis Winnaman of La Cañada, celebrated its 19th birthday last week with balloons and treats during its regular weekly rehearsal which encompasses 108 singers from many communities besides La Cañada - all the way from Burbank, Glendale, all the Foothill cities, Pasadena and communities in the San Gabriel Valley.

“I’ve got a 19-year-old daughter, and there are a lot of similarities,” said Michael Shaughnessy, Towne Singers’

president. “My daughter is maturing into a very poised and talented young lady, and I think one could say the same about the Towne Singers ? except for the ‘lady’ part,” he said.

The Towne Singers are gearing up for their spring show, to be held Sunday, June 11th at the Alex Theatre in Glendale. Entitled “Swingin’ at the Alex”, the show is billed as a “Sassy, Brassy Celebration of Swing” and will feature a full 17-piece Big Band along with the 100+ member chorus.

“Swing music is just so much fun,” said Sean Boulware, the Towne Singers’ musical director. “We’re doing the great tunes of Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Duke Ellington and Count Basie, and the combination of all those voices with a full Big Band is going to mean one unforgettable show.”

“Swingin’ at the Alex” will be presented in the form of a live radio broadcast from the 1940’s, complete with sets, period costumes, humor and dancing. The Towne Singers are even including period radio commercials, such as Ajax, Wildroot Cream Oil and Pepsi-Cola, into the performance.

Tickets for “Swingin’ at the Alex” are available from any Towne Singers, or by contacting the Alex box office at 243-ALEX (2539) or logging on to www.alextheatre.org. Group, senior, and children’s discounts are available.