Simply Sweet
<p>Sweet Adelines rehearse for Saturday’s show. Front row from left: Janelle Peck, Elaina-Ross Williams, Julie Wright, Sally Wallace and Carol Tippett. Second row are Carrie Seaney, Sheena Dudley, Beverly Young, Lori Gessner and Donna Miner. Third row, Krista Tickemyer, Sandy Mueller, Verna Coleman, May Dooley, Gayle Clayeaux and Melodie Hays. Back row, Nancy Eaton, Charlotte Krenzer, Randee Johnson, Beth Fritzell and Carol Griffiths.</p>
<p>Director Jay Krumbholz leads the Sweet Adelines during rehearsal.</p>
COEUR d'ALENE - As Melodie Hays chatted about the Sweet Adelines show set for Saturday, first applause, then laughter, came from a nearby room during rehearsal at Coeur d'Alene Assembly of God Church. "You can hear all the fun we're having," Hays said with a big smile. "Singing is a great outlet."
COEUR d'ALENE - As Melodie Hays chatted about the Sweet Adelines show set for Saturday, first applause, then laughter, came from a nearby room during rehearsal at Coeur d'Alene Assembly of God Church.
"You can hear all the fun we're having," Hays said with a big smile. "Singing is a great outlet."
The five-year member of the women's chorus will be on stage for the group's spring show, "Sweet Sounds," at 7 p.m. Saturday at Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy.
She joined for the singing and the music, she says. "I stay because of the good friendships and good people that we get to see every week."
The Adelines will sing nine songs, from favorite golden oldies like "Ain't Misbehaving" to more modern hits like "Can You Feel the Love Tonight."
"We have a number of styles that we sing throughout the program," Hays said.
There will be other performers, including the Charter Academy's eighth-grade choir, and two quartets, "Dynamix," and "Q-topia."
Sally Wallace started the Sweet Adelines in 1985 with about 12 women. Over the years, membership has risen and fallen, but a constant has been the love of music.
"I love being able to perform for audiences in Coeur d'Alene," she said. "I think we bring something special to the community with our music."
It's been about three years since the Adelines performed a public concert, so Wallace is looking forward to Saturday's spring fling.
"It's fun for us to be back doing a program," Wallace said. "We're ready to put on a great show for the community - we hope they come."
Like Hays, Wallace said she made many friendships over the years through the a capella singing group.
"I love the challenge. It takes some work to be able to do this craft and it's still a challenge," she said.
Hays agreed.
"We've had a number of opportunities through the 25 years this chorus has been in existence to entertain the community on so many levels," she said.
And yes, Wallace still gets a little nervous.
"Any good performer gets butterflies before you start, but that just keeps you on your toes," she said.
The Sweet Adelines, with about 25 members, support nonprofits with proceeds from ticket sales.
"We are always looking for new gals who love to sing," Hays said. "They don't have to have great solo voices, just be able to carry a tune and come have fun."
If you go
The Sweet Adelines spring show, “Sweet Sounds,” is 7 p.m. Saturday at Coeur d’Alene Charter Academy. Special guests include the Charter Academy eighth-grade choir, and quartets Dynamix and Q-topia. There will be a reception with refreshments to follow. Tickets will be $10 for adults, $8 for seniors over 60 and children 6-12 and are available at the door or by calling 772-3379. Information: www.cdachorus.com