Saluting through songs

There’s an old rule about not messing with success.

That’s certainly the case with the First Capital Chorus’ salute to Remembrance Day.

No matter what twist on the theme of war and remembrance each show has taken, one of the highlights of the annual extravaganza, staged by the Langley Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society, has been a segment evoking entertainment for the troops.

An excellent way to showcase the popular songs of yesteryear that are a staple with the 40-strong chorus – and a chance to feature variety of guest entertainers – it’s become an indispensable part of the lineup, featuring chorus member Gord Harris (“Canada’ s answer to Bob Hope”) as MC.

This year it’s become the whole kit and kaboodle for A Show To Remember, subtitled ‘A Tribute to our Veterans and the Canadian Forces Show Tour’ which comes to St Mark’s Anglican Church, 12953 20 Ave., Saturday, Nov. 7 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

In addition to the chorus, and the smooth sounds of guest barbershop groups Pacific Showtime, the Syncromesh Quartet (current society Evergreen District senior champions) and the New Tricks Quartet, the show will feature one of the group’s favourite guests, Ralph Shaw – King of the Ukulele.

Also featured will be a newcomer to the First Capital productions, Jeff Bodner – The Essence of Elvis, who will focus his salute to the other ‘King’ on his military service/ G.I. Blues era.

“I’ve seen this guy and he’s a fantastic entertainer – he’s one of the top Elvis impersonators internationally,” said John West, a 60-year veteran of the chorus.

“He’ll be appearing on stage in uniform, singing songs of the type that Elvis did when he was entertaining the troops.”

The effusive Shaw, a crowd favourite for his blend of entertainingly archaic songs and cheeky humour – a la George Formby – also promises to be a show-stopper, West and chorus colleagues Clint Davies and Denny O’Donovan said.

“He’ll be great once he gets over his shyness,” commented Davies dryly.

“He joined the Vancouver Thunderbirds (harmony group) after he did his first show with us, because he enjoyed barbershop singing so much,” O’ Donovan said.

The First Capital Chorus continues to flourish, with 70 full-time and associate members, and will also be participating in three additional Remembrance services this year, one at Peace Arch Hospital at 11 a.m. on Nov. 10, 11 a.m, at the Langley Legion on Nov. 11, and 2:45 p.m. at the Crescent Legion Branch 240 in South Surrey.

The group will also perform its annual Christmas show Dec. 18 at the First Christian Life Assembly in Langley, an event that has raised over $70,000 for the Langley Christmas Bureau.

One major change to the Remembrance stage show Nov. 7 is that it is being presented at a South Surrey venue only this year.

“A lot of our following is in the White Rock area,” noted O’ Donovan, adding that around 18 members live on the Peninsula.

In addition to the music, which encompasses every era from the First and Second World Wars (with such favourites as Lili Marlene, White Cliffs of Dover and We’ll Meet Again) to the Korean War and post-war era of the 1950s and ’60s, the show will also feature colour parties from local cadet corps.

That involvement of young people is in keeping with the group’s philosophy about the show which includes the past (the two world wars and Korea), Canada’s peace-keeping services and the current military presence in Afghanistan.

“The future is being written today,” Davies said.

“We honour people who sacrificed so much in the past so we could continue our lifestyle and freedoms in Canada – and they’re still being protected today by brothers and sisters and nieces and nephews.”

Admission to the show is $15 ($12 seniors and students) with veterans and their spouses admitted free.

Tickets are available at Keith Ridge Men’s Apparel, Semiahmoo Centre; Village Pub and Ocean Park Pizza; and Hallmark Cards, Willowbrook Shopping Centre.

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