‘Americana’ concert celebrates spring Friday and Sunday

Join a celebration of the music of the United States as the Whidbey Community Chorus presents its annual spring concerts. Under the direction of Chet Hansen, “Americana” will feature a range of American songs including John Denver favorites, the traditional Shaker hymn “Simple Gifts,” jazz classics “The Birth of the Blues,” and “Sunny Side of the Street,” and a medley from the movie “Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?”

April 27, 2010 5:03 pm

Join a celebration of the music of the United States as the Whidbey Community Chorus presents its annual spring concerts. Under the direction of Chet Hansen, “Americana” will feature a range of American songs including John Denver favorites, the traditional Shaker hymn “Simple Gifts,” jazz classics “The Birth of the Blues,” and “Sunny Side of the Street,” and a medley from the movie “Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?”

Performances will be Friday, April 30, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, May 2, at 4 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 1050 SE Ireland St. Oak Harbor. Both concerts will also include presentations by Oak Harbor High School’s choral groups. With Darren McCoy directing, the Treble Choir will be featured at the Friday concert, and the Harbor Singers at the Sunday performance.

Conductor and pianist Chet Hansen has been a musical presence in Oak Harbor for many years. Besides directing and conducting the Whidbey Community Chorus, he is music director at the First Methodist Church, accompanies the Oak Harbor High School choral program, and maintains a private piano studio where he mentors and teaches many young musicians.

Admission is free, but donations are gratefully accepted. Call Kay Foss at 678-4148, or visit whidbeycommchorus.org.