Saturday June 24th, 2023 Copyright © 2023 Playbill Online Inc. All marks used by permission.
Good evening! On behalf of Cool Choir, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you for joining us tonight. Your presence here is not only a testament to your love for music but also a remarkable display of resilience and hope. After enduring such a challenging period in our lives, it warms our hearts to see this venue filled with your smiling faces once again. The impact of the global pandemic has been profound, affecting communities and individuals all around the world. We have faced unprecedented times, where uncertainty loomed and live music became a distant dream. But tonight, we stand here together, a vibrant congregation of music enthusiasts, reclaiming what we hold dear. Your return to this concert after such a prolonged hiatus is a testament to your unwavering support and belief in the power of live music to heal, inspire, and unite. It's not just the melodies that resonate within these walls, but the shared emotions, the collective energy, and the indescribable connection between artist and audience. Tonight, as the music fills the air, we celebrate not only the songs but the triumph of the human spirit. We want to express our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you for your patience, understanding, and dedication. Your support during these challenging times has been nothing short of extraordinary. Your continued belief in the magic of live performances has kept our spirits alive, even when stages remained empty. We would also like to extend our gratitude to all the healthcare workers, essential personnel, and scientists who have worked tirelessly to navigate us through these troubled waters. Their selfless efforts have paved the way for us to gather here tonight, reminding us of the importance of unity and resilience in the face of adversity. So, let us embrace this moment together. Let the music wash away the worries of the past and uplift our spirits for the journey ahead. Tonight, we celebrate not only the return of live concerts but the triumph of the human spirit. Once again, thank you for being here with us tonight. We are profoundly grateful for your unwavering support, and we can't wait to share this unforgettable experience with you. Enjoy the show! Jamie Serafi, Founder & Creative Director, Cool Choir
Ain’t No Mountain High EnoughMarvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell Alberta Bound Paul Brandt (Soloist Garrett Gregory) When We Were Young Adele This Love Is Magic Natasha Gould (Introduced by Bill Gould. Soloist Mandy Sweet) Under Calgary Skies Jamie Serafi (Introduced by Jamie Serafi. Accompanist Carlo Santos) Human The Killers Wonderful TonightEric Clapton (Performed by Jamie Serafi & Jordan Bencharski) LEAVIN’ YOU Garrett Gregory Another day in Paradise Phil Collins (Introduced by Philippe Reicher, Calgary Homeless Foundation) Late In The EveningPaul Simon (Performed by The Calgary Stampede Band of Outriders) INTERMISSION Moon River/What A Wonderful WorldHenry Mancini/Louis Armstrong (Performed by Deborah Nyack Harp Angel) Great Day (Performed by YOU - the audience!) We Shall Be KnownMaMuse You Gotta Be Des’ree You Are The Reason Callum Scott/Leona Lewis (Performed by Garrett Gregory & Mandy Sweet) (Accompanied by Jamie Serafi and Bel Canto Strings) Winter GamesDavid Foster (Introduced by Cool Choir member, Sherry Geremia) (Soloists April Lamb-Hunter and Grant Valley) Elegy for Jim Jamie Serafi (Introduced by Jamie Serafi. Soloists Jamie Serafi and Melonie Stanich) Sweet Child O'Mine Guns'n'Roses (Performed By Bel Canto Strings) December 63 (Oh What A Night)Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons One Day Like ThisElbow (Soloists Garrett Gregory & Kitty Bosch) All Cool Choir songs arranged by Jamie Serafi Copyright © 2023 Playbill Online Inc. All marks used by permission.
Cool Choir would like to dedicate the following songs: ‘This Love is Magic’ is dedicated to Natasha Rose Gould (NRG). Natasha was always singing and dancing, and she jumped at opportunities to perform on stage. She drew people to her with her positivity and buoyant energy (eNeRGy). On May 1st, 2015, at the age of 11, Natasha was diagnosed with DIPG, a highly aggressive brain tumour found at the base of the brain, mostly in children. Natasha’s desire to live life to the fullest led her and her family on many adventures. She posted blogs and videos and spoke at many events, advocating that more funds be dedicated to Childhood Cancer Research. One thing on her bucket list was to learn to play the guitar. She taught her guitar teacher a song she had made up. They put the song to paper. She called it “This Love is Magic.” It’s a song about overcoming obstacles and her first-time real-life crush.The quirky and upbeat eNeRGy of the song is reflective of Natasha’s buoyant (and a bit cheeky) personality. Natasha passed away on August 4th, 2016 - 15 months after her diagnosis. To learn more about Natasha’s story, check out her blogs and videos at www.prayfornatasha.ca ‘Under Calgary Skies’ is dedicated to the memory of his late mother, Mary Serafi. Mary nurtured and encouraged Jamie’s gifts of music her entire life. After moving to Canada in 2015, some incredible memories were created in this beautiful country with Mary. She loved Calgary and the Rockies and understood why Jamie loved living here too. Mary, too, was at her happiest when she spent time “Under Calgary Skies” with Jamie between 2015 and 2019. “Thank you for the music, and see you down the road Mum xx” ‘Another Day In Paradise’ is dedicated to the 2,782 Calgarians experiencing homelessness on any night. You can make donations to Calgary Homeless Foundation, which works tirelessly with government, service providers and community leaders on how to best leverage their combined resources and programs in the unified fight against homelessness. They envision a day when homelessness is rare, brief and non-recurring; perhaps an episode in one’s life but not a condition that defines it. Donate through this program, or click the QR code in the foyer on your way out and find out more through their website, www.calgaryhomeless.com. Our performance of ‘Elegy for Jim’ is an original song written by our Creative Director, Jamie, when he was 15 years old after feeling inspired by a poem about the futility of war penned by his late Uncle James “Jim” Hawkins. We would like to dedicate today’s performance of this song to a special group of Ukrainian friends Jamie has befriended since they arrived in Canada to seek refuge in the last 12 months. Bohdan, Dmytro, Elena, Marie (soprano member), Nataliia (alto member), and all those affected by the crisis. “When will the world wake up and say, this fight must stop, must stop today". Long Live Ukraine! Copyright © 2023 Playbill Online Inc. All marks used by permission.
Launched in January 2016 by Founder and Creative Director Jamie Serafi, Cool Choir is Calgary’s largest non-auditioned adult rock and pop choir; its popularity grew to over 450 members pre-pandemic, it is slowly regaining it's momentum. With an ever-growing current membership of over 300, it is determined to continue to spread its own brand of popular music to the masses through its welcoming open-door membership and its lively performances throughout the community. Cool Choir, with its "if you can speak you can sing" motto, holds weekly rehearsals at Edgemont (Monday), Mahogany (Tuesday), Bridgeland (Wednesday) and Lincoln Park (Thursday) and is always looking for new members. Our new trimester begins September 18th, 2023 and welcomes you to come and be part of the fun by booking a ‘Free Taster Session’ through our website www.coolchoir.com Treaty 7 Territory Land Acknowledgements In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge that we live, work and play on the traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Kainai, Piikani), the Tsuut’ina, the Îyâxe Nakoda Nations, the Métis Nation (Region 3), and all people who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta. Copyright © 2023 Playbill Online Inc. All marks used by permission.
Debbie Morgan Jan Walsh Linda Dziuba Mel McCartney Sharon London Allison Henderson Debbie Atamanchuk Jane Best Linda MacQuarrie Melissa Shook Sheila Bettin Amanda Rudiak Debi Walker Janet A Jacques Linda Willms Melody Jones Shelley Adams Amanda Hasan Debra Ragan Janet Gabereau Lisa Annan Melonie Stanich Shelley Rupert Angela Kokott Dennis Daly Janice Ballard Lisa Joseph Michael Humphreys Sherry Geremia Anita Dodd Diana McDougall Jeanette Vandrunen Lisa Schroeder Michelle Cheverie Stacey Wee Ann Lemorande Diane Bisson Jenn Watson Lisa Zaharia Moira Taylor Stephanie March April Lamb-Hunter Donna Adams Jennifer Collier Lise Bourret Moragh LeGallais Sue Athersych Ashley Haineault Donna Piche Jennifer Schwehr Lori Smehoff Nancy Helledie Susan Baker Audrey Baker Donna Unterberger Jeri Wallis Lorie Haydu Nancy Leggett Susan Brown Barb Birdgeneau Elaine Hillman Jo Anne Cummings Lorraine Carpino Nancy McDougall Susan Grimaldi Barb Ellsworth Elaine Lapointe Joan Bruce Lorraine Walters Nancy Wright Susan Lewis Barb Harder Elaine Savoie Joan Daoust Louise Coulombe Nonie Johnston Susan Tyrrell Barb McGowan Eleanor Fero Jocelyn Taylor Louise Lucrezi Pam Ostick Suzan Valenta Barb Spaulding Elena Huurman Johanna Smolders Louise Robertson Paola Sanchez Suzanne Roy Bev Kieken Emma Walsh Juanita Morison Lucie Bertin Pat Kelly-Bigras Sylvia Chan Bill Gould Erin Clark Judy Gilbert Lynn Favorite Pat Matchett Tamara Bianchini Birgitte Grogaard Esther Weaver Judy Pansky Lynne Magnusson Patricia Cavill Tera McLean Bob Jensen Fran Warren Julie Patterson Lynsey Grimmond Patti Barritt Teresa Armstrong Bonny England Gayle MacDonald Julie Ray Madeleine Gravel Patti Pansky Teresa Wiens Brenda Hocking Giselle Barretto Julie Westerink Madeleine Shuttleworth Patti Remus Theresa Benzel Bushra Muharram Glenda Shufelt Kandi McElary Margaret Roy Pauline White Tik Tycholaz Carol Gunn Gloria Jones Karen Betzema Margaret Stewart Rachel Kokott Tina Hayden Carol Rice Grant Valley Karen Brackett Margrit Henning Rachel Kokoty Tom Brownlee Caroline Minnings Gwen Berthelette Karen Cosgrove Marian Mulligan Rhonda Metz Tom Rosettis Caroline Noseworthy Hailey Kunz Karen Golightly Mariane Cunningham Ricki Blackwell Trina St Jean Carolyn Brown Hayley Miller Kari Evens Marie Demidenko Robert Rudolf Trish Hennan Carolyn Cudmore Heidi Grogan Kathleen Kundanani Marion Harrison Robert Weir Val Hougen Carrie Bullee Helen Yeung Kayla Avramenko Marjorie Smith Robin Proctor Valerey Davidson Cathie Althuizen Hilary Losier Kellie Cooper Marlynn Kennedy Robin Sine Verna Baldwin Catrina Loman Holly Mulloy Kelly Hyde Martin Rowland Ron McLeod Veronica Mulhall Cheryl Young Ian Atkinson Kerri Paviglianiti Mary Creighton Rosa Di Tomaso Vincent Fera Cheryl Bergfeldt Ingrid Littmann-Tai Kerry White-Tucker Mary Hagan-Ross Rosalie Rudolf Wendi Kerr Christina Millis Jackie Jones Kerry Green Mary Anne Ostapovitch Roxanne Steen Wendy Brown Cindy Hilton Jackie Stordahl Kerry Madder Mary Lou Stem Russell Hull Wendy Brownlee Cindy Starchuk Jacky’s McNally Kimberlee Wolfe Mary-Ann Gaitan Sandra Avramenko Wendy Sears Claire Mahony Jacob Stanich Kitty Bosch Matilda Gallant Sandra Martini Wendy Tegart Cynthia McGuffin Jacqui Durham Krista Moroz Maureen Corbett Sandy Swift Wendy Willard Connie Chorney Jan Leach Kyra Unterberger Maureen Redmond Sarah Denner-Najm Wylma Jack Dawn Erath Jan Lypkie Laurie-Anne Bulmer Maurissa Morgan Selphee Tang Yvonne Keck Deb Rowland Jan Thompson Leslie Hornbeck Meagan Blake Sharon Elder Yvonne Ustick
Jamie Serafi (Creative Director, Cool Choir) A composer, arranger and musician, Jamie has worked in the UK/ Canada for over 20-years. Writing music for film/TV, offering vocal coaching, rehearsal prep and musical directorship in London’s West End. He was the Composer on Oscar-nominated short film ‘Ave Maria,’ accompanied opera star Russell Watson on tour and is also a judge on the UK's largest songwriting competition. Angela Kokott (MC) A long-time Calgary broadcaster, Angela enjoyed 18 years at Global TV, helping Calgarians wake up to Morning News. In 2010 she moved to QR Calgary to host a talk show. She ‘semi-retired’ in 2018 but still enjoys filling in as a host on QR. Angela and her husband, Grant, have two adult children, volunteer with Special Olympics and enjoy travelling and playing pickleball. Garrett Gregory (ACMA Nominee Artist) Garrett, a breakout artist with genuine charm, puts his own spin on country music and then rubs it in the dirt; giving him a unique, highenergy, and entertaining sound. Dallas Smith, Chris Daughtry and Patrick Droney are among the few artists that inspire him. Hailed as Hanna’s second-best country band by Nickelback, Gregory just released his first album. Mandy Sweet (Vocalist) Mandy has been frontwoman to a myriad of bands, including her current band FortyFive. She has performed at notable events; Scotties Tournament of Hearts, Edmonton Elks Game, Big Valley Jamboree, Calgary Stampede, and right here with Cool Choir in 2017. When not on stage, you’ll find her working as a stenographer, with her dog, or performing with CAPTivate gymnastics team. Lisa Stelmack (Conductor) Lisa has over 25 years of experience working as a Music Director, artistic director, clinician for various choirs and performing groups, and piano instructor and accompanist. She has had an amazing year working with her talented high school choir and musicians. She holds an MEd, from Gonzaga University BMus and BEd, from UofMB. and is excited to work with Jamie and Cool Choir. "Enjoy the show! " Copyright © 2023 Playbill Online Inc. All marks used by permission.
Ethan Harder (Drums/Band Leader) A drummer, vocalist, pianist, and writer, Ethan, born in Canada, spent his early years in Australia and began playing piano aged five. From festivals to TV, he has performed on stages across Canada/US with rock, blues, country, folk, and experimental acts, inc. JUNO, CCMA, and CMAB-winning artists. Ethan’s multi-faceted musical work spans multiple genres and styles. Paul Bergeron (Bass) Paul graduated MacEwan in 2010 and made his mark as a soughtafter and accomplished musician, producer, and composer. His work spans various genres and styles, and his talent extends beyond traditional music settings; he successfully scored two feature films, wrote the theme song for Wild TV’s "Off The Edge," and continues to push musical boundaries. Odum Abekah (Keyboards/Synths) From playing in groups and ensembles to opening for KD Lang, Odum is a sought-after performer. A multi-instrumentalist from NB, his love of music began early and grew in high school; later he graduated Humber College and Mount Allison University. Now living in Calgary, Odum is a YYCMA Winning Producer and Nominated Artist, GMA Nominated Producer/Songwriter, Music Directo Chris Van Kier (Guitar) Chris has been playing music since piano lessons on the family farm in SK. After switching to guitar in his teens and moving to Edmonton to attend the UofA to pursue a BA in Commerce, he formed his first band and continued his music studies through private lessons. Now based in Calgary, he performs/records with multiple bands and teaches music with Cornerstone Music Cafe. Heather Thirsk (Piano/Keyboards) Heather started singing and playing piano aged 4; she continued her love for music and received a BA in Music in voice at 21. She spent 25 years as a music director in various churches and now teaches private voice and piano lessons at her own school of music in SW Calgary. Heather is married with three beautiful kids and still loves performing at various events. Copyright © 2023 Playbill Online Inc. All marks used by permission.
Radek Sokulski (Violinist) Radek, an accomplished violinist and talented composer whose love of music helped organize the Bel Canto Strings. His excellent violin technique comes from years of experience playing with the likes of the Calgary Philharmonic. Radek teaches violin and performs around Calgary and Banff. He received his BMus with Distinction from the UofC and a Performance Diploma at MR James Desautels (Violinist) James has enjoyed a music career for over 25 years. From concert halls, outdoor festivals, and live music clubs to recording studios, he has performed on five continents and 36 countries. James is an outstanding musician gaining international attention when he toured with David Byrne and Tosca Strings. He has worked with a variety of artists, from Elvis Costello to Frank Sinatra and has played on soundtracks inc. ‘The Office,’ ‘Badland’ and ‘To The Wonder’. Kristof Sokulski (Violinist) Kristof, the son of a violinist, has been honing his skills and passion for the violin throughout his life. Dedicated to his craft, he is well acquainted with the Calgary music scene and has been involved with numerous ventures. Teaching violin since he was sixteen, he recently created his own violin and theory program, ‘Prodigy Practice,’ which addresses the inefficiencies of some traditional teaching methods. Takumi Rodgers (Cellist) Takumi is a Canadian/Japanese cellist passionate about performance and musical collaboration, avidly pursuing a Bachelor of Music degree as a Performance major at the UofC. He started cello at 9 and began studying in Australia at 11. He studied under Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra’s principal cellist for two years before moving to Calgary for his degree. Takumi has performed in various competitions and performances here and Australia. Copyright © 2023 Playbill Online Inc. All marks used by permission.
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