CHORD-INATOR JANUARY 2018

OFFICIAL BULLETIN OF THE MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA, CHAPTER **** A CHAPTER WITH AN ENVIABLE PAST - AN UNBOUNDED FUTURE **** 10,000 LAKES DIVISION - LAND O’LAKES DISTRICT JANUARY 2018- VOL.74- NO. 1 Gabriel recruits an understudy Wile E Mennenga set to occupy the Second Baritone Chair In the early morning of New Year’s Day, Dwight (Wile I found a square one with Wiley Coyote on it. I tossed E) L. Mennenga, the one and only baritone in the 1972 them on a table and somebody asked, “Who’s going to get LOL District Champion Roadrunners the one with the coyote?” The three quartet, slept peacefully away. His of us looked at Dwight, and from comedic repartee with straight-man that moment on, he became known and bass, Norm Wolfe, is legendary as Wile E. but belied his other remarkable musi- Wile E became the center of our hu- cal achievements. He earned a BS morous routines. He was, as he put Degree in Music Education at the it, our “comedic genius.” He did University of Iowa in 1965 and later pratfalls during Bundle of Old Love studied Music Arranging at the U of Letters and fell off the stage during M-Mankato. Wile E was an accom- For the Good Times. He must have plished French-horn player who dur- fallen off more than 100 stages. ing his Army-band service had the Once during a gig at the Carlton Ce- honor of playing at President Eisen- lebrity Room, he fell off the stage hower’s funeral. Wile E sang with the and as the audience was roaring with Minneapolis Commodores for many laughter, he returned to say, “I think years and served as its interim direc- I just broke my arm.” We finished tor in the nineties. In the more recent the show THEN went to the hospital. past, he volunteered with, among oth- ers, the St. Louis Park Community One of his more famous stunts was Band, St. Anthony Civic Orchestra, Dwight L. Mennenga when he “mooned” the Happiness the Minnetonka Concert Band, the Emporium … but you would have Brooklyn Brass, and the Brooklyn 1943 - 2018 had to ask him about that. The Road- United Methodist Church Choir. His runners would only have to hand wife, Judy, has asked that any memorials be sent to the Wile E a “situation” and he would make it funny. Brooklyn United Methodist Church. Quite often, performing with him was a lot like walking Old friend and fellow Roadrunner, Norm Wolfe, adds … through a mine field. We had a pre-arranged routine where On July 12,1972, Ron Thomley, Ron Stong, Dwight a lady from the audience would slap him on the face in Mennenga, and I got together to form a quartet. We response to a whisper in her ear. On one occasion a fairly had no name, no uniforms, no money, and no idea if any- hefty gal “decked” him and he saw double for the rest of one would ever pay to hear us sing. Thomley suggested the show, Ah, there’s no business like show business. that we buy bowling shirts and find some patches that While on stage Wile E was a master comic. In private, he would solve the uniform/name problem. I went to a store was a warm, selfless, and very loyal friend who will forev- and could find only three identical patches. They were er be missed. round with a picture of a Roadrunner (Beep, beep!). Then Go to Wile E, Page 2, Column 1

CHORD-INATOR 2 JANUARY 2018 President Blake Wanger’s Annual Show: Pitch Pipe Perfect the songs that are at the root of what Inaugural Address Annual Show Chairman Matt Rich- we do, and which unite all members ards is building a show that is go- of the BHS by providing the oppor- By Blake Wanger ing to create a thrilling experience in tunity to sing together, anytime, any- The 2018 Season: Pitch Pipe Perfect the vein of singing competitions like where, with all other Barbershoppers. American Idol and The Sing Off. The There will also be an emphasis placed With the start of the new year, there is show will pit two choruses (each on adding some more unique and fun a lot of excitement played by the entire Commodores activities to rehearsals, such as octet now and on the hori- chorus) and numerous quartets and tag-in opportunities. zon for the Minneap- VLQs in a friendly competition fea- olis Commodores. turing songs from more than 10 dif- Attendance Policy: The Board and As the new president ferent categories including Barber- Music Committee have approved a of the chorus, I am shop Classics, Crooner Classics, new attendance policy that is already really looking for- Country, Rock, Disney, Broadway, in place, and in effect until the annual ward to the upcom- Spiritual, Patriotic and more. Who show performance. The policy states ing Commodores will win the competition? You’ll that in order to be eligible to perform 2018 season. Some have to come to Benson Great Hall in the annual show, members must Blake Wanger of the highlights for at Bethel University at 3 p.m. on attend eight of the eleven rehearsals the year include: Saturday, April 14 to find out. The from January 2 through March 13, and all four rehearsals between March 20 Leadership: A new slate of board show will also feature an amazing guest quartet, the 2015 International and April 10, as well as the tech re- members has been sworn in. Some hearsal on April 12. However, mem- board members, such as Music VP Quartet Champion, Instant Classic. It is sure to be another great show! bers who are unable to meet the at- Carl Pinard, Treasurer John Car- tendance requirement can also qualify lotto, Marketing VP Steve Grady, Music: As mentioned above, the to sing on the show by singing their and Secretary Bill Warp, at-large Commodores repertoire is going to part in one or several show songs in a board members, Andy Richards, include music from across a wide quartet with three other qualified sing- Andy Tate, and Arne Stefferud will range of categories for the 2018 sea- ers under director Paul Wigley’s continue on in their roles. Denny son. This includes many of our old watchful ear. Maas is now the Immediate Past favorites from recent years like Cra- President, and I have moved from zy Little Thing Called Love and Can The songs will be preselected by the Program VP to President. We also You Feel The Love Tonight, our cur- directorial team, and the quartet will have some wonderful new faces join- rent contest songs, The Way Y ou sing in private with only the director ing us on the board. Jim Norman Look Tonight and This Could Be The present. The director will determine takes over as Membership VP, Eric Start of Something Big and many whether the singer has shown mastery Nelsen is now the Program VP and new songs including Take Me of the material and is eligible to sing we have added Paul Paddock and Home, Country Roads and I’ve Got at the annual show. A singer who Dave Casperson as at -large board the World on A String. And of doesn't qualify on their first attempt members. We are also thrilled to have course, we will still be learning the may make subsequent attempts to Kim Ward as our first non- music from our outstanding team of qualify if they choose. This policy Commodore board member. Kim is Director Paul Wigley and Assistant was designed to maintain the inclusive the wife of former Commodore Bill, Directors Dave Speidel, and Dave philosophy of the Commodores by so she is already part of the family. Bechard. And a better trio of di- giving every singer the opportunity to She brings a lot of valuable experi- rectors you would be hard pressed to have a spot on the risers, while en- ence and is a passionate supporter of find anywhere in the entire Society. couraging members not just to learn our chorus. She is going to be an ex- their music, but master it. A similar cellent addition to the Board. Performances: In addition to the policy will likely be in place for the annual show, we already have sever- fall contest as well. Wile E from Page 1 al other performances scheduled Editor’s Note: Norm Wolf, the only throughout the year, including the Altruism: In 2017, the Commodores Roadrunner bass, has annual Como Park event, another were able to continue to help numer- been a great friend, visit to the Landscape Arboretum, ous people through organizations, in- supplying wonderful our annual performance at a Twins cluding local food shelves and by do- pieces for my Chord- game and performances at many nating thousands of dollars to our Inators, particularly local parks. friends at Y outhLink MN to help pro- in the early years. I vide shelter, care and opportunities for hope that he may get Rehearsal Changes: 2018 brings at-risk youths. We plan to continue back in the habit of some small, but important changes supporting EarthLink, sharing pro- gracing these pages to chapter meetings. This year, every ceeds from our show and performanc- Norm Wolfe in the future with his rehearsal session will include five to es, and to continue our campaign for tongue-in-cheek, whimsical, and often ten minutes of work on a Barberpole the ICA Food Shelf and other similar really heart-warming prose. Cat of the Month song. It is a chance programs. to for us to get back in touch with Go to President, Page3, Column 1

CHORD-INATOR 3 JANUARY 2018 Thank You! Thank You! was ravaged by natural disasters and senseless human tragedy. It is our By Denny Maas, Immediate Past The Road Ahead hope that by coming to our perfor- By Paul Wigley, Director President mances you found some joy for 90 I wanted to personally thank you on minutes and your heart beat was a The beginning of a new calendar year behalf of all the Min- little lighter. At our concerts, you is always exciting. neapolis Commo- may have tried to answer the ques- First of all, there is dores for your sup- tion regarding “Who put the Bomp still the warm glow port in 2017 attend- in the Bomp-de-Bomp-de-Bomp….” of the holiday season ing our performances Or you may have just been caught and fond memories and your voluntary up in one of our romantic ballads of times spent with donations to local remembering “The Way You Look friends and family. food shelves. Your Tonight-with your cheeks so soft and The new year also attendance, along your smile so warm.” And, of brings on a bit of a re course, who could forget everyone -set and gives us a Denny Maas with our other pa- Paul Wigley trons at our Annual from 3 to 93 joining our fabulous chance to redefine Spring Show over the last three years, Village People dancing to YMCA. goals, and to set new personal ambi- tions. has allowed us to share $7000 of our The year 2018 is now here and the profits with Youthlink MN. They Commodores have already been pre- The year 2018 promises to be a terrif- have a facility in downtown Minne- paring music for our Spring Show – ic year for the Minneapolis Commo- apolis that provides housing, meals, “Pitch Pipe Perfect” on April 14th at dores! We have another incredibly food, educational, and employment Bethel University. This is going to creative annual show coming up in services to youth ages 16-23. Just like be another great show being pro- April! (With one of the very finest the Christmas stories, you have duced by one our most talented and quartets currently singing in the Bar- helped youth seeking safe shelter creative young Commodores, Matt bershop Harmony Society as our from a cold winter night with a room, Richards. Please mark the date on guests.) We already have some great food to eat, with people who support your calendars. We are also working summer-performance venues lined them. on the schedule for our 2018 Season up—some of our favorite spots plus In 2015, we started to collect food and will let you know the dates once some new places we have not sung in shelf donations at some of our perfor- they have been scheduled. before! Contests, quartet activities, mances. Last year, all of our summer social events, and much more will performances included food donation One final request—we would love guarantee that 2018 will be unforget- collections. Thanks to your generosi- your help getting more people to our table! ty over the last three years, $5522 and performances so we can grow our I have two personal Commodore res- 1109 pounds of food were collected donations to Youthlink and the food olutions for the New Year. I have for the ICA, STEP, and YouthLink shelves. We encourage you to invite shared both of them with you, but I food shelves. Your support magnifies someone who hasn’t been to a Com- want to reiterate what they are. My our efforts to reach out to those in modore’s show, to go with you next first goal is to bring at least one new need. You are the BEST! time and share the harmonies. member into the Commodores. I en- The year2017 has been one of the Yours in Song, courage/challenge you all to join me in the same goal. The circle of life of most heart wrenching and difficult Denny years I can remember as our country organizations such as the Commo- dores consists of men leaving us (for President from Page 2 ers. As the members in attendance a multitude of reasons) and men ea- The Commodores Board also very heard at my swearing in during our gerly joining us that are ready to con- recently approved a $500 donation to chapter meeting, what inspires me tinue the successful legacy of the our help a St. Louis Park Middle School most about the Minneapolis Com- chapter. Look for these potential new Chorus, directed by Great Northern modores is our unwavering commit- singers/members (Note: I did high- Union director, Doug Carnes, as they ment to harmony—in our music, light ‘singers’!) in all walks of your raise funds to travel to the Midwinter within our chorus, among all of the life. As recently quoted: Everybody Convention in California later this members and chapters of the Barber- loves Barbershop … some just don’t month. Altruism has always been and shop Harmony Society, and between know it yet! We all have an obligation will continue to be a key focus of the our chapter and the other organiza- to make a positive contribution to our Commodores mission. tions we support. It is a privilege special circle of life, that is, the con- and an honor to serve as President of tinuing recruitment of new Commo- In Conclusion: The 2018 season is dores. going to be full of exciting changes the Minneapolis Commodores and I and wonderful new opportunities for can’t wait to see where the 2018 My second resolution is to improve the Minneapolis Commodores, as season takes us. every member’s individual vocal well as opportunities for the our technique as a singer. The music team members to do a lot of good for oth- Go to Wigley, Page 4, Column 3

CHORD-INATOR 4 JANUARY 2018

Minneapolis, Minn. Chapter Wigley from Page 3 Land O’Lakes District, BHS Meetings every Tuesday, 7:00 p.m. has talked about changing the House of Prayer Lutheran Church 01/15 Bill Warp 01/23 Candice Hojan warmup format a bit, in order to make 7625 Chicago Avenue South it more of a class voice lesson. Every Richfield, MN 55423 01/26 Shirley Retter Chapter Officers 01/27 Karen Richards week my goal is to give all of you a President…………..…Blake Wanger 414/699-4950 02/04 Ray Ensrud new piece of vocal technique that you Past Pres. ………...... Denny Maas 952/447-8012 can apply to your individual voice. I Marketing/PR VP…...Steve Grady….952/334-7500 20/06 Martha Smalley* VP Music /Perform… Carl Pinard 612/927-9363 20/06 Judy Windey am completely aware that voices are VP Membership...…...... Jim Norman 612/242-9330 as varied as fingerprints, but we will Program VP..………..…...Eric Nelson 612/47-2380 02/07 Paul Paddock Secretary……...... …...... Bill Warp 763/531-2290 02/07 Karen Wentworth try to give you tools for vocal im- Treasurer …….. ……...John Carlotto 952/925-0886 02/08 Sherry Machen Ostergaard provement that are basic to all sing- Board Members ers, and we will constantly reinforce Through 2018 02/08 Glenn Retter Andy Cook…………………………..651/688-6459 * Commodore South those tools and techniques. This is Andy Richards…………………..…...651/639-9312 exciting to me personally, because it Arne Stefferud…………………...…..651/772-4367 Through 2018/19 will undoubtedly improve everyone’s Dave Casperson……………………...651/432-4922 personal enjoyment of singing, confi- Paul Paddock………………………...757/784-6440 dence as a singer, and collectively Kim Ward (Community Rep.)……….763/413-9273 01/22 Bob & Sherry Machen Os- Directors tergaard improve the consistency and quality Director…………...…...…………..…..Paul Wigley of the sound of the Minneapolis Com- Assistant Directors: Gary Jacobson (on leave), modores. The oldest cliché in the Davie Speidel, Dave Bechard Note: If your birthday or anniver- Section Leaders sary date is missing from the lists, book is “You’re only as strong as Tenor Section Leader ……..…...…....…Rollie Neve please let your humble Editor know. your weakest link”… there will be no Lead Section Leader. ……..………...….…..Vacant Assistant - Dan Smith weak links in our chorus! Bari Section Leaders ……....…..….….Dave Speidel SUPPORT Let’s all look forward to a year of Assistant - Matt Richards Bass Section Leaders……………...Dave Casperson success, enjoyment, fulfillment, and Committee Chairmen HARMONY making that connection with each oth- Altruistic Programs Chairman…….…..Denny Maas er that can only be made by singing Audio/Visual Mgr……………….. ….Kirk Douglas FOUNDATION 2016 Show Chairman………..….…....Dave Speidel together. 2017 Show Chairman………………….....Dan Cole 2018 Show Chairman…………….….Matt Richards It IS terrific to be a Commodore! Afterglow Chairman……………...... Andy Richards Attendance/Sgt.-at-Arms…….…………...... Vacant Singing Valentines BOTY Party Chairman...... Mark Ortenburger Chord-Inator Staff . Another great fund-raising opportuni- Editor ……………….….….…..…Dr. Hardin Olson ty for the Commodores is fast ap- Senior Columnist….……..….…..….Jim Erickson proaching on Wednesday, February Artist…………….…….…...…...…..Glenn Retter December reenlistments Chorus Manager…………………….....Dan Slattery l4th, Valentines Day—a chance for Assistant - Neal Mortenson Anthony Lapakko………...…..4 yrs. quartets to spread love and to enjoy Chorus Performance Managers…… .....John Lloyd .. Bob Ostergaard Mike Hojan………….…...….12 yrs. seeing the happiness a little song or Harvey Weiss Dean Lambert…………...…..12 yrs. two can make for someone’s special Grants Research…………..……...…….…...Vacant person (while adding to the chapter Groupanizer Administrator……...…..Matt Richards Bryan Langren…………...….12 yrs. Harmony Foundation…...…...... ……...... Vacant treasury). Historian …………………………………...Vacant Robert Duncan……………....12 yrs. Learning Tracks…….……….....…… ….Dan Smith Bill Warp…………………....14 yrs. The message needs to get out that we Librarian………………..…..……….….Carl Pinard are in the singing-for-sweeties busi- Name Tags ………………...………….Dan Slattery Dan Williams……………...... 15 yrs. Nut Sales Chairman…… …Dick Riemenschneider ness again this year. So, start using Northern Pines Brigade President…. ..Dave Speidel Chuck Gribble…………..…..16 yrs. our newly-started Twitter account, Performance Mgr………….…….…...Paul Swanson Jim Ostrander…………….....29 yrs. Facebook, your e-mail, and anything Presentation Chairman……..……..……....Dan True Quartet Promotion…………. ...…….Gary Jacobson Denny Rolloff………….…....35 yrs. else you can use to spread the word. Riser Boss(temp)……….….…..………...Dan Cole Carl Pinard…………….….....36 yrs. Flyers and all instructions will be Roster (pending) ………………..….Andy Richards available, so register your quartet Singing Valentines……..……. …..Neal Mortenson Paul Wigley………………....39 yrs. Sunshine ……………………...…Mark Bloomquist with Dan Slattery or Neal Mortenson Swipe Editor ………..………………...... Bill Warp Harlan Mellem…………..….40 yrs. and expect to have the best singing Tickets/A-Commodears President..…..Diana Pinard Transportation Mgr.………………..Dick Hartmann Ray Ensrud……………...…..41 yrs. time of your Commodores life. Uniform Committee Chairman… ……..…...Vacant James Jorgensen……….…....45 yrs. Harvey Weiss Roger Meyer………..…....….45 yrs. Capital “B” in Dan Slattery……………… .48 yrs. Bill Shaw Jr……………… .54 yrs. Barbershop? Randy Klopfleisch……… ...57 yrs. Doug Miller……………...….59 yrs. Why not? Thurman Slack………….…..59 yrs. Bob Spong…………… …...61 yrs.

CHORD-INATOR 5 JANUARY 2018 But even acrimonious retorts can article does have a purpose and Georgia Grind come to an end, too. And that has point. happened between the Neve arti- And that is? I have been a Com- cles and those of yours truly. Are By Jim Erickson, Bantered Bari- modore for many years. And over the sarcastic tales dead? If so, tone those years, I have seen, and been long live the sarcastic tales. Months ago, no, make that a cou- a part of, many versions of associ- (Now tell me, dear reader, does ple of years ago ation and friendship with other that make any sense at all?) or so. Or, time members. Some have come and is elusive, par- And I must mention that the es- gone, others have existed from the ticularly as we teemed Neve was not above re- very beginning and still do. But age. And I am leasing an occasional compli- the camaraderie of the members is too lazy to look ment from a grip he held so something special. I don’t know if back to the mile tightly. For instance, recently he any research has ever been done -stone to which telephoned me to tell a joke on whether those who sing also I refer. Maybe about the renowned art museum, make for good male companions Jim Erickson it was two dog the Louvre. I anticipated a rather when pursuing an endeavor like years ago I last wrote about Rol- singing in a big chorus, or a quar- lie Neve and poked at our usual tet, or some version thereof. But I fun exchanges think there is a definite link. Often, I could find something to With differing schedules, work, pick at about the Four Seasons winter or summer location chang- Quartet in which he sang tenor. es, and the like, sometimes we Never hindered much by truth have to reinvigorate some of those (and notwithstanding what I say earlier relationships along with later below), I had obtained a self engaging new ones, with the ever- -proclaimed license to make up changing personnel of a choral stories as I saw fit. Always based organization such as ours. But that in some sort of way, on a real sto- is kind of what it’s all about. ry, the versions wandered through Do I miss the Neve banter? I a mish-mash of tangled fantasies wouldn’t give Rollie the satisfac- of the mind. The banter, though, tion of knowing that I do, but I seemed to have the serious aim of will recognize his many contribu- injuring the other writer, especial- “artsy” joke, and he felt I would tions to the chorus and to the ly when one or the other would understand and appreciate the Chord-Inator, by inducting him not only stab with accuracy, but gist of it as he considered me to into the Order of the Georgia then twist the knife mercilessly. be, “culturally above the norm.” Grind Outhouse (OGGO). You Could there be a real hidden ha- That is a direct quote from Neve. may think this is an honor beyond tred between the two? I swear! And in accepting this what he deserves, but I would de- I offer that nothing could be fur- compliment, I realize that some fend him saying… Oh, you make ther from the truth. Or is it, norms are higher than others, but up how I might defend him as I am “farther” from the truth? I will take this as a really high at a loss. Enjoy the award, Rolle, once you receive it at the upcom- Whichever, the playfulness be- one. Whatever he may have ing ceremony. You can mark the tween the barbs of Neve and my meant… ceremonial day easily as it is the valiant, but often faint, returns The late Jim Richards once de- same day as the tomorrow in “Free were the backbone of many an scribed to my face, that my writ- Beer Tomorrow!” article of mine. And then? ing was the most “stream of con- In closing, guard the truth. Any- Well, Rollie’s quartet disbanded sciousness” writing he had ever thing else will serve no one. And after a very successful and long- read. He did say it with a twinkle in his eye, but Jim was never far please be present. Know where winded (You know! Singers forge from the mark. I, however, you are and what is going on the wind into ever-rising harmo- would venture that a more accu- around you. In my research on the nies) run and it meant the end of rate statement might be that my origins of the Georgia Grind, I the repartee. All good things, as have to deal with all sorts of shady you well know, come to an end. words are a “stream of uncon- sciousness.” Nevertheless, this Go to Grind, Page 6, Column 1

CHORD-INATOR 6 JANUARY 2018

th th Days of Yore SPEBSQSA Parades of the show included the Lake-Aires, 10 and 11 , 1961. First off, the MC Quartets Harmonians, the Zuhrah Shrine was the well-known television per- Quartet, the Aqua-Tones, the Hut sonality, Art Baker, who was a mem- By Dr. Bob Dykstra, Curmudgeon-at- Four, and the Atomic Bums. The ber of the Pasadena Chapter. Quar- Large chorus sang a few songs as well but tets included: (1) The Saints from California who then were the current Last month my Chord-Inator musings it’s no wonder shows at the time th were called Parades of Quartets. 5 place medalists of the Society; (2) discussed the wide- the Baytown Four, another California spread popularity of In going through the old show pro- quartet who, at the time, were the So- quartets in the grams I had collected 50-60 years ciety’s 4th place medalists; (3) the 1950s.That popular- ago, two especially caught my atten- th Gala Lads from California who were ity was quite evi- tion. On March 19 , 1960, the Hut to win the gold at the 1962 Interna- dent in Barbershop Four performed on the Pittsburgh tional convention; (4) The Hut Four chapter shows of the annual show held at the Carnegie from Minneapolis, who were Interna- time which inevita- Music Hall. The chapter chorus per- tional semi-finalists; (5) the Evans bly were called formed to open the show, then Quartet from Utah who were the Bob Dykstra (with good reason) turned it over to quartets. And how’s reigning International champions; and parades of quartets. this for a line-up of quartets? Pitts- (6) the Buffalo Bills, who were Inter- Today’s Barbershop shows usually burgh Chapter quartets who per- national gold medalists in 1950 and feature the chapter chorus and a few formed included three district medal- stars of the Broadway musical and of its quartets (if they have any) and ists, (Steel City Four, Selectones, soon-to-be popular movie, Music at best one outside quartet of note. Westinghouse Quartet), as well as Man. That’s far different from chapter the soon-to-be International Quartet gold medalists, the Town and Coun- As if that weren’t enough of a show, shows of fifty or sixty years ago. I at the last minute the chapter brought recently came across a large number try Four, and the 1948 International Quartet Champions, the Pittsburgh- in the Osmond Brothers who were 12, of chapter show programs from the 10, 8, and 6 years old and soon were 1950s and 1960s on which my old ers, one of the most popular show quartets in the Society at the time. to become regular cast members of quartet, the Hut Four, performed. the Andy Williams television show. Despite this powerful line-up of lo- All annual shows at the time featured And then to add excitement to their cal quartets the chapter saw fit to presentation, Donny Osmond, who multiple visiting quartets in addition bring in the Hut Four from Minneap- to those from the host chapter. Min- had just turned 4, came out on stage olis (international semi-finalists in to sing a number with his brothers. neapolis Chapter shows held at 1958 and 1959), the Short Cuts from Northrop Auditorium during this time What a show! And again, clearly a Miami (1959 fifth place Internation- Parade of Quartets. period, for example, always brought al medalists), and the Sweet and in at least three well-known visiting Lows from Berwyn, Illinois (1958 I don’t remember……but I’ll bet quartets even though the chapter itself Sweet Adeline International Quartet those two shows went on for hours. had a number of excellent show quar- Champions) to round out the show. Come to think of it, I don’t think tets. three-hour shows were that rare way The other program that caught my In fact, it was required to do so by the back then. After all, as I’ve said many eye was from the Pasadena, Califor- times, Americans in the 1950s and contract between the Minneapolis nia, shows that were held on March Chapter and the University of Minne- 1960s loved quartet-singing. sota Department of Concerts and Lec- tures, under whose auspices the shows were held at Northrop. In 1957, for example, the Minneapolis chapter brought in the Hawkeye Four from Des Moines, the Kord Kings from Oak Park, Illinois, and the Mid- States Four from Chicago. They also brought in a banjo act called the Ban- jo-Tainers from Muskegon, Michigan. Chapter quartets who performed on Grind from Page 5 characters in places that can only be imagined. Kind of Indiana Jones like … it’s the price I have to pay. In the meantime, hold fast At the January 2 Chapter meeting the out-going President Denny Maas (rt.) presents President- to that which is good and the truth. elect Blake Wanger (left) the accoutrements of the office. Staff Photo

CHORD-INATOR 7 JANUARY 2018 The Weiss Report By Harvey Weiss Speaking of Pictures On Thursday, January 4th, 16 (sixteen) Commodores and their wives, attended the blockbuster show at the Old Log Theater entitled, “Life Could Be A Dream”. It is a song- filled musical about a quartet of young singers getting ready to com- pete in a contest, singing all the great tunes from the 60’s. Sha-Boom was their opening number and others in- cluded, Duke of Earl, Fools Fall In Love, and another dozen and half songs. Assistant Director David Bechard wanted to acknowledge the hard work Just One More by present- The Commodores’ doo wop quartet, ing them with certificates of appreciation on January 9. Matt Richards, Ben Wanggaard’ Tony BOMP, and their back up’s, enjoyed Lapakko, and Nate Weimer (left to rt.) seem pleased at the recognition. fine food and singing at Maynard's in Excelsior prior to the show. The singing continued during the inter- mission and after the performance out in the foyer. It was GREAT to be a COMMODORE! The show is lots of fun and the sing- ing is just great. I encourage you to spend a night out there and really get into the groove of the times. Harvey Weiss Members of the 2018 Minneapolis Chapter Board posing behind President Blake Wanger (Front center) at the January 9 chapter meeting, from the left Arne Stefferud, John Carlotto, Andy Rich- ards, Wanger, Denny Maas, Andy Cook, Bill Warp, Steve Brady, Carl Pinard, and Jim Norman. Missing: Dave Casperson, Eric Nelson, Paul Paddock, and Kim Ward. Jim Richards Memorial Chord Candy # 14

Give Me Your Hand … A Burt Szabo original Jim Richards

CHORD-INATOR 8 JANUARY 2018

Dr. Hardin Olson, Bulletin Editor 3020 St. Albans Mill Road #109 1st CLASS Minnetonka, MN 55305 952/229-4525 POSTAGE [email protected] HERE

All copy and photos herein without a byline, as well as those opinions Neither shared with the Girl and commentaries under his by- Scouts nor dumped by the line, are the sole responsibility of Sweet Adelines. the Chord-Inator Editor and do not Logo courtesy of Bob Clark necessarily reflect the views of the Minneapolis Chapter Board or its officers. RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Chapter Quartets To: BOMP Dan Cole………………………….612/940-4554 CHORD SMASH James Estes……………………….612/237-3234 EASY LISTENIN' Dan Slattery……………………... 651/747-6384 HOT COMMODITY Dave Speidel…………………..….612/437-4325 LOOKING AHEAD JUST ONE MORE Nate Weimer……………………...316/204-8756  March 24, Saturday, !0,000 Lakes 2017 Barbershopper Of The Year RING IT ON Division Contest, Stillwater Dan True Andy Richards……………….… ..651/639-9312  April 12, Thursday, Tech Rehearsal, RIVER CITY QUARTET John Chouinard………..………….651/343-4145 Bethel University Commodores and others * MINNESOTA GO-4’s  April 14, Annual Show, Bethel Uni- contributing to this issue. Harvey Weiss………………….….763/439-4447 versity Bob Dykstra RANDOM SAMPLE  June 24, Sunday, Arboretum Perfor- Jim Erickson Darrell Egertson…………………..952/943-8737 mance SWYPE Denny Maas Mark Bloomquist………………....952/541-0232  July 10, Tuesday, Area Chapter Blake Wanger SOUNDS of RENOWN (VLQ) Singout, Como Park Hardin Olson

Mark Ortenburger…………….…..952/942-8382 Paul Wigley District Level THE SHOES Harvey Weiss Andy Richards……………………651/639-9312  October 26-27, Fri/Sat, LOL District Norm Wolfe Convention Burt Szabo* International Level  January 16-21, 2018, Midwinter Con- CHORD-INATOR vention, Orange County, California 1st Place 2013 PROBE HARD-COPY INTERNATIONAL BULLETIN CONTEST

PROBE Hall of Honor Dr. Hardin Olson CHORD-INATOR 2016 MINNEAPOLIS COMMODORES Minneapolis Chapter of SPEBSQSA The Chord-Inator is available on MEETING EVERY TUES –7:00 p.m. the Minneapolis Chapter’s website House of Prayer Lutheran Church minneapoliscommodores.org 7625 Chicago Ave. S. starting with the January 2006 is- Richfield, MN 55423 GUESTS ALWAYS WELCOME sue.