Published: October 29, 2009 10:32 pm      

‘We Sing!’ tonight in new downtown performance space

CUMBERLAND — The third annual “We Sing!” will be held today at 7:30 p.m. at 9 N. Centre St., second floor, creating another performance venue in downtown Cumberland. Downtown is rich with performances this weekend, so a new space had to be found for “We Sing!”

With three choirs performing in the event — Chorus of the Potomac, Cumberland Choral Society and the Frostburg State University Chamber Choir — a large hall was required for staging and audience. Through the generosity of Doug and Betsey Schwab, the second floor of 9 North Centre, directly above the Allegany Arts Council, was acquired for the performance.

The rear entrance of the building is handicapped accessible. There is a fee for admission. Refreshments will be available, including a cash bar.

Chorus of the Potomac, a 26-member group in its 30th year, is directed by Jeff Avey, assisted by Wendy Anderson. The group a program of diverse music performed in the barbershop style.

The Cumberland Choral Society, under the direction of Karen Soderberg and accompanied by Betty Jane Phillips, will perform three novelty numbers, “Jabberwocky” by Pottle, “Neighbors’ Chorus” by Offenbach and “Eloquence” by Haydn.

The group will present its Holiday Concert on Dec. 4 at Christ Lutheran Church in LaVale and Dece. 6 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Cumberland.

Frostburg State University Chamber Choir, again under the direction of Soderberg and accompanied by Phillips, will present “Snowflakes,” by Lane Johnson, “Rondes,” by Folke Rabe, “Twa Tanbou,” Sydney Guillaume, and “Sweater Weather,” Kenneth Jennings.