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Gulf Coast Harmonizers to celebrate 25th anniversary

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Celebrating its 25th anniversary, The Gulf Coast Harmonizers, formerly known as the Cape Chorale, will perform two special concerts Saturday, Jan. 28, at New Hope Presbyterian Church in Fort Myers.

The performances are at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., at the church, which is at 10051 Plantation Road. Tickets are $20 in advance or $23 at the door. Reserved seats are $25.

The concert will feature some of the group’s noted four-part harmony songs, plus a few new ones learned just for the anniversary performance.

“Every year we learn six to eight new songs for the annual show,” said member Chuck Solomon. “We try to refresh our list every year for the show.”

Adding to musical celebration will be performances by Bling!, an a cappella quartet that was the 2015 Sweet Adelines International Champion.

Made up of over 40 local singers from across Lee County – Cape Coral, Fort Myers, North Fort Myers, Estero and Bonita, the Gulf Coast Harmonizers recently rebranded itself and moved to a more centralized location in Fort Myers.

According to another long-time member, Denny Bowers, “When we were the Cape Chorale, it tied the group to the Cape, but we had members from all over the area. Now we are more centrally located.”

He went on to say that the rebrand and name change, “Gulf Coast” and “Harmonizers” came logically, Bowers said, and “tied it all together.”

Another change is a new director, Duane Fenn, a lifelong musician who currently sings in the Vantage Point quartet and has been a member of two other quartets that qualified as international competition finalists.

The local group’s purpose is simply to get out and sing for the community, perform at community events or on special occasions, and at competitions. Both Bowers and Solomon said another key element for the group is to “have fun.”

An annual goal of the Harmonizers is to expand its membership.

“We’re trying to open ourselves up more to the community,” Solomon said. “Our goal this year is 10 new members.”

Members today range in age from 24 to the 80s.

“Ages are varied but we are open to anyone of any age,” Bowers said.

In an attempt to lure more singers, guest nights are being planned where non-members can attend the Monday evening practice sessions at Cypress Lake Presbyterian Church at 8260 Cypress Lake Drive in Fort Myers and find out what the group is all about. Rehearsals start at 6:30 p.m.

“On guest nights, people can stop by to get the feel for what we do,” Solomon said. “If they are interested, they can sing a few songs with us, and maybe get comfortable with it.”

“The best way to learn about the Gulf Coast Harmonizers is to stop by Monday night and listen,” Bowers said, reiterating Solomon’s comment.

On Feb. 4, the group will also host a workshop for high school students. Five area schools will be having students attend, they said.

“We really want to keep it going, get kids involved,” Solomon said.

“We are trying to get the word out through the newspapers and social media,” he continued. “It’s all about growth.”

The Harmonizers also have a booth at the Cape Coral Farmers Market.

The Gulf Coast Harmonizers is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and funds it raises are donated to Lee Health to help children with speech difficulties, the Harry Chapin Food Bank and veterans organizations.

“We sing so others may speak,” Bowers said.

To date, the Harmonizers have donated nearly $33,000 to Lee Health.

Another popular upcoming activity for the Harmonizers is the delivery of “Singing Valentines.” On Feb. 12, 13 and 14, quartets from the group will deliver a card, a rose and candy and sing two songs to the recipient. The special holiday service is available in Cape Coral, Pine Island, Fort Myers and North Fort Myers. For information, call 1-855-425-3631.

For more information about the Gulf Coast Harmonizers, visit www.GulfCoastHarmonizers.org.