Fascinating Rhythm Chorus thrilled to attend LABBS Convention 2022
Fascinating Rhythm enjoyed a jubilant weekend at the Ladies Association of British Barbershop Singers (LABBS) annual convention at the Bournemouth International Centre from 28-30 October 2022.
Fascinating Rhythm sang a package of two contrasting songs, originally from Broadway musicals, re-arranged in the traditional barbershop style. They opened their set with the heartfelt ballad ‘All The Things You Are‘ written by Oscar Hammerstein and Jerome Kern for Very Warm For May, skillfully arranged by Liz Garnett, and the humorous Cole Porter number ‘Let’s Do It (Let’s Fall In Love)‘ from Paris.
Fascinating Rhythm chorus members were excited to be able to compete in this heavily contested competition after we had weathered the storm of Covid-19 and the long three-year wait. The choir felt this was a year to set a new benchmark, particularly as they have enhanced their singing skills through working with the Barbershop coaching legend Rob Mance.
Fascinating Rhythm maintained its position within the top ten of national LABBS choruses, finishing in 8th place. The three-year break in the LABBS conventions meant that all choruses could compete, which resulted in intense competition to a very high standard.
“what an absolute thrill to be back on the convention stage. Those 10 minutes go so quickly, but they form part of an incredible learning journey, laughing and hard work in the preceding months. It was such a joy to catch up with all our sister choruses, watch their incredible performances and rejoice that despite the trials and tribulations that the pandemic placed on us all, we have all come back with a stronger song in our hearts”.
Jo Thorn, Fascinating Rhythm’s Musical Director
Fascinating Rhythm competed alongside local choir Bristol Fashion and was honoured to witness the comedy highlight “The Ballard of Barry and Freda (Let’s Do It)” from Black Sheep Harmony.
Fascinating Rhythm was pleased to have five new members join us for their first convention experience, and they said, “it was a great experience, and they felt very well looked after”.
Fascinating Rhythm ladies who are also members of The Bristol Mix (a regional mixed-voice chorus) had another opportunity to cross the convention stage when they sang in the Sunday morning show. They performed “Wouldn’t It Be Nice”, “What Kind Of Fool Am I?”, “You’re From Heaven And You’re Mine” under the direction of Craig Kehoe and Linda Corcoran.
Fascinating Rhythm congratulates all the choruses who competed, especially those who won trophies at this year’s convention, particularly the gold-medal winners, The White Rosettes and In-house quartet.
To keep up to date with Fascinating Rhythm and our forthcoming events, including two concerts later this year, follow our social media channels: Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
