Singing in the Spring Sunshine

Fascinating Rhythm enjoyed a wonderful sunny morning, entertaining local residents, as well as family and friends from further afield, at the annual Keynsham Bandstand in the Park on Sunday 27^th April. In addition to the glorious sunshine, it was extra special because this was our acting MD, Wendy Howse’s first public performance as our director – and she smashed it!

We entertained a sizable audience with songs old and new, including ‘With a Little Help from My Friends’ the  Beatles classic, and Christina Perri’s “A Thousand Years”,  made popular in “The Twilight Saga” which we added to our repertoire recently. The icing on the cake for us was that seven of our nine new members were able to join us on stage. We have been delighted to have so many newbies join our ranks, following our annual ‘Sing Happy in Harmony’ course which ran for 5 weeks earlier in the year and it was great to see so many of them there.

Our smaller group RhythmMix also enjoyed singing a couple of their favourites – ‘Spring Song’ a joyful song originally written by Charles D’Orleans in the 14^th century, and a more up-to-date favourite, David A Stewart and Annie Lennox’s ‘Sweet Dreams’.

Some comments from the public including a 9-year-old were: 

“Titanium was amazing!”

An older couple said,

“We really enjoyed listening to you – it’s wonderful that you were raising money for charity, and we could really tell how much you all love singing together!”

New Lead Kate.

“My hubby loved A Thousand Years, and it was lovely to see passers-by being drawn in and sitting down to watch.“

Bass Anne-Marie’s hubby Gerry.

“Wendy was brilliant, everyone was having fun, you sounded amazing as always and it was lovely to hear RhythmMix too!,“

Baritone Su.

“My husband loved Anthem and said a lady he spoke to from another choir commented on our high standard of singing!.“

As well as a great morning of singing on a beautiful spring day in the lovely park in Keynsham, we raised nearly £60 in our collection bucket for the charity Young Lives vs Cancer.

Wendy commented:

“I thoroughly enjoyed my first public performance directing the lovely ladies of Fascinating Rhythm.  Everyone was fantastic, and I must give a shout out to our wonderful newbies who were amazing” We really enjoyed ourselves – and I hope you agree, what a great way to spend a Sunday – singing in the sun!“

Junior FR Shine Bright at Thornbury Arts Festival 2025

By Chloe Roberts

Junior Fascinating Rhythm once again proved their star quality at this year’s Thornbury Arts Festival, with a string of fantastic performances that left audiences—and adjudicators—deeply impressed.

On March 20th, they competed in the Under 18s Choir Class, performing the viral sea shanty ‘Wellerman’ and Billie Eilish’s haunting ballad ‘What Was I Made For’ from the 2023 film Barbie. Their performance earned them a glowing 87 marks and an Honours award, showing the incredible depth and talent across the group.

Festival adjudicator Anna Marshall praised their performance of Wellerman:

“The opening solo was rhythmic and crystal clear, setting the style and character. Well done to all the soloists and for telling the story of the Wellerman with such energy. Part singing was clear; words in the fastest moments could have had even crisper consonants—but this was a compelling performance from every singer!”

On their performance of What Was I Made For, she commented:

“Quiet, focused singing at the start suited the calm mood of this ballad. The three-part singing was well managed with good balance between the lines. The key change was secure, words were clear and the use of loud/soft contrasts very effective. Well done for a thoughtfully communicated account.”

The choir was beautifully accompanied on piano by Anthony, whose sensitive playing helped elevate both performances.

But the celebrations didn’t end there. The previous weekend, several JFR members took part in individual and duet categories—once again walking away with well-deserved accolades:

Show Songs Category:

• Caitlin moved audiences with her powerful rendition of God Help the Outcasts from The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
• Jasmine brought charm and emotion to Part of Your World from The Little Mermaid.
• Beth gave a bold and confident performance of This Is Me from The Greatest Showman.

Duets:

• Sisters Rosie and Jasmine earned Honours and 82 marks, winning overall with their touching version of For Good from Wicked.
• Twins Beth and Natalie had everyone smiling with their fun and heartfelt duet of I’ll Be There For You—the iconic Friends theme.

Solo Pop Songs:

• Natalie won the category with a vibrant and well-delivered Fireflies by Owl City.
• Elsie came a close second, singing Love Story by Taylor Swift with great poise and storytelling.

Traditional Song:

• Caitlin impressed once again with her beautiful performance of Dove Sei by Handel, showcasing her classical range and vocal control.

The whole weekend was a true celebration of the passion, dedication, and talent within the JFR family. Every single singer brought their own personality and flair to the stage.

Entertaining the crowds at Iron Acton May Day

Junior Fascinating Rhythm performed at Iron Acton’s May Day celebrations on the May bank holiday, delighting crowds with an energetic open-air set. Their lively performance included “Wake Me Up” by Avicii, accompanied by Julie and Paul Macnamara—Julie on ukulele and Paul on acoustic guitar. Julie, a member of Fascinating Rhythm, is also one of the dedicated adult volunteers supporting the junior chorus.

The talented group also sang “Skin” by Rag’n’Bone Man, “You Are My Sunshine,” “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” and the sea shanty favourite “The Wellerman.” Their joyful spirit and polished harmonies were a highlight of the day’s festivities, drawing warm applause from the audience of all ages.

Junior FR

Celebrating A Living Legend

By Kitty Davies

On the 6th February 2025, Fascinating Rhythm celebrated the end of a very enjoyable and successful 5-week Sing Happy in Harmony workshop, with a performance to an appreciative audience made up of our delegates’ family and friends.  In the audience were also some very special former Fascinating Rhythm members who had joined us to say farewell to our very precious MD, Jo Thorn.   

Jo has made the huge decision to step away from barbershop singing after a lifetime (so far!) of commitment and involvement. We want to share her story with you to highlight and applaud all she has achieved both personally and as a hugely valued part of Fascinating Rhythm.

Joanna Taylor was born into a family steeped in UK barbershop pedigree.  Her maternal grandparents, Irene and Jim Northeast, were landlords in Braintree, Essex, during the 1950s and came into contact with US servicemen who liked nothing better, after a pint or two, than breaking into classic barbershop singing around the bar.  Irene and Jim loved the sound so much that they soon became hooked. Both eventually went on to become barbershop chorus directors, as did Jo’s uncle,  Alan, who directed a BABS chorus for many years.  Jim and Irene’s daughter, Linda (Taylor), also became involved in their hobby, so it had definitely become a family tradition by the time her daughter was born.

The young Jo Taylor sang in her grandmother’s chorus (Shades of Harmony) in Weston-Super-Mare and in an octet called Cameo with both her mum and grandmother. At the tender age of 12, she performed with Cameo at such prestigious venues as The Weston Playhouse.  All three generations joined Bristol Fashion in 1993, where they competed together in their first LABBS convention, and Jo remained with them for a decade. 

Jo’s first quartet was called No Strings and then in 2002 she got together with Linda Corcoran, Ali Jack and Donna Hicks to form the very successful Havoc. Havoc competed and won gold at IABBS in 2003, achieved a bronze medal at LABBS in 2005, a silver medal in 2006, and finally became champions in 2007. 

By 2005, Jo (Dean) had transferred her membership from Bristol Fashion to Fascinating Rhythm, and in 2008, the membership chose her to fill the position of Musical Director. Family tradition had come full circle. This was a huge new challenge for Jo in the same year that Havoc was representing LABBS at the International Convention in Anaheim. Fascinating Rhythm was also facing the massive challenge of two consecutive workshops, which resulted in the chorus almost doubling in size!

 So began Jo’s 16-year journey as Fascinating Rhythm’s MD – a journey that has made her name synonymous with the chorus (although her name may have changed again along the way!).  It is difficult to put into words the huge impact that Jo has had on our chorus, as we are unrecognisable from the small chorus she inherited in 2008.  Her leadership has always been characterised by confidence, dynamism and a drive to improve (both personally and as a chorus).  I joined the chorus during the second workshop held in 2008 and only discovered months later that Jo was, in fact, in her first few weeks of leading a chorus.  I had no idea, such was the knowledge, assuredness and skill she already possessed.  During these 16 years, Jo has committed huge amounts of time and energy to adding to this armoury of skills; selflessly taking every opportunity to learn and develop as a director, often, bravely,  ‘under glass’, to ensure that she added as much as possible to the chorus moving forwards. And move forward, we certainly did – from placing 22nd at LABBS in 2008 to 12th in 2009 and peaking five times at 5th in 2013, 2015-18.

 LABBS Convention, Bournemouth 2017

Every year, we had new goals, external coaches and new targets to challenge us, but most of all, we had a director who valued the friendships and support that members of Fascinating Rhythm have in abundance.  Our logo straplines (usually inspired by Jo) have been ‘a singer driven chorus’ and, more recently, ‘so much more than singing’, and these demonstrate the environment of camaraderie and mutual support that Jo was determined to engender and protect within Fascinating Rhythm.

 We celebrated Jo’s 20-year membership of Fascinating Rhythm at our AGM in January. When asked what her highlights of that time were, Jo reaffirmed that, for her, we are her family, and she has revelled in watching us all develop as singers and close friends.  She mentioned our sharing her wedding celebrations (to Steve Thorn) and also reminisced about our hugely enjoyable and successful collaboration with the charity she works for (Ups and Downs Southwest) when we made a professional video of This is Me to celebrate World Down Syndrome Awareness Day in 2019.

For us, there are too many fabulous memories to mention – retreats, performances, after-glow laughter and of course, getting through the lockdown year and beyond – with Jo playing a massive part in keeping us all connected, supported and intact during those challenging months. Fascinating Rhythm not only survived but also came through stronger than ever, bound by her positivity, can-do attitude, and resilience.

 So, on February 6th, it was time for a fond farewell. Her time as MD was bookended by successful workshops and an abundance of new members.

We were able to present a final gift from LABBS—recognition of Jo’s 40-year dedication and contribution to the society as a youth member, adult member, quartet champion, musical director, and coach. What an inspiration and living legend.

We love you, Jo, and you will always be in our hearts and part of the Fascinating Rhythm family.  We still have a further celebration to organise with you, along with Fascinating Rhythm’s 30th anniversary later this year. Watch this space!

 And so, an exciting next chapter for Fascinating Rhythm begins! We have a fantastic bunch of new members from the workshop, and we are moving forward with our MD recruitment process, which is in the capable hands of our committee, music team, and assistant director, Wendy Howse. We are looking forward to the next part of our journey: the new challenges, the new tools in our singing toolbox, enjoying performances and competitions, and most of all, just being together.

Sing Happy in Harmony Workshop

By Kitty Davies

The return after Christmas this year began with an exciting venture for Fascinating Rhythm that we haven’t taken on since 2008.  Instead of our annual one-day singing workshop, we ran a five-week evening course on our usual Thursday rehearsal night.  We hoped this would give delegates more time to learn the music collaboratively with our members and get to know us (and each other) over the weeks. We also hoped they would gain an appreciation of our style of music and craft and experience the friendly and supportive atmosphere.

Thanks to Labbs‘ generous support, the course was free, and we were delighted to have 30 delegates arrive on January 9th. Thanks to Anne-marie Collier and the PR team for all their work preparing and advertising the course.

The song chosen for the event was “A Little Help from My Friends” by The Beatles, whose theme we felt fit not only with the ethos of our chorus but also the aims and title of the workshop! Our incredible section leaders very ably led us and, of course, our excellent MD, Jo Thorn, who threw herself into her last few weeks with us with enthusiasm and inspired our new singers, sharing the joy of harmony singing.

On Feb 6th, the chorus and delegates performed to a receptive audience of friends, family, and previous FR members. The delegates absolutely WOWED everyone by fully committing themselves to the performance both vocally and visually. The extra time gained over a one-day event allowed us to include more craft, more awareness of blend, and an analysis of lyrics and a performance plan. Again, huge thanks to all those in FR who helped make the course run smoothly, from admin to refreshments, from music folders to WhatsApp!

We have been overwhelmed by our delegates’ enthusiasm and are absolutely delighted that at least ten have returned to us with a view to joining the chorus going forward. We can’t wait to share the next part of FR’s journey with them as they become part of our very special family.

Christmas Show – Ho Ho! – An evening of sparkle with special guests Go Vocal and Junior FR

by Julia Macnamara

The excitement had been building for weeks as Fascinating Rhythm, the ladies’ a cappella singing group, prepared for their Christmas show.

Teamwork was key as the 40-strong chorus worked seamlessly to bring the show together, which included performances from their friends in the Gloucestershire-based group Go Vocal and the wonderful Junior Fascinating Rhythm (JFR).

So much work had gone on behind the scenes to bring this kind of show together, from planning the set to managing the PR—designing posters and organising distribution, along with plenty of social media activity to raise awareness.

Joint-Chair Anne-marie Collier had great fun creating mini videos for a “12 Days of Christmas” countdown, which were faithfully shared on social media every day leading up to the big day. Anne-marie said,

“We had a fun evening dressing up and taking photos and videos for our social media campaign. It was a pleasure putting the videos together. We received so much great feedback from people who saw them—and I hope my work, along with all the other PR efforts, paid off because, on the night, we had a full house!”

Meanwhile, Kitty Davies created amazing visuals to accompany the performances. These visuals, projected throughout the evening to introduce acts and songs, encapsulated the essence of the songs and acts beautifully. The addition of a glitter ball brought even more sparkle and Christmas cheer to the event!

Thanks to Carole Waters and her team, the stage looked magnificent, decked out with lights, Christmas crackers, wonderful presents, and even a snowy fringe along the edge.

A Grand Draw and refreshments were a must, and a dedicated team worked hard to ensure snacks and drinks were available during the interval.  The Grand Draw prizes were stunning and beautifully arranged by Ali Jack, with donations from the chorus and local businesses. Proceeds from the draw amounted to nearly £700—a fantastic sum that will be donated to Off the Record, a Bristol and South Gloucestershire-based charity supporting children and young people with mental health difficulties.

Joint-Chair Jane Sawyer said,

“Well done, everyone—this was a great night with so much to be proud of. The staging looked fabulous, and so many people congratulated FR on their singing—I was even asked when the next concert would be!”

Anne-marie added,

“We are very grateful to everyone who worked so hard to make the evening run smoothly and to our audience who contributed so generously towards our fundraising for OTR.”

The first half of the show allowed Fascinating Rhythm to showcase some of their favourite songs, including the lively opener “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen, “City of Stars” from La La Land, and “Sway” by Dean Martin.

Go Vocal joined us on stage for a joint performance of “One Day Like This” by Elbow. It was no mean feat fitting nearly 100 people on stage, but the audience loved it and even joined in singing at the end—it felt almost like Glastonbury!  They then went on to sing a selection of popular songs, which delighted the audience.

Next, Junior Fascinating Rhythm (JFR) performed a shortened version of Roald Dahl’s Cinderella.  A full performance of this wickedly funny musical had been performed by the group in October.  It was directed by FR’s Deputy MD Wendy Howse, with producer support from Anna and Derek Marshall (a JFR parent).  The group delivered a magnificent performance. There’s so much talent in the group; they held the audience in the palm of their hands and left the stage to rapturous applause and a standing ovation.

Wendy said,

“What a concert—I will never forget that standing ovation. The girls were amazing; they just owned it and fed off the audience, who were laughing all the way through.”

She added,

“Anna, you are truly a legend—writing an abridged version, shortening the songs, and providing the backing track with Derek’s support for JFR and Go Vocal. We are so lucky to have you—thank you from the bottom of my heart!”

In the second half, Go Vocal opened with a moving tribute to one of their members, who had sadly passed away very recently. They performed three more songs, including Elton John and Ed Sheeran’s “Merry Christmas,” with JFR joining them for the chorus.  The audience were now well and truly warmed up due to the energy of Go Vocal’s performance and superb direction from Linda Corcoran (MD). There was plenty of audience participation, and they provided a truly sparkling performance to open the second half.

JFR then performed three beautiful Christmas songs, again captivating the audience with their harmonies.

As the evening drew to a close, Fascinating Rhythm returned to the stage for their Christmas set. They performed nostalgic carols and festive songs, including a fun rendition of “The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy,” arranged by Jeff Funk, which involved hilariously bobbing on the word “plum.”

The chorus debuted two new carols: “Silent Night,” beautifully arranged by Pete Nugent (Nooj), and “The Holly and the Ivy,” a lively arrangement by Kirby Shaw, which had the audience tapping their feet merrily.

The evening ended with “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” sending the audience home full of warmth and Christmas cheer.

One audience member commented the next day,

“You can always tell a good concert when the evening just flies by—thank you to you and all your lovely ladies. It was brilliant!”

MD Jo Thorn summed it up perfectly, saying,

“A wonderful evening with wonderful people—well done, everyone!”

Join us for five fun-filled weeks of making magical harmonies with the fabulous ladies of Fascinating Rhythm.

Dates: Thursdays: January 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th, and February 6th

Venue: The Greenfield Centre, Park Avenue, Winterbourne BS36 1NJ

Arrival: 7:15 PM for a warm, friendly welcome!

This is a FREE event.

What’s in store?

Over these five weeks, we’ll embark on an exciting musical adventure, learning a song in four-part harmony. We’ll dive into a different section each week, building up to an unforgettable final performance in our last session.

Every session kicks off with a fun warm-up designed to get you energised and smiling. You’ll also receive helpful tips on posture and vocal techniques to improve your singing—perfect for beginners and experienced singers alike.

With the guidance of Jo and our section leaders, you’ll find the perfect harmony part for your voice, ensuring you feel confident and comfortable. We’ll also provide teaching tracks so you can practise at home.

Dress comfortably, wear your favourite comfortable pair of shoes, and bring a water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the evening.

We can’t wait to meet you and share this incredible musical experience. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or feel a bit nervous. We’re here to help, and the welcoming ladies of *Fascinating Rhythm* will make sure you feel right at home.

Mark your calendar and prepare for a harmonious start to 2025!

BOOKING REQUIRED

We’re so excited to invite you to our festive showcase.

Join us for an evening filled with incredible performances, laughter, and that warm Christmas spirit we all cherish.

We’re thrilled also to feature the fabulous Junior FR, who will undoubtedly light up the stage with their energy alongside the talented local chorus, Go Vocal.  Together, we will sing some chorus favourites and some Christmas numbers to get your heart singing and put you in the Christmas mood.

While you enjoy the music, you can also participate in our fun raffle! All proceeds will go to support Off The Record, a fantastic charity dedicated to helping young people in our community. It’s a great way to give back while having a great evening.

Plus, your attendance helps raise essential funds for Fascinating Rhythm, ensuring we can keep bringing you these joyful performances in the future.

Venue: St Michaels Centre, Stoke Gifford, Bristol, BS34 8PD

Doors open at 7 PM, and the show starts promptly at 7:30 PM, so come early and settle in for a memorable night.

Bring your friends and family for an evening of music, joy, and festive cheer. We can’t wait to celebrate with you—see you there.

To secure your tickets, please complete the form below.

Bournemouth Bound: Fascinating Rhythm Brings Barbershop Brilliance

Over the weekend of October 26th and 27th, 2024, the ladies of Fascinating Rhythm delivered a heartfelt and vibrant performance at the LABBS Convention. The chorus captivated the audience and judges with a moving rendition of All the Things You Are and a lively, updated version of Anything Goes, featuring fresh, modern lyrics to reflect their experiences post the Covid pandemic. The energy and enthusiasm on stage made for a memorable performance.

The competition standard was incredibly high, and the chorus placed in a respectable 12th position. Many of Fascinating Rhytm’s members said it was their most enjoyable convention. Blessed with glorious weather, some members even took the opportunity to dip their toes in the sea, adding a touch of seaside fun to the trip.

Jo Thorn, Fascinating Rhythm’s musical director, shared her pride in the chorus, saying:

“I was very proud of our performance at the convention. The chorus gave a heartfelt and authentic performance, and standing in front of them was a joy. Over the past year, the members have worked hard to develop their vocal techniques, enhance their sound quality, and bring genuine authenticity to their performances.”

The weekend was a combination of hard work, camaraderie, and the joy of singing together—an experience the chorus will remember as they continue to grow, evolve and inspire each other.

Fascinating Rhythm is excited to be performing with GoVocal and Junior FR at their Show Ho Ho! Book your tickets here.

Fascinating Rhythm Gears Up to Take the Stage at LABBS Bournemouth

The excitement is building as Fascinating Rhythm, the all-female chorus group, gears up for the LABBS (Ladies Association of British Barbershop Singers) Convention, which will take place in Bournemouth at the end of October. The chorus has been honing its skills through a series of coaching sessions, engaging the community, and preparing to deliver an unforgettable performance.

In the lead-up to the convention, the chorus invited friends and community members to experience a rehearsal firsthand. Guests participated in rhythm challenges, tackled complex vocal warm-ups, and joined the singers in various singing rounds. After a productive session, participants were treated to a few of the chorus’ favourite songs, showcasing the talent and camaraderie within the group. Later, they observed the chorus being coached by Jo Thorn, the group’s Musical Director, providing an insider look at preparing for a major event.

The following weekend, Fascinating Rhythm received additional coaching from renowned barbershop coach Rob Mance. Rob is known for his ability to enhance vocal quality and authentic performance. He led the chorus through intensive exercises aimed at refining their sound and overall performance. The weekend culminated in a dress rehearsal attended by an audience of over 80 supporters, who witnessed the polished result of the chorus’ hard work.

Reflecting on the weekend, Jo Thorn expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming convention. “What a marvellous weekend of coaching we have just had. The chorus performed so well, and we are truly ready and excited to perform at the convention. Rob was able to help the chorus and me achieve an authentic performance, with each and every member producing a rich sound. It was amazing to feel as one together. We are bringing our best to Bournemouth 2024 and can’t wait.”

For those interested in experiencing the joy of singing, Fascinating Rhythm is hosting a “Sing Happy in Harmony” event starting on Thursday, January 9th. The event will take place over five consecutive weeks, from 7:15 p.m. to 9:00 pm, and is open to anyone interested in singing alongside the chorus. The program is free and offers a chance to learn about vocal techniques, explore different harmonies, and, most importantly, have fun. Visit their website for more information and to book.

As they head into the LABBS Convention, Fascinating Rhythm’s dedication and community spirit promise a memorable performance. Whether you’re a seasoned singer or just looking to try something new, this vibrant group welcomes you to join their journey.