The Croix Chordsmen, a premier a cappella chorus, will perform a collection of favorite old and new Hollywood hits at fundraising concerts at 3 and 7 p.m. on April 26 at Stillwater Junior High School Auditorium, 523 W. Marsh St., Stillwater. The concert will benefit the Ronald McDonald House in Rochester.
The group After Hours Quartet, which has been crowned Illinois Collegiate Champions for three years in a row, will be among the guest performers, sharing its sound in a variety of musical styles. In addition, Tasha Schuh, Miss Wheelchair USA 2012, will entertain the audience with her version of the classic song "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." Schuh, from Ellsworth, Wis., has become an accomplished singer despite sustaining an accident in high school.
"I was very involved in theater and music growing up," said Schuh, whose father is a member of the Chordsmen. "I was a happy-go-lucky teenager performing in a production of the 'Wizard of Oz,' when during a rehearsal I fell 16 feet through an open trap door and crushed my spinal cord. My life was changed instantly … I was depressed. I came to a crossroads and realized I had to remain positive and move forward. I now have two bachelor's degrees, drive my own van, I'm married and I speak to people and share my story. My life isn't what I had envisioned as a kid, but it is a great life."
The Ronald McDonald House in Rochester helped support and house Schuh's family when she recovered. "The Ronald McDonald House has a special place in my heart. They did so much for my family and in turn for me," said Schuh. "I am so excited for this concert and the chance to sing with my dad and the Chordsmen. It's a dream come true."
Another local charity benefiting from ticket sales will be Youth in Harmony, a local nonprofit that helps get young people into music.
To purchase tickets e-mail Ted Bolles at tedbolles@gmail.com, or call 651-308-5775 For more info www.stcroixvalleychapter.com. Tickets are $12 dollars. Groups 6 or more tickets $10 dollars.
Stillwater
Exhibit focuses on life, environment
"Pots & Prints," an exhibition featuring pottery, photography and printmaking by three artists, has opened at ArtReach St. Croix, 224 N. 4th Street, Stillwater, and will be on display through May 10. The St. Croix Galleries are open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesdays to Fridays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and noon-4 p.m. Saturdays.
Printmaker CathyJean Clarke, photographer Mitchell Spencer and potter Marjorie Wade, the artists of Pots & Prints, challenge the viewer to look beyond the simplicity in everyday objects to the elements that come together to create art, nature and their environment.
