Choral Dynamics: “Blame It on the Boogie,” May 30 through June 1

Friday, May 30, through Sunday, June 1

Orpheum Theatre, 57 South Kellogg Street, Galesburg IL

Patrons of Galesburg's Orpheum Theatre are invited on an exhilarating trip back to the disco heyday of the 1970s when the vocal ensemble Choral Dynamics presents their dynamite stage extravaganza Blame It on the Boogie, a May 30 through June 1 musical fiesta with proceeds benefiting the Galesburg Rescue Mission & Women's Shelter.

Directed by Alisa Ramer, Blame It on the Boogie is a 1970s party at popular night spot The Boogie Wonderland, where the chorus will be gettin’ funky while singing and dancing in polyester shirts, bell-bottoms, and sequined jumpsuits. The production follows the story of a hopeful club owner trying to save the best disco in town from a greedy developer, and they will need the help of all the club’s long-time patrons and neighbors to keep a wrecking ball from replacing the disco ball. In this show, Galesburg's Orpheum Theater will be transformed into the hottest discotheque in town, and the performers will keep the crowds' feet moving with beloved tunes of the era including “Shake Your Groove Thing," “Boogie Shoes," “September," “I Will Survive," and “Boogie Wonderland." Plan for your heart and soul to be carried away by the music and your feet to lose all control. But don’t blame Choral Dynamics ... blame it on the boogie!

Choral Dynamics was founded in Mundelein, Illinois in 1969 by Gerry Traxler. His vision was to create choral groups in cities across America whose goal would be to perform shows that would raise money for charities in need. When two members of the original chorus moved to Galesburg in 1975, Traxler challenged them to begin a Choral Dynamics group in their new hometown. In January of 1976, 14 area residents met to organize a unique choral group whose goal would be to perform shows that would raise money for local charities. In June of that year, Choral Dynamics presented their first program A Musical Picnic, and a tradition was born.

The original cast of Choral Dynamics has expanded to include hundreds of individuals who have dedicated themselves to this simple philosophy: helping our community through song. With a passion for singing and a willingness to give of their time, the members of Choral Dynamics have partnered with dozens of community organizations to raise more than $660,664, and in the process of helping the Galesburg community, the group has presented 89 memorable programs to the delight of audiences. Along with incredible choral music, each show features soloists, small ensembles, and dancing, and the members of Choral Dynamics have been proud to be a part of the Galesburg musical landscape and to lend helping hands to groups in need.

Choral Dynamics is pleased to announce that the beneficiary for Blame It on the Boogie is the Galesburg Rescue Mission and Women’s Shelter, an organization that has served those in need for decades. The Rescue Mission and Women’s Shelter is a community Social Service Agency offering hope for the homeless, hungry, poor, needy, addicted, victims of domestic violence, ex- prisoners, the lost, and the lonely. They do not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, disability, race, religion, or ethnic origin, and are a locally based ministry supported by the concerned people and groups. Money raised as the beneficiary of Choral Dynamics' latest presentation will go toward the roofing project, with ensemble members feeling that the goals of the the Rescue Mission are a perfect fit for Choral Dynamics as the group strives to help its community through song.

Choral Dynamics will present their concert event Blame It on the Boogie from May 30 through June 1, with performances on Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Admission is $10-19, with ages 12 and under free with a paid adult, and more information and tickets are available by calling (309)342-2299 and visiting GalesburgOrpheum.org. For additional information on the group, visit ChoralDynamics.org.