After members and guests had arrived and spent a bit of time socializing and enjoying the wonderful array of appetizers, Allan Cady made some welcoming remarks for the first Mesa West social event held in the Cady's beautiful new home in Ahwatukee.  
 
Pam Cohen followed with some information about the back story of how the idea was formed and eventually became the reality we were all about to experience.
 
Chris Krueger, an alto, introduced the rest of the female half of the double quartet:  Rachel Viramontes, a soprano, is Robin Harris' daughter.  Soprano Brittney Asamane is Wendell Jones' granddaughter.  Alto Juli Crowder is a friend of Brittney.  Ray Smith also made some introductions.  The pianist accompanying the octet is Ray's little sister Nadine Wilkinson.  Ray and Robin Harris were introduced as the tenors with Wendell Jones and Darl Andersen singing bass.
 
Before getting started with the planned performance, Happy Anniversary was sang bey everyone celebrating Warren and Son Hee Williamson's wedding anniversary.  That was followed by everyone singing Happy Birthday to John Benedict.
 
The songs performed ranged from fun to nostalgic to inspirational.  The Crawdad Song was an immediate hit.  It was easy to enjoy some visual memories listening to Shenandoah.  More than one listener remarked about getting goose bumps and or tears in their eyes when they heard the group perform How Great Thou Art.  To watch the performance, CLICK HERE.
 
Everyone present enjoyed the opportunity to enjoy great food, fun and fellowship.  Not many Rotary Clubs could pull off such an evening rich with talent from five of their own members plus the ability to enlist the additional participation of talented friends and family members.  
 
A big "thank you" to Lola McClane and John Pennypacker for capturing some good photos to memorialize a great event!