In a summer and fall full of weddings, playing a program for the 48th reunion of the 14th Armored Division was a nice change of pace! These veterans of World War 2 fought under General George Patton in Europe, and were named the Liberators, as they entered and freed the citizens and POW’s held in detention camps. They met in Peoria, Illinois, this year, and I provided entertainment for their first evening in the city.
Following a dinner at the Four Points Sheraton, I played a program of folk songs, jazz standards, and familiar songs from Broadway and the movies:
- Loch Lomond (Scottish folk song)
- Suogan (Welsh folk song)
- O Danny Boy (Irish folk song)
- Moon River from Breakfast at Tiffany’s
- Can’t Help Falling in Love
- Edelweiss from The Sound of Music
- My Way
- Autumn Leaves
- Unchained Melody
- When You Wish Upon a Star from Pinocchio
- Somewhere Over the Rainbow from The Wizard of Oz
I loved speaking with the veterans and their families following the program! They had so many amazing stories to tell ~ including one gentleman who was a member of a barbershop quartet that toured up and down the East coast singing for radio stations in the days of the radio drama. They were able to get an up-close look at the harp, and some even had their picture taken with it!
In addition to my performances at private events, I am also available for presentations about the harp and private concerts for community groups, churches, and schools. You can contact me through my website ~ Peoria Harpist ~ for additional information and availability.
