Reinvention is the key to adapting, transforming and creating a long-term legacy. As St. Albert Singers Guild moves towards its 40th anniversary in 2026, it is launching a nugget of what’s to come next season.
In a nostalgic flashback, the mixed choir hosts Doo-wop to Disco: Dancin’ Thru the Decades, at Morinville Community Cultural Centre on May 23 and 24. From ’50s jukebox hits to the ’60s psychedelic era to ’70s disco, the concert is a tribute show reliving three decades of musical hits, costume changes and dancing.
“We have three sets with the Fab ’50s, the Swing ’60s and the Sensational ’70s. We have it all — everything for a fun sock hop. For the ’50s, we bring Elvis in and get crooning. From the ’60s we have some of the best rock music the world has ever seen from the Beatles to the Jersey Boys. And in the ’70s we have everything from ABBA, Queen to Captain and Tenille. We even have a little bit of Neil Diamond. It’s going to be a blast,” said artistic director/conductor Caroline Crispin.
The guild’s 52 singers command the stage for three sets on Friday and Saturday. At the close of the choirs' final song on Friday, the versatile party band Rave-On takes over for a night of dancing. The five-piece plays an energetic range from contemporary rock and country to R&B and pop hits from the ’50s to the ’90s.
“They’re a fantastic band. They are true to form for the different decades. They genuinely sound like they’re the original singers. They have hundreds of songs at their fingertips. They can pull up any sound from their catalogue at a moment’s notice,” Crispin said.
This is the first occasion in recent memory the singers guild paired with a band for a major concert. It started after Crispin, on a relaxing night out from teaching at Muriel Martin Elementary School, attended a Rave On performance.
“The night I went to watch it, the dance floor didn’t empty except during intermission.”
In a light-bulb moment, Crispin felt the band’s energy would perfectly balance the choirs’ melodic harmonies. She approached drummer Rodger Weir to discuss a potential collaboration, and he immediately jumped onboard.
“Having Rave On leads so perfectly in having a whole meal deal.”
While Saturday night lacks a Rave On performance, the focus is on seniors. Anyone 65 plus will receive priority seating and light refreshments while enjoying the musical journey through the decades,
Doors for these all-ages family shows open at 6:30 p.m. The choirs perform from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. with intermissions. And the Rave On dance party held only on Friday runs from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. with a concession and cash bar. Tickets are $25 adults, $15 seniors and $10 children. For information and tickets email [email protected].
