The Tucson Desert Harmony women's a cappella chorus members had the joint jumping last week during a "Friends and Family" concert at the Tucson Jewish Community Center - and why wouldn't they? "This Joint is Jumpin' " is one of the group's two competition songs. The group performed that song along with a few others during the free show.
The performance, which this year was on April 5, is an annual tradition that allows the group to rehearse its performance numbers in front of an audience a few days before competing with the rest of Region 21 of the Sweet Adelines International at a competition in Pasadena, Calif. The concert also gives members' families and friends a sneak peek.
"We leave them at home every Tuesday, so we like to show them what we do," said Karen Meade, who is in her first year as director of the group. She has been in the group for 30 years.
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The group is celebrating its 25th year singing four-part harmony, barbershop-style music in Tucson. It took first place for mid-sized chorus and second place overall at this year's regional - quite a feat for first-year director Meade, who was assistant director for nearly 10 years. The group won the regional in 2008, which in turn sent it to the international competition in Nashville, Tenn., in 2009.
Member Barbara Moore wore an exuberant smile as she danced and sang.
"I had never sung or done anything like this before," said Moore, who joined the group two years ago. "I saw them perform at La Encantada and I was hooked. I never dreamed I would be part of them."
In addition to competition, the group performs at various times throughout the year, including at a fall show. To find out more, go to www.tucsondesertharmony.org or call 790-1813.
Contact photographer Greg Bryan at gbryan@azstarnet.com or 307-1709.
