Fourth Street
Beat
Fourth Street Beat
is a mixed vocal ensemble that takes
its name from Fourth Street in San Rafael, California
where they first began. For over 15
years this close-knit group has performed at concerts, community events and
social gatherings around the greater San Francisco Bay Area.
The ensemble endeavors to bring a special sense of hope and joy to those
who hear them, and to share their love of music and singing!
Fourth
Street Beat enjoys singing a variety
of musical styles from the Great American Songbook and beyond.
Don’t
be surprised if between arrangements of pop songs from the 30s and show tunes
from the 60s, you hear an operatic duet, Irish carol or beautiful rendition of a
Robert Frost poem.
Originally
formed as an auditioned group within the Mayflower Community Chorus, the
ensemble remains an integral part of the Chorus and its activities.
Since 1997 the Mayflower Choral Society, the nonprofit parent
organization, has recognized the group’s commitment and has supported their
efforts to perform as ambassadors of the Chorus.
In 2000 a new
chapter began after they performed at the “Memory Walk” (a fundraiser for the
Marin County Alzheimer’s
Association), and later that day for the residents of a local skilled nursing
facility (SNF). The group found this experience so rewarding that arrangements
were made for biannual “SNF Tours” to eight local facilities. In 2002 the Marin
Arts Council granted a request for funding to
double the number of performances, and continues to provide its support.
The
ensemble experienced its first international performance in 2006 at the Domov
Duchodu Senior Home, as part of the Prague Advent Choral Festival.
Fourth Street Beat
members are: Jan Gibbs, Gretchen Klein, Pat Sowden and Kristin Whitley
(sopranos); Linda Allen, Susan Charlton and Juanita Chase (altos); Brian
Eagleson, Thomas Stephens and Fred Wright (tenors); Ken Klein (baritone); and
Kevin Brooks and Tom Dembski (basses).
David Manley serves as Music Director and accompanist.
For more
information please contact Gretchen Klein (Group Administrator) at
gretchk@pacbell.net
or (415) 883-5133.
Support for our project is provided by the
Marin Arts Council
