Change is inevitable, but it’s up to those involved to determine if that change is negative or positive.
For The Greeley Chorale, change has come in a few forms in the past few years. After 30 years of putting on its Pops and Pasta fundraising show at the Greeley Recreation Center, officials with the organization started having conversations pre-2020 about the future of the show. When COVID-19 hit, the show’s fate was decided.
“Our committee really kind of sat down and took a real look at whether or not we wanted to switch things up or if we wanted to bring back Pops and Pasta,” Event Co-Chair Susan McKenzie said. “Out of that, we developed this Cabaret and Cabernet which is a very similar show.”
Last February was the first performance of Cabaret and Cabernet, and the show is returning on Feb. 24 to the University of Northern Colorado Campus Commons located at 1051 22nd St. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the performance starts at 7 p.m.
Before the Pops and Pasta show, cast members would serve a pasta dinner to attendees. There’s no pasta for the Cabaret and Cabernet show, but instead, there will be hors d’oeuvres and alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages before it starts. Along with the food and drinks, the Chorale’s silent auction will be open, along with a photo booth, wine pull, and a whiskey drawing that’ll showcase a range of mid-to-high-end whiskeys that patrons can enter to win.
“The first thing that comes to my mind is, ‘fun in multiple ways,'” responded McKenzie when asked to describe the new show. “It’s a fun show. It’s very different than anything else in the rest of our season.”
Another change that came for The Chorale was the venue. After years of having it in the gym of the recreation center, a decision was made to move it to UNC’s campus. The move was a logistical one that’s had numerous benefits, according to McKenzie. She thanked the recreation center for its hospitality, but she said having at UNC has been game-changing.
“It’s just been a really good experience,” she said. “Last year was kind of mind-blowing. I don’t think any of our membership … they didn’t know what to really expect until it happened and it really did breathe some excitement into it.”
The Greeley Chorale has been established since 1964 when it was under the umbrella of the Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra. The Chorale split off and became an organization that has over 100 voices in its choir. Its tagline is “Everyday People. Amazing Music.”
“If you came into a rehearsal room, you would see your teachers, your lawyers, your mechanics, your bartenders, and everything in between,” McKenzie said. “We’re the backbone of your community.”
Tickets are $36 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under. Tickets are available by calling 970-351-4849, through the UNC Ticket Office on the Campus Commons, or by visiting http://bit.ly/gccab24.
