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Christmas is a time we all want to hear those cherished songs that bring a wave of nostalgia. Most of the popular Christmas songs were made famous in the 1950s and this show brings them all back. The Lennon Sisters, Andrews Sisters, McGuire Sisters and the King Family were a part of every family’s Holiday and still are in many cases. "The Girl Singers of the Hit Parade” encompass this warm family feeling with their Christmas Show.
Re-creating the voicing and harmonies each group was known for, ‘The Girls” sing classic hymns like ‘Adeste Fidelis’ and “Silent Night” but also get the place swinging and rocking with tunes like Brenda Lee’s "Rockin Around The Christmas Tree", The Andrew’s Sister’s "Merry Christmas Polka" and "Winter Wonderland", McGuire Sister's "Christmas Alphabet", as well as a fun-filled rendition of "The Twelve Days of Christmas". You couldn’t have a Christmas show with out some sing-a-longs and "White Christmas" and "Silver Bells" are the perfect songs.
Costumed in classic 50s Christmas ball gowns, this production truly takes you back to a simpler time with a feeling of family and warmth as well as laughter!Colleen Raye and her two daughters and sister, Sophie and Jennifer Grimm, and Debbie O’Keefe, have the same family blend and familiarity that makes the show feel personal and comfortable. All have careers in their own right but get together for this unforgettable Christmas production.
Backed by Musical Director, Norton Lawellin on the piano with bass and drums, the familiar tunes are brought to life like only a family ensemble can do. If you saw "The Girl Singers of the Hit Parade" you know the talent and entertainment jam-packed into this production also. A truly enjoyable evening of memories and fun for all ages.
THE CAST
Colleen Raye The creator of The Girl Singers show, Colleen has performed as a vocalist across the country from Las Vegas to Atlantic City. Colleen also tours with "A Musical Tribute to Patsy Cline", "Straighten Up and Fly Right" and "The Girl Singers Christmas Show" which she also created. A composer, Colleen not only wrote the theme to this show, but also “Winter Carnival Waltz,” “Touch the Sky” for the Wisconsin Special Olympics, and several other songs and jingles. Jennifer, Sophia, and Reed Grimm are Colleen’s children, and Debbie is her sister. For more info check www.colleenraye.com. or www.GirlSIngersLLC.com
Sophia Grimm This 21-year old has been in several plays and musicals, including Winifred in “Once Upon a Mattress”, Mama in “Chicago” and revues while singing professionally with her family for over 18 years. Now attending Chicago College of Performing Arts, majoring in musical theater, Sophie performs in cabarets and nightclubs in the city as well as in productions on campus. Sophie also teaches music at CCPA's Summer Camp for inner-city Chicago children and composed music for the camp’s production.
Debbie O’Keefe Debbie is an accomplished singer and performer from hudson, WI. As a 13-year-old she had the opportunity to travel with her sister, Colleen, performing at various venues throughout the United States. Debbie is the female vocalist for the Minnesota Jazz Orchestra and has appeared in several productions at The Phipps Center for the Arts in Hudson ncluding Colleen Raye and Company's annual new year's Eve Show. Visit her site, www.debbieokeefe.com
Norton Lawellin Touring the U.S. and Canada with a musical celebration of our nation’s bicentennial, Norton shared the stage with headliners such as Jerry Lewis, Bobby Goldsboro, Roy Clark and Buck Owens, Ray Stevens, and Kate Smith. Following those tours, Norton relocated to the Twin Cities area. In 1982, he launched Track Record Studios, a recording and music production facility. His piano and vocal stylings are in demand for corporate special events and as support for local celebrities. In 2003, he was called as contemporary worship coordinator for his church.
Tom Lewis Tom is a freelance jazz bassist, based in Minneapolis. He works regularly with a variety of national jazz artists visiting the Twin cities area. These include Eddie Higgins, Benny Golson, Slide Hampton, Lew Tabackin, and Mose Allison, to name a few. He is an active member of the Twin Cities jazz scene, in high demand as a performer, clinician, and session player. Recent jazz recordings include the Phil Hey Quartet’s Subduction, Eddie Higins Trio Live at the Dakota, Carol Martin’s Pieces of Dreams, as well as Charmin Shapira’s Pure Imagination.
Reed Grimm Reed is a multi-faceted performer. A graduate of UW-LaCrosse, majoring in percussion performance, he is the lead singer in “Shoeless Revolution” as well as the drummer and co-writer of several of their songs. The group recently released their first CD. Check out www.shoelessrevolution.com. They perform throughout the Midwest. Reed has been on stage since age 2 and you can see him in his full spectrum with Colleen Raye and Company at New Year’s Eve in Hudson at The Phipps Center for the Arts. For more information about The Girl Singers of the Hit Parade check out www.GirlSingersLLC.com