Other Performances

Ben Mauger’s Vintage Jazz Band

September 6, 7:30 p.m.

Nationally-acclaimed cornetist Ben Mauger is joined on stage by his Roaring 20’s Great Gatsby Band for an evening of sizzling jazz. Classics from Armstrong, Waller, Biederbecke and others include You Rascal You, Dippermouth Blues and Everybody Loves My Baby.

The O’Shenanigans

September 12, 2 p.m.

It’s a fun evening of traditional and modern Irish music mixed in with some classic American songs by this lively group of musicians who always manage to get us up on our feet moving to the familiar Irish beat. Until we meet again!

Maggie Worsdale: A Tribute to The Beatles

September 10, 7:30 p.m.

Jazz artist Maggie Worsdale handpicks a few of her favorite Beatles songs, some including original arrangements, all uniquely interpreted just for this tribute. Behind every song is a story and these 1960’s classics are certainly no exception as Maggie reveals, “The Beatles wrote about what they knew, cared and dreamed about during this era. They made people appreciate being alive, at least a little bit.”

The Belle Tones

September 16, 7:30 p.m.

Referred to as the 21st Century Andrew Sisters, these three All American Beauties will sing and dance their way into your heart. You’ll recognize many hits made famous by great girl groups of the post WWII and early rock eras.

The Magic of Chad Juros

September 19, 7:30 p.m.

Indeed, it’s a magical evening when award-winning magician Chad Juros appears (and possibly disappears) on the Shannondell stage. You may have seen Chad performing on popular TV shows ABC’s Good Morning America, Penn & Teller’s Fool Us and Criss Angel’s Mindfreak. Don’t miss these mindblowing illusions, slight-of-hand and disappearing acts.

Special Afternoon Concert!

Accordion Pops Orchestra Goes to the Movies

September 22, 3 p.m.

Called the largest accordion orchestra on the east coast, this group of professional musicians and teachers is truly impressive. For this performance, you’ll be whisked away to scenes from some of your favorite movies, including Oklahoma!, Fiddler on the Roof winding up in Vienna via the Strauss classic Radetzky March.

West Chester Swing Kings

September 25, 7:30 p.m.

Closing out September is the West Chester Swing Kings, a local 18-piece big band. Playing compositions from the golden years by artists such as Miller, Dorsey, Basie and Ellington, this multi-talented group mixes in contemporary hits by artists like Jim Croce, Brian Setzer and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. It’s a great mix and a lot of fun!

Travis Wetzel & Friends – October 1, 7:30 p.m.

It’s classic Americana, including bluegrass, jazz, Cajun, swing, gospel, spiritual, country, and blues from this dynamic trio of musicians, including Travis Wetzel (fiddle), Ron Greenstein (bass and vocals) and Bob Sutor (banjo, guitar and vocals).

Dave Postmontier Jazz Quartet

October 7, 7:30 p.m.

Joining Dave on piano are bandmates Dave Brodie (bass) and Jimmy Coleman (drums) as they accompany award-winning Jazz vocalist Jeannie Brooks. With roots in Gospel, R&B and Jazz, Ms. Brooks is just as comfortable belting out the occasional Funk or Latin song. So, be sure to join us. As always, Dave and gang never disappoint.

Upper Merion Senior Center Band

October 10, 7:30 p.m.

Under the direction of Ed Hickman, these experienced local musicians (including a few residents) perform a variety of favorites, including Satin Doll, Tuxedo Junction, and Heard it Through the Grapevine among others. In the words of one resident member, this band “Ain’t Misbehavin’.” (program hint)

Carlock Combet Duo

October 17, 7:30 p.m.

In their fifth year of collaboration, Sandra Carlock (piano) and Guillaume Combet (violin) make their Shannondell debut with an intriguing program for piano and violin. Both bring touring experience in the U.S. and Europe, following study at Juilliard and other music conservatories.

Valley Forge Chorale

October 23, 7:30 p.m.

Under the direction of David Hobbs, this choral group is accompanied by a trio of piano, drums, and bass to present an evening of fun and varied music that will draw you in and speak to your soul.

Charlie Zahm Trio presents Music of the Old Time Gospel Hour

November 4, 7:30 p.m.

Vocalist and guitarist Charlie Zahm returns with guitarist Steve Hobson and Tad Marks on fiddle for a down-home Gospel get together, including a host of sweet “old time religion” classics like Old Rugged Cross, Will the Circle Be Unbroken and I’ll Fly Away, among others. Can we get an “Amen!” Methacton Community Theater presents She Loves Me

November 1, 2, 8, & 9, 7:30 p.m. November 3 & 10, 2 p.m.

Featuring music by Jerry Bock with lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, She Loves Me is a touching show. The story revolves around two friends who, despite being constantly at odds with each other at work, are completely unaware that each is the other’s secret pen pal. If the plot sounds familiar, think Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan in the 1998 classic You’ve Got Mail. Nominated for five Tony Awards when the show premiered on Broadway in 1964, the musical has been revived on both sides of the Atlantic in the ‘90s and, in 2016, was revived again on Broadway, becoming the first ever musical to be live-streamed. Don’t miss this engaging production by MCT of the show critics call, “the great vanilla ice cream musical.” ($11 for residents)

Mainliners Men’s A Cappella Chorus

November 6, 7:30 p.m.

Under the direction of Rick Serpico, Bill Oppenheim and Doug Pratt, this premier a cappella chorus returns to Shannondell with an impressive array of classics – from Broadway hits to patriotic tunes to Doo-wop. Might we hear a holiday classic? You just never know, so be sure to attend!

Sounds of Swing

November 12, 7:30 p.m.

It takes a Big Band to create those “sounds of swing” like Dorsey, James and Goodman, and these talented musicians always rise to the occasion. From the 1920’s to more current Broadway and Hollywood hits, you’ll be tappin’ your toes from the opening number ... and learning a little something about the songs and composers along the way. Let’s s-w-i-n-g!

Copeland String Quartet presents From Bach to Joplin

November 18, 7:30 p.m.

Violinists Eliezer Gutman and Thomas Jackson, violist Nina Cottman and cellist Jennifer Jie Jin – all veteran performers with nearby regional orchestras – return to the Shannondell stage just before the holidays. You’ll hear light classical compositions for stings by Haydn and Mozart in addition to more contemporary works, including favorite movie scores and folk ballads.

The Shannondell Singers Holiday Concert

December 3, 7:30 p.m.

Sit back and enjoy a festive evening of Holiday classics (and dare we predict a few surprises) from our talented and still growing resident chorus. These friends and neighbors never cease to amaze us with their voices and charisma on stage. Applause!

Philadelphia Bronze

December 5, 7:30 p.m.

Under the direction of Hyosang Park, this ensemble of advanced auditioned ringers perform an enchanting program using Malmark hand bells and chimes. Winning rave reviews, including “elegant energy,” these ringers are sure to set the holiday tone.

Pages to Pirouettes & the Shannondell Senior Ballet present Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker

December 6, 7:30 p.m.

A holiday party, menacing mice, dancing sweets – experience this classic story as Pages to Pirouettes presents the timeless ballet set to the enchanting music of Tchaikovsky. Featuring dancers Erin Gallagher and Miguel Quinones, the supporting cast includes our own talented Senior Ballet class. Special Afternoon Concert!

The Shannondell Ringers Holiday Concert

December 9, 2 p.m.

Directed by Betsy Heegard, our own talented handchime choir “rings in” the holiday season, including a sing-along to a few of your favorite Christmas carols. Come and support this growing group of resident ringers who enjoy learning, sharing and honing their musical skills.

West Chester Band Holiday Concert

December 10, 7:30 p.m.

An all-volunteer concert band conducted by Joseph Gehring, West Chester’s repertoire includes classics, jazz, marches and contemporary arrangements. You’re sure to hear a holiday favorite and enjoy the opportunity to sing along.

Special Morning Concert!

Upper Merion High School Advanced Choir

December 13, 11 a.m.

These talented students from the Upper Merion High School Choir Program return to Shannondell, ready to sing their hearts out and put everyone in the holiday spirit. Plan to attend to support these impressive young people!

Norristown Chorale presents Snow Angels and Snowflakes

December 16, 7:30 p.m.

Exploring themes of love, rebirth, and beauty as seen through the eyes of children and the heavenly angels that watch over them, this performance (under the direction of Ross Boerner and accompanied by Laurie Mueller) will touch your heart and soul. Both sacred and secular songs provide the perfect backdrop for bringing us together in the true spirit of the holidays.

Ambler Symphony Orchestra

December 19, 7:30 p.m.

Jack Moore, talented conductor and classical music personality at WRTI in Philadelphia, directs more than fifty local musicians performing selections from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker along with other holiday favorites, including their traditional sing-along. Special Afternoon Performance!

Brock Vickers in A Christmas Carol

December 20, 2 p.m. (Bradford Movie Theater)

Playing roles from Dickens to Scrooge to the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, actor/ playwright/improvisor Brock Vickers takes us back to Victorian England in Charles Dickens’ holiday classic A Christmas Carol. This is Brock’s second season performing his highly acclaimed one-man show. Locally, he has performed with Shakespeare in Clark Park, the Lantern Theatre Co., Senior Stage and Open Hearts on Tour. He has performed with American Stage, Capital Stage, Rehoboth Summer Theatre, and the Texas Shakespeare Festival. Additionally, he has written a one-man Edgar Allan Poe piece entitled Nevermore. Vickers will leave you spellbound with his energy and talents. Don’t miss this – the final performance of the year!

Where were you in 1968?

In a period of 365 days, we lost two of our biggest proponents of peace – Martin Luther King and Robert F. Kennedy. We marveled at American astronauts orbiting the moon. We protested the war when North Vietnam launched the Tet Offensive. We stared as African American Olympic medalists raised their fists in protest of racial discrimination. These and other unforgettable stories make 1968 one of the most historic years in modern U.S. history ... a topic that is well documented by Professor Steinhorn in the One Day University presentation 1968: The Extraordinary Events of a Memorable Year (page 39). Don’t miss this stirring look back.