50+ Lifestyles

PUBLISHER’S CORNER – Special Night Out

By David W. Deuth, CFSP
President, Weerts Funeral Home

Linda and I were thrilled to make our way to the Adler Theatre on Saturday evening, February 2, for the Quad-City Symphony performance. We always enjoy the symphony performances and consider symphony night a “special night out.”

This performance, a noted departure from some of the major works often performed in the Masterworks series, was headlined as a Valentine’s concert. Featuring lighter fare such Bernstein’s adaptation of symphonic dances from the West Side Story musical, as well as Tchaikovsky’s Waltz from Swan Lake, it was a perfect setting and performance for Valentines of all ages.

The second half was another delight altogether, featuring a five-part vocal ensemble known as Five by Design. Accompanied by our spectacular QCSO, their spectacular renditions of familiar swing-era favorites, such as Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy and In the Mood, blended superb, rich vocal harmonies with the incomparable orchestral sounds of the swing era for an evening of toe-tapping pleasure.

Following the performance at the Adler, we ventured over to the Gold Room at the Hotel Blackhawk for the Valentine’s Gala, where Five by Design was back on stage. As couples braver than we graced the dance floor in perfect step with the music, I looked around, and for just a few moments, took it all in.

The graceful restoration of the Hotel Blackhawk was the perfect backdrop for this afterglow. In my mind’s eye, I could see this very event occurring in this very place during those swing-era days. This was back when you could still understand the words to the songs, back when we referred to one another as “ladies” and “gentlemen,” and back when a “gentleman” would open the door for a “lady.”

A text message on the phone in my suit jacket reminded me that a lot has changed since those swing-era days. Some of those changes may have made us better, I suppose…others, not so much. Nevertheless, there seems to be no denying that the days of swing had to be pretty spectacular.

We thoroughly enjoyed everything about this special evening and thank the Quad-City Symphony Orchestra for a top-notch Valentine’s event for the entire Quad-Cities area!

Bravo!