BRATTLEBORO — There are several chances to hear the Soubrette Jazz Choir in the coming days.
The choir, based at the Vermont Jazz Center and led by Anna Patton, is a group of 16 women who perform intricate vocal harmony arrangements of swing, jazz, blues, and songs by contemporary songwriters.
“Soubrette” is a term from musical theater for the non-leading lady, who is usually more worldly, more instrumental in the plot intrigue, and funnier than the lead. The Soubrettes' spring program includes songs that date from the 1920s to songs written for the choir just this year by Anna Patton.
Come enjoy the vocalise of Annie Ross's “Twisted,” Johnny Mercer's harmonically delicious “Dream (when you're feeling blue),” Patton's philosophical rant “Long-Beard Wise,” and more. The choir will be joined by Matthew Sharff on Bass.
The first opportunity is at Gallery Walk on Friday, May 3, at 6:30 p.m., on the patio at the end of the alley next to Gallery in the Woods, 139 Main St., with a rain location just to the right in the Hooker-Dunham Building. The second chance will be at the Vermont Jazz Center's showcase of classes and ensembles on Sunday, May 5, at the VJC. The event starts at 4 p.m.
Finally, the Soubrettes will perform at the Sandglass Theatre, 17 Kimball Hill, in downtown Putney on Tuesday, May 7, at 7 p.m., joined by Matthew Sharif on Bass and Will Patton on mandolin.
There will be an opening set performed by Singcrony, a quartet of singers who are also members of the Soubrette choir. They share a love of close a cappella harmonies and syncopated rhythms and are drawn to swing jazz hits, plus catchy doo-wop, barbershop, and classic pop selections, and sing in the style of the Chordettes, the Andrews Sisters, and the Boswell Sisters.
Suggested donation is $10. “Both sets will be short,” organizers note, “so don't be late.”