Red Devil Voice Ensemble Presented "Live at Serendipity!" a dessert concert
on Thursday February 16 and Friday February 17 at 7:30pm.
The two evenings were the product of a collaboration
between two of Mt. Diablo's academies: FAME (Fine Arts Media Entertainment) Academy
and IHTA (International Hospitality and Tourism Academy).
Students from both programs performed together at Serendipity Restaurant.
The restaurant was toasty compared to the frosty night air, and as I was drawn inward by the warmth, I noticed that Serendipity's long entrance hallway walls are simply covered from floor to ceiling with awards from years of superior performances at state and national competitions. Photos of students, now alumni, accompany them, introducing patrons to those who were lucky enough to have been part of this MDHS landmark's quarter-century of success as a popular local lunch spot and catering business serving Concord community members.
A long line of fans slowly moved into the dimly-lit room where we would spend an evening enjoying the sumptuous delights of palate and ear, during which the talented students would ply us with sugar and song. A romantic ambience featured red candles in hurricane lanterns glowing softly on each carefully set table. As we passed the time conversing while waiting for the show to begin, the dapperly dressed servers were quite professional and conscientious about keeping our glasses full of refreshing beverages.
Tuxedo and evening gown-clad Red Devil Voice Ensemble members made their entrance and then treated us to a rousing rendition of Route 66 and then a more amorous I Can't Give You Anything but Love. The show was punctuated with performances by individuals, pairings and by smaller groups of singers. Among these were Cherie-Nichole, whose sweet soprano sang In the Cool Cool Cool of the Evening, and later let us know about Stormy Weather; Sara's deep alto purred through Can't Help Loving that Man; Melany presented a serious rendition of Be'same Mucho, for which Brandon provided an irreverent English translation that brought belly-laughs from the audience. Emily's powerfully sung litany of (food) desires in Peel me a Grape provided the perfect segue to the dessert break!
Our options, crafted the same day by IHTA students, were decadent: "Chocolate Symphony," "Serendipity Berry Bavarian Torte," "Grande Golden Creme Puffs," and "The Devil's Sinful
Long time MDHS teachers Judy Moon (Serendipity)
and Keith Coppage (Choir)
are proud of their students!
Delight," the last of which I chose and really enjoyed in spite of warnings that it may be too chocolaty and rich. (Can anything really be TOO chocolaty and rich?!) It took a while to finish, but finish it I did!
When the singers returned, they let us know that It Had to be You, and then Elva asked that we Send in the Clowns, and Richard insisted that We Still Have Time, after Stewart's earnest questioning a la Frank Sinatra in Didn't We. The ensemble sang to us of their dreams with I Dream a World, and Azrael members (Chris, Stewart, and Soren) finished up the show, sending us on our way with One for my Baby (And One More for the Road.)
