The Tributaries Rocked DesertView Again!
Ann Vernon and Barry Swartzberg with band members Fred, Walker, Joe, Mindy, Alan, and Mike (photo by Ann Vernon)
Barry Swartzberg
For a second time, The Tributaries rocked the DesertView Theatre, playing to a sold-out auditorium for more than two hours, in a second benefit concert for the Oracle Schools Foundation. This talented group had an enthusiastic audience dancing in their seats, in the aisles, singing along, tapping their toes, and clapping to the music! The concert ended with an energetic crowd giving the band a well-deserved standing ovation.
The band played an all-new concert consisting of a medley of songs from the many tribute shows they perform, such as Woodstock; the Eagles; Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young; Linda Ronstadt; Simon & Garfunkel; and Good Morning Vietnam. In addition to their great vocals and mesmerizing guitar work, the band pays homage to the artists and bands they are showcasing by sharing interesting bits of trivia about them.
The Foundation raises money to support preschool, which is not funded by the state. The proceeds from this concert will give young children a jump-start on their educations. The Foundation board cannot express enough appreciation to The Tributaries for their time and talent to support such a worthy cause.
And the Winning Bid Goes To …
Linda and John Ansay
Ann Vernon
With a record-breaking 270 attendees, this year’s Oracle Schools Foundation Spring Fling Gala was a huge success! A special thank you to all who attended, bought and bid, made monetary contributions, or donated their talents to the silent, live, or fixed-price auction. We had 40 silent auction items and 14 great live auction items, including an overnight stay at a Mount Lemmon hotel, a Mardi Gras Mystery Dinner, a pet portrait by Kay Sullivan, and more! There were also 24 fixed-price events, including house concerts, theme dinners, and a lovely bird hike and brunch in Catalina State Park.
Some of the fixed-price events have already taken place. In April, Sean Lewis donated his time and exceptional talent to entertain a group of 35 people on the patio at my home. Before the music began, people had a chance to socialize over appetizers and drinks. Then we settled in to listen to an outstanding performance. Sean played a variety of songs we all know and love, so the audience sang along to familiar favorites from The Beatles, John Denver, and more.
Another fun event took place at the home of John and Linda Ansay who hosted a Brats and Beer Bash on their beautiful patio overlooking the Catalina Mountains. John and Linda treated guests to a traditional Midwest feast with all the trimmings: brats, potato salad, baked beans, and more, washed down with cold beer, wine, or nonalcoholic options. You didn’t have to be from the Midwest to enjoy this event! It was a great way to meet new friends and experience Midwest hospitality in the Southwest.
By attending functions such as these, you not only have an opportunity to mix and mingle with fellow SaddleBrooke and SB Ranch friends, neighbors, and new acquaintances, but you are contributing to the auction and supporting young learners in the Oracle School District. We are very grateful to Sean, John, Linda, and other fixed-price event hosts for their donations to the Oracle Schools Foundation Board.
If you weren’t able to attend the Gala or didn’t have a chance to sign up for things you wanted to attend, there are some upcoming events: a tequila tasting party, a Halloween party, a stargazing party, and a house concert featuring J.D. Loveland. Please visit our website www.oracleschoolsfoundation.com to sign up. Once again, thank you for supporting the Foundation. We will be holding another Gala on March 10, 2024. Save the date!
The Catalina Chorale Performs to Benefit the Oracle Schools Foundation
Mary Jo Bellner Swartzberg
The weather was picture-perfect for the April 22 Catalina Chorale house concert, which was held at the home of Randall and Linda Dighton. Randall, an accomplished guitarist, is the director of the Chorale. More than 35 guests purchased tickets (for one of the great fixed-price items) at the Oracle Schools Spring Fling Gala to attend the house concert, held on a beautifully appointed patio at the Dighton home. The evening was replete with hearty hors d’oeuvres, adult beverages, and an array of desserts.
“Oklahoma” was the first song that started the Chorale’s performance, followed by “Those Lazy-Hazy-Crazy Days of Summer.” Both songs set the tone for the evening, which brought music memories back to those in attendance. Other songs performed included, but were not limited to, “Summertime,” “Camelot,” “Hallelujah,” “They Call the Wind Maria,” and “Under the Boardwalk.” The repertoire for the evening included 30 songs from the Great American Songbook.
If you would like the Catalina Chorale to perform for one of your events, please contact Randall Dighton at 520-344-9571 or [email protected].
About the Oracle Schools Foundation:
Vision: A beacon of excellence in public education.
Mission: To provide financial and related support to ensure that every Oracle student has unlimited opportunity to succeed.
Look for save-the-date information (later this year) for the Spring 2024 Oracle Schools Foundation Spring Fling Gala!