December 21, 2004 > Glenn Yarbrough Concert - Smash Hit

by Sharon Xavier de Sousa

Glenn Yarbrough in The Forgotten Carols with the Deo Gloria Choir directed by Sharon Xavier de Sousa held Dec. 1 & 2 in Old Mission San Jose was a smashing success. It was performed both nights to sold out houses. Plenty of locals plus fans of Glenn's from all over the Bay Area and as far away as Santa Cruz, Monterey and Napa attended the two performances. Old Mission San Jose was the perfect setting for this tale and Glenn loved singing in the 250 seat Mission and would like to return here for future engagements.

Thirty members of the local interfaith Deo Gloria Choir sang backup for Glenn on a number of the songs that were woven in the story of the Forgotten Carols characters. Sharon Xavier de Sousa directed the choir and also sang the soprano solo, "Mary Let Me Hold Her Baby" about a childless woman of Bethlehem in Jesus' time.

The proceeds which were raised, totaling over $7,000, will benefit the Old Mission San Jose Outdoor Lighting Project for post concert outdoor receptions. The star-studded Sponsors list includes: Gold Star ($1000) Fremont Bank Foundation; Silver Stars ($500) De Sousa Designs and John de Sousa Financial Services; Bronze Stars ($200) Dale Hardware & Niles-Fremont Rotary Inner Wheel; Bronze Stars ($100) Betty Foster, Dr. & Mrs. Joseph Ippolito, Dr. Roger Lusch, Scott & Sharon Miller, The Gabriel Project (C. Norman), Mayor & Mrs. Bob Wasserman, James & Mary Williams, and Louise Xavier.

Many members and segments of the community contributed help in different ways. Members of the community helped out as ushers, members of the Fremont Symphony Guild on Wednesday night and members of the Niles-Fremont Rotary Inner Wheel on Thursday night. Eric Steele of Song Writer's Studio provided the sound system. The Newark-Fremont Hilton Hotel provided a complimentary night's stay for the Yarbroughs, Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church of Fremont and St. Edward's Catholic Church of Newark provided rehearsal space for the choir.

Talks are already underway for The Forgotten Carols to return to Fremont next December and there may be several groups vying for the opportunity to host the event. There is also talk of bringing Yarbrough here during the year to perform the Folk Reunion Concert with members of the Limelighters or the Brothers Four (folk groups of the 1960s Folk Movement), possibly in the Center Theater or Ohlone College Theater.

The PBS Channels 9 & 60 Folk Reunion Programs are introducing Yarbrough and members of other 1960s Folk Groups to a new generation of concert goers.

Following the performance here, Glenn performed it at the Ojai Valley Spa and Inn for the Rotary Club of Ojai and will be performing The Forgotten Carols on Tues. Dec. 21 for the Kiwanis Club in Folsom at the Folsom Community Center. For details, visit his website at www.glennyarbrough.com.

If you would like to be on the mailing list for future Glenn Yarbrough or Deo Gloria Choir events, contact Sharon Xavier de Sousa at (510) 792-8777 or sxdesousa@aol.com