Spring Concert Fills Renovo with Music and Love
RENOVO — Spring and love were in the air on Sunday, May 4, as the Renovo Area Community Choir brought warmth and harmony to the First United Methodist Church on 7th Street with their annual Spring Concert, Put a Little Love in Your Heart. Under the direction of Patricia Lacy, the choir delivered an emotional and upbeat musical celebration that captivated a full house of music lovers of all ages.
Known for their expressive performances, the choir took the audience on a sentimental journey through decades of love-themed music. The concert opened with the vibrant title track, Jackie DeShannon’s 1969 hit “Put a Little Love in Your Heart,” setting the tone for an afternoon of nostalgia and joy.
Highlights included a swing-style rendition of “You Made Me Love You,” with rehearsal accompanist and Bucktail Area High School music teacher Brandon Kahley showing off his trumpet skills. The Beatles were well-represented in a touching medley of “In My Life” and “Can’t Buy Me Love,” and the choir’s soulful take on Greg Gilpin’s arrangement of “Never My Love” earned heartfelt applause.
The program also featured classic hits like “She Loves You,” “Unchained Melody,” and “That’s Amore.” The girl-powered 1964 tune “Chapel of Love” was charmingly performed by the women of the choir. One especially fun moment came during Neil Sedaka’s hit “Calendar Girl,” where the mother-daughter duo of Erin and Kedda Bissman had to keep up with the song’s playful tempo in a humorous and entertaining display of interaction that drew smiles and laughter from the crowd.
A medley of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” and “Who Loves You” brought Jersey Boys energy to the stage, while “What the World Needs Now” included a touching solo by Autumn Gavlock, adding a gospel flair to the choir’s rich harmonies.
Solo performances added even more flair to the concert. Kedda Bissman delivered a touching version of Fleetwood Mac’s “Songbird,” Autumn Gavlock honored Dolly Parton with “I Will Always Love You,” and Courtney Billings brought playful charm to Connie Francis’ “Stupid Cupid.”
The concert closed with the powerful ballad “Love Changes Everything,” leaving the audience uplifted and inspired.
Adding to the weekend’s musical celebration, Director Patty Lacy proudly announced that the Bucktail Area High School band recently returned from the Music in the Parks festival in Hershey, PA, with two trophies in hand — a testament to the local talent and dedication to the arts in the Renovo community.
With another successful spring concert behind them, the Renovo Area Community Choir continues to be a beloved cultural cornerstone, uniting voices and hearts through music.
