John M. Valdez, PPAG Reviewer

“Son don’t ever ask a man if he is from Texas. If he is, he will tell you.” My best friend who was born, bred, and buttered in Texas takes pride in that quote. We have all heard how Texas is a whole other country and culture. Last night the sparse but very enthusiastic crowd at Hoag Theater learned that first hand. The Pueblo Children’s Chorale hosted the renowned Houston Boychoir. This group of amazingly talented young boys has been touring the whole state. Pueblo was lucky to be a stop on that tour. The show opened with a performance from our own Children’s Chorale, for the first time under the direction of their new director Mr. Brook Mead.

Brook took the helm without a single misstep. He added his own unique twist with a jazzy rendition of “Blue Skies.” Along with some cool scatting from Gabriella DeSimone and surprise first timer Joseph Berrios who learned only moments before that he would be a soloist. It was great and both the crowd and the choir were having a terrific time.

Then Director Carole Nelson, her crew, and the Houston Boychoir took the stage. From the opening note of “Ave Maria” the audience was spellbound. The voices of the choir filled the hall and the ears of all in attendance. They continued to wow the crowd with each passing song. The boys also took direction from the wonderfully talented Mr. Neeki Bey. As the boys took a moment to change clothes another member of the crew took control of the choir, the young Ryan Villaverde. The boys then gave the Pueblo crowd a taste of Texas tradition with a series of selections about Texas. In their colorful bandanas and cowboy hats they danced and sang their way through some very well known songs. Including Pecos Bill, Yellow Rose of Texas, and lovely rendition of Red River Valley.

In a full choir it is often difficult to pick out a few individual voices especially when they are as talented as this group. However the young Adrian Alhadidi had a calm quiet nature and vocal quality that made him stand out as a leader. The voices were all wonderful. But as long time Chorale Director, Christina Anderson pointed out it takes talent and hard work to hit certain notes so well. Young Keaton Brown was a perfect example his voice was simply amazing and spot on.

The night ended with both groups taking the stage. They performed a wonderful song from Africa called Syahamba. This song is from a collection of songs arranged and compiled by a group of musicians including Mr. Neeki Bey. Who not only conducted but also accompanied on drum. It was a perfect ending to a great night of music.

To sum it all up I will steal some comments from Mr. Brook Mead. He pointed out how universal music is. How no matter who you are or where you were born music can bring people together. Music can reach across the miles and culture. What other medium can take African tradition to Texas and bring it to Colorado? And have all involved understand and enjoy it. Overall it was an amazing night. To learn and enjoy more about these two talented groups please visit their websites. www.houstonboychoir.org and www.pueblochildrenschoral.org