The Buckthorns Release Their First CD
The Buckthorns, a local singing institution, have released their first CD. To celebrate, a party was held at Harrison Manor House in Lake Bluff on September 26th, 2003. The Harrison Manor House provided venue and food and Knauz Autopark was a corporate sponsor.
The evening began with soloist Jim Passalino leading the group’s rendition of “Under the Boardwalk”. Their three musical sets included favorites such as “Java Jive” with vocal solos by Walt Sloan and Sandy Turner, “The Longest Time”, led by Steve Ragsdale, “All I Have to Do is Dream” with Susie McMurray, and “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” with an opening riff by Liz Moffitt and Mary Jane Stutz.
Throughout the evening, Sandy Stuart provided his distinctive bass line while Louise Ries helped with vocals and keyboard. Other vocalists in the group include soprano Kimberly Moss, featured in the descant on “America the Beautiful”, Alto Carmen Gunning, tenor Michael Shea and soprano June Miller, who is also the group’s vocal director.
The Buckthorns have their roots in Lake Forest and Lake Bluff and have been singing together for eight years to benefit local charities. Some of these are Lake Forest Open Lands, Lake Forest Hospital, Infant Welfare Society, and numerous local churches.
The Buckthorns take their name from the infamous weed sprouting up everwhere, choking out many native species. Their first CD, called “Branching Out” is aptly named for doing what buckthorn does best and contains many of their most popular songs. It is produced by Derrick Stout of Deerpath Music and available at many local retail establishments including Helanders in Lake Forest, MoonSpun Gifts and Voila! in Lake Bluff. For more information on the Buckthorns and upcoming performances, visit their website at www.thebuckthorns.com or call Sandy Turner at 847-482-8477.
Copyright © 2003, Conatser Media, Inc.