The Buckthorns –
Sharing & Caring
Text by Bobbi Groover
Photographed by Brian Briggs
RHYTHM AND MELODY ARE EVERYWHERE. The music they create can be as delicate as the exquisite outpouring of the nightingale that sings in Shakespeare’s pomegranate tree, as soothing as a babbling brook, as haunting as a howl in the moonlight or as bold as the deafening crash of a waterfall. Simple or complicated, music is so much a part of our everyday lives that one is often quite unaware of its presence or its power. Though its grammar might be specific to individual nations, music is a universal language that transcends the biases and stresses of today’s world.
The Buckthorns, a delightfully talented local singing group, realize that music opens the windows of the soul and have chosen this venue as a means to raise money for charity. Complementing their vocal talents is an oft-times comedic prowess that makes this a popular, multi-dimensional organization. This thirteen-member group, whose members hail from Lake Forest and Lake Bluff, had a modest off-the-cuff beginning. In 1994 several founding members, who were also members of the Lake Forest Open Lands Association, were asked to provide the entertainment for an event of the organization. Their act was a hit and repeat performances were requested at many events to follow. With strong ties to the communities, they decided to use their talents for a good cause. The original eight members wanted to raise money for the Open Lands Association. The group named themselves “The Buckthorns” in 1995 for the persistent shrub that appears everywhere, and soon their name appeared everywhere as a sought-after entertainment. In return for the performance, the host of the particular event made a donation to Open Lands. Sandy Turner, one of the founding members, relates that the small singing group usually left each host with a souvenir—an original song created specifically for the organization which hosted them and something sure to become a treasured collectible.
The Buckthorns soon branched out with a larger and more varied repertoire. Members left and new vocalists were discovered who added additional talent, creativity and other dimensions to the group. Now they perform at churches, private parties and community events all over the Chicago land area. Keeping only a small amount for expenses, nearly 90% of the money they raise for their performances benefits a wide range of charities.
The music styles in the repertoire of this talented assemblage are as varied as the charities they support—from country to rock ‘n’ roll, from folk ballads to doo-wop, from oldies to religious—and they add the appropriate artistic flair to the moment, the meaning and the music. Listeners will be snapping their fingers and tapping their toes when treated to “The Longest Time.’ Remembering the country’s involvement overseas makes the Buckthorns’ rendition of “America the Beautiful” particularly poignant. Follow that song with “Somewhere Out There,” supported by a simple keyboard background, and the heart swells within the chest and the eyes well with tears, a true testimonial to the ability of this group to capture an audience with their music. An unforgettable oldie but goodie “Under the Boardwalk” evokes memories that flash across one’s mind’s eye like paintings at an art show with all the colors, tastes and sounds included.
Performing nearly twenty times a year, the Buckthorns have delighted audiences at many locations such as: Gorton Community Center, Church of the Holy Spirit, John Hancock Center, First Presbyterian Church, Chicago Curling Club, Harrison Conference Center, the Art Institute of Chicago and as far away as the Huron Mountain Club in Michigan. They also perform at many private parties. While entertaining they have raised nearly $50,000 for charitable causes. All the profits from their highly successful first CD, Branching Out, which debuted in 2003, were also donated to charity.
Who is the heart and pulse of the Buckthorns? It could be said that the two remaining founding members, Sandy Turner and Louise Ries, retain that title because without them, the group would never have come to exist. In truth, though, every one of the six men and seven women contributes to the heart of the organization and the pulse of its success. Individually the members are bankers, lawyers, proprietors, builders, consultants, antique dealers and entrepreneurs. Collectively their varied talents complement one another and bring balance, flair, poise and cohesiveness to the vocal troop. Walt Sloan introduces new songs, and June Miller utilizes her directorial abilities to best enhance the beauty of each rendition. While many of the songs are done a cappella, other arrangements have musical accompaniment to fit the mood and the occasion. Mary Jane Stutz, Louise Ries and Carmen Gunning play piano; Susie McMurray and June Miller play guitar; Steve Ragsdale plays the mandolin as well as guitar, and Walt Sloan backs up the tempo with toe-tapping percussion.
The Buckthorns’ second CD, On a Silent Night, also under the Deerpath Music Label, will be released this month filled with the group’s most requested cluster of heart-warming and enchanting holiday delights. The highly anticipated release will take place during a musical soiree on November 19th at Harrison House in Lake Bluff when these talented vocalists will share their melodies to help in the care of others. For more information, visit the Buckthorns at their website: www.TheBuckthorns.com.