Alameda Sings! will present Broadway and Beach Boys ballads at their Spring Concert “Let’s Be the Music” on Saturday, April 26, 7:30 p.m., at Alameda Veterans Memorial Building, 2203 Central Avenue. The free concert is co-hosted by Alameda Recreation and Parks Department.
Artistic Director Barbara Acosta will be accompanied by pianist Merrill Collins, composer, producer, and CEO of her Indie label, Spiraling Music. Comprised of talented community singers, Alameda Sings!, aka Alameda Community Chorus, will have you swinging, swaying, and reminiscing to a variety of your favorite tunes.
Joining the chorus for the first time are drummer Michael Moore and guitarist Don Balistreri, who will highlight both the singers and the songs of “Let’s Be the Music.”
Moore, a talented local musician, teaches drumming to children and adults at the Drum Lab. He believes his students teach him more about life and drumming than he teaches them, and that’s at the heart of why he loves what he does—whether he’s in the classroom or keeping a steady groove behind the chorus.
Balistreri, a skilled guitarist, holds a masters degree in music and teaches both acoustic and electric guitar. He is known for his versatile playing style and blending various genres, including jazz, rock, blues, and classical. His music often features intricate fingerpicking techniques, smooth transitions between genres, and a deep sense of musicality.
“This spring, the chorus is singing a little something for everyone,” Acosta said. “We’re presenting a variety of songs that are nostalgic and fun to sing. And this concert is a wonderful opportunity for the chorus to perform with local musicians who will showcase the talent that we have in our community and take this performance to another level.”
Alameda Sings!/ACC President Jo Lowe added, “Alameda Sings! continues to focus on the love and need for choral education and performance opportunities. This season is no exception, as once again we enhance our concert by performing and highlighting local talent. We are truly a community nonprofit, welcoming partnerships, donors, and volunteers who share our desire to support pathways for Bay Area singers and musicians.”
The family-friendly Spring Concert is free, and a suggested door donation of $10 or more is greatly appreciated. Donations help choral music thrive in our community.
Alameda Community Chorus is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization that “engages the community in advancing the love of choral music through education, performance and collaboration.” Alameda Sings! welcomes enrollment through the Alameda Recreation and Parks Department with class sessions held at Alameda Mastick Senior Center. The Chorus offers stipend, educational, and performance opportunities and welcomes singing enthusiasts ages 16 and up. Auditions are not required and fall enrollment through ARPD begins in August 2025.
For more information, special appearances, or information about becoming a volunteer, email [email protected], call 415-302-9802, or visit alamedachorus.com.
