Skokie Music Foundation Presents Voice Of America 6/27

The Skokie Theatre Music Foundation presents "Voice of America" on June 27th, 2010 at 7:00pm. "Voice of America" is patriotic revue featuring America's favorite songs from World Wars I and II, the Korean and Vietnam years, and Operation Desert Storm. Performers include Jeanne Scherkenbach, Carolyn Wehner, Rachel Renee, Joel Kopischke and Matt Richardson.

In true USO fashion, "Voice of America" will pay tribute to Veterans and members of the Armed force with a variety of entertainment. Songs include You're a Grand Old Flag, Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, I'll Be Seeing You, Tie a Yellow Ribbon and many more. The evening includes two dance number including swing and tap; as well as an audience sing-a-long.

"Voice of America" features a celebrated cast of performers. Jeanne Scherkenbach's last Skokie Theatre appearance (in "Kate the Great") was called "a unique and moving musical presentation".

"We want to entertain and pay tribute to the men and women of the armed forces," states Scherkenbach. "Each member of the cast has someone close to them that is serving or has served for the United States. This is our small way of saying thank you."

"Voice of America" will be playing on June 27, 2010 at 7pm at the Skokie Theatre Music Foundation, 7924 N. Lincoln Ave, Skokie, IL. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Tickets can be ordered by calling 847-677-7761 or visit skokietheatre.org.

About the Performers:

Joel Kopischke:
Joel is honored to be performing in today's show saluting America & our veterans. Joel is best known for his humorous holiday CD, I Got Yule Babe (www.IGotYuleBabe.com), which has garnered great reviews and airplay around the world, including XM Radio and Dr. Demento. Less silly endeavors include soloing with the Milwaukee Symphony, dozens of commercial jingles, and performances throughout the US, Europe, and South Africa. Locally he's performed with David Friedman and at many Chicago Cabaret Professional events, including the Royal George and Drury Lane. www.JoelVoice.com.

Rachel Renee:
Rachel Renee has sung all over the world visiting all 7 continents on Japanese and British cruise ships. Studying at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Rachel completed her Master's and Bachelor's degrees in Music and a Bachelor degree in Acting in 2003. Winner of more than 15 awards and scholarships she was honored to receive a special award created for her by the Racine Arts Council for Distinction in the Arts by a Young Artist. Equally at ease with opera and Broadway musical repertoire, Rachel enjoys singing all styles. Chosen to represent the University at its Sesquicentennial Celebrations, Rachel sang before 17,500 in the Kohl Center audience during the celebrations. She's sung with the Russian Folk Orchestra, Japanese Sakura Trio in Japan and sang with West End Performer Anthony Stuart Lloyd in concert. This past year, Rachel was thrilled to perform at the Lyric Opera in Chicago.

Matt Richardson:
After graduating with his Bachelor of Music degree from the Eastman School of Music in 2007 and enjoying a brief stint teaching elementary school in Yakutat, Alaska, Matthew found his way to Milwaukee to continue his vocal studies with his teacher, Connie Haas. He is now happy to be an active musician in the Greater Milwaukee community. In addition to singing with various local ensembles including the chorus of the Florentine Opera Company and Music by the Lake, Matthew also teaches ballroom dancing. Matthew teaches privately at East Towne Ballrooms and teaches in the public schools with the Mad Hot Ballroom and Tap program.

Jeanne Scherkenbach:
Jeanne Scherkenbach, soprano, is fresh from receiving multiple standing ovations for her June 2008 show "Kate the Great," which celebrated the career of Kate Smith, at Chicago's famed Maxim's. Previously she produced and performed concerts dedicated to the music of Broadway, Hollywood and the Great American Songbook in Chicago and Milwaukee, including a standing room only performance featuring the music of Richard Rodgers at the Chicago Cultural Center in December 2007. Jeanne has performed with Chicago jazz legend Buddy Charles in "Cheerful Little Earful, the Music of Harry Warren" and "The Great American Piano Bar - Celebrating George, Cole, Jerome & Friends." She has performed at the Annual Mabel Mercer Cabaret Convention at Town Hall in New York, at the Mabel Mercer Chicago Cabaret Convention at the Park West Theatre, and at the Chicago Humanities Festival's tribute to Harold Arlen at Chicago's Harris Theatre.

Carolyn Wehner:
Singer/pianist Carolyn Wehner performs regularly for a wide variety of audiences throughout Chicagoland and Southeastern Wisconsin. She has been featured in numerous Chicago Cabaret Professionals performances at the Drury Lane Water Tower Theatre, the Park West Theatre and Davenport's, and she has also appeared at the Palm Court in the Drake Hotel. Wisconsin appearances include Lake Geneva resorts and downtown Milwaukee nightspots as well as a recent jazz duo performance at Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers. She also performs over 100 solo concert dates each year, many of which are for audiences at retirement communities and senior groups throughout greater Chicagoland. Current Chicago area engagements include ongoing Friday evenings in the piano bar at Paisano's on Broadway in Richmond, IL. Visit Carolyn's website, www.pianistvocalist.com, for more information and a calendar of upcoming appearances.