WVPE is a Media Sponsor for Elkhart Civic Theatre’s Swingin’ in the Gardens,
Monday evening June 7, from 6:00 to 9:00 at the Wellfield Botanic Gardens. Colleen
Williamson, an Elkhart Civic alum and featured singer on international cruise ships, joins Big Band Truth in Jazz for an evening of music. Lawn chairs and blankets encouraged. Tickets and more information are available here.
About Colleen Williamson:
Born and raised in LaGrange, Ind., Colleen discovered her love of performing on stage at Lakeland High School, appearing in musicals, plays, swing choir, and stage band. A proud graduate of DePauw University in Greencastle, Ind., Colleen earned her degree in Voice Performance and returned home and straight to the Elkhart Civic Theatre stage. It was at the Bristol Opera House that she gained invaluable experience in shows such as 1776, Cabaret, South Pacific, The 1940s Radio Hour, The Robber Bridegroom, and Carnival. Shortly thereafter, Colleen started her career at sea, working as a production singer for several popular cruise lines. Now working as a headlining entertainer performing her own solo shows, Colleen is a returning favorite on several luxury cruise lines, and has traveled to more than 80 countries. She has performed alongside some of the best of Broadway, having sung with Norm Lewis (Phantom of the Opera), Michel Bell (Showboat), and also several stars from London’s West End. Broadway personality and winner of the prestigious Drama Desk Award Jim Brochu said, “... Colleen is one of the best singers I have ever heard. She is Ethel Merman, Ella Fitzgerald, and Joan Sutherland all rolled into one extravagantly gifted, magical voice.”
About Truth in Jazz:
Truth in Jazz Big Band is celebrating their 22nd year this year. The band brings together local professional musicians who share a deep love for jazz and wish to share the style of big-band jazz throughout Michiana. The popular 19-piece group was founded in 1998 by The Elkhart Truth. Today the band is sponsored by Horizon Transport. Truth in Jazz continues in the big-band tradition and adds new and fresh arrangements based on jazz standards. Directed by Steve Allen, the Truth in Jazz musicians are local music educators and business professionals who work or have worked in the musical instrument industry.