Citizens Who Care fundraising concert highlights Bing Crosby

Check it out

What: “Yes, Indeed! The Great Songs of Bing Crosby”

When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23; 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24

Where: Veterans’ Memorial Center, 204 E 14th St.

Tickets: $35

Info: www.citizenswhocare.us, 530-758-3704

Citizens Who Care will present its 21st annual benefit concert, “Yes Indeed! The Great Songs of Bing Crosby,” at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24, at the Veterans’ Memorial Center, 203 E. 14th St. in Davis.

To most Americans, Bing Crosby was the eternal crooner, a much-celebrated and beloved performer of unparalleled popularity.
Yet he was far more than that. He was an architect of 20th century entertainment, a force in the development of three industries that barely existed when he came into the world — recordings, motion pictures and broadcasting.

Throughout much of his career, he dominated the music charts with nearly 300 hit singles to his credit. To this, he added stardom in movies, radio and television. His work helped to transform and define the cultural life not only of the United States, but of the world.

“Yes, Indeed! — The Great Songs of Bing Crosby” captures the highlights of Crosby’s unparalleled 50-year career, stretching from his early jazz roots with “Bix” Beiderbecke and Paul Whiteman, through his crooner years of the 1930s, his movie hits of the 1940s and 50s and beyond.

Stephen Peithman tells the Crosby story with the help of performers Joe Alkire, Bob Bowen, Gwyneth Bruch, Martha Dickman, Paul Fearn, Lisa Derthick and Lenore Sebastian, accompanied by musical director LuAnn Higgs and percussionist Jim Nakayama.

Songs include “Swinging on a Star,” “Three Little Words,” “Sweet Georgia Brown,” “Brother Can You Spare a Dime,” “It’s Easy to Remember,” “Don’t Fence Me In,” “Pennies from Heaven,” “What’s New?,” “Yes, Indeed!,” “Blue Skies,” “Play a Simple Melody,” “How Deep is the Ocean?,” “Too Marvelous for Words,” “Dear Hearts and Gentle People,” “When Irish Eyes are Smiling,” “Imagination,” “The Second Time Around,” “In the Cool, Cool, Cool of the Evening” and “Star Dust,” among others.

All proceeds will benefit Citizens Who Care, a nonprofit agency in Yolo County that is dedicated to providing social support programs and respite services for the frail elderly and their family caregivers. Joanne Bell, executive director, heads the professional staff and trained volunteers.

CWC offers three kinds of social support programs and services:

* The in-home respite visiting program provides family caregivers of older adults with a weekly break from caregiving. Companionship and social support are offered to both the older adult and the caregiver. Respite volunteers are trained and supported by CWC’s professional staff.

* The convalescent hospital visiting program provides companionship and mental stimulation to socially isolated elderly residents. Volunteers of all ages are matched with residents. Some visiting volunteers bring their friendly, well-behaved pets to lift the spirits of residents. The director of volunteers trains each convalescent hospital volunteer.

* The Time Off for Caregivers program offers site-based social respite (time off) activities at the Davis Senior Center on two Saturdays each month, giving caregivers a five-hour break each program day. The program includes a healthy lunch and a variety of stimulating activities. CWC’s professional staff provides periodic individual assessments of the participants.

All seats at both concerts are $35. For tickets and information, call 530-758-3704 or visit www.citizenswhocare.us. Tickets also are available at the Citizens Who Care office, 409 Lincoln Ave. in Woodland.