Ah Tempo! lit up SCS’ Member Recital stage for the first time in 2009 with a fantastic acapella arrangement of This Little Light of Mine. Since then, together with their devoted pianist and director, they have been entertaining audiences at SCS concerts, community events, and private parties - all to benefit the SCS. Known for their intricate harmonies, engaging programming, and unstoppable wit, they are comfortable singing repertoire ranging from Irish tunes on the Court Street Theater stage this evening to Christmas carol parodies at Chamber of Commerce functions.
John Mayer, tenor. Singing is second only to spending time with Betty, John’s wife of 33 years. Together they have two sons and daughters-in-law, and one granddaughter, Nora, who “lights up my world,” John says. John is a Sales Representative for Mid-States Bolt and Screw, one of our major sponsors for Kiss the Blarney Stone. John’s first major role was in the 8th grade as the lead character Billy Bigelow in the musical Carousel. He was hooked. In high school, he fell in love with Old Irish Blessing, his favorite on tonight’s program. Declaring that the friendships, harmonies, and laughter that come from Ah Tempo! have been the best, John also quips that “What happens in Ah Tempo! stays in Ah Tempo!” when asked about a favorite story. Hmmm!
Jim Smerdon, tenor. Jim rarely gets nervous singing in public, except for that day 27 years ago when his bride-to-be, Laura, made him sing a solo “at my own wedding.” Jim loves wandering through the woods with a camera, doing nature photography. He and Gene even made a nature trip together to Yellowstone, where visitors mistook them for brothers. Jim is a Technical Service Rep for Customized Engineering Services, which keeps him on the road quite often.The most fun moments in Ah Tempo! cannot be printed, he says, agreeing with John on this point. His favorite tune tonight is Song For The Mira, which reminds him of Michigan rivers.
Dave Lyman, tenor. Dave laughingly recalls singing O Canada at a Spirit game when the lights were suddenly turned off and they hadn’t memorized the words. You can bet they know them now! Dave is an Organizational Psychologist who teaches at the DeVos School at Northwood. His local celebrity status is that he is married to “the Zoo lady,” Nancy Parker. He has two grown children and two teenage grandchildren. Dave started singing in kindergarten and never thought he’d still be doing concerts this many years later and loving it still. His favorite piece on tonight's program is Song For The Mira. It reminds him of Michigan and his lovely place on the Huron Breeze Golf Course where he and Nancy enjoy walks together with their two dogs.
Dave Stine, tenor. Dave remembers singing for a wedding when he was just fourteen years old. He must have put stars in the couple’s eyes and love in their hearts because they are still married today. Dave and Jeanie, his loving wife of 50 years, have two grown children, Marc and Laurin, five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Dave is the proud owner of Stine Company Lawn Care and Snow Removal and he is a Certified Pesticide Applicator for his son’s company, Stine Turf and Snow in Durand. His favorite piece tonight is Star of the County Down, telling the story of a dazzling young woman who is the “gem of Ireland’s crown.” He imagines the harmonies are as lush as the hillsides of Ireland.
