The Sweet Sounds of Harmony —
Some Friendly Advice

Friendly Advice

Jim Owens, a former member of the old Lake Washington Skippers Barbershop Chorus, had the pleasure of introducing Friday’s program, when the sweet sounds of the “old songs” were presented by Friendly Advice.

The BBRC’s resident barbershopper, Dick Swanson, is a member of Friendly Advice and brought his group to serenade the BBRC Friday. The quartet has toured Finland giving concerts with the mayor of Helsinki in the audience. The foursome is Dan Tangarone, Wes Sorstokke, Dick Swanson, and Bill Thurmon. They can be reached by calling (425) 643-5339 or email bgathrum@juno.com

Dick Swanson serenades his better half, Joan. Dick Swanson gets a thank you from President Kim Shrader.

Their toe-tapping rendition of “Dear Hearts & Gentle People” got the program rolling. Other old favorites included “Stormy Weather,” “Sleepy Time Gal,” and “Hello Mary Lou,” “In the Still of the Night,” a romantic ballad sung to Joan Swanson, a Gershwin favorite, ‘What’ll I Do,” and the big finish, ”God Bless the USA” Called back by prolonged applause, Friendly Advice suggested “Let A Smile Be Your Umbrella” for an encore.

The crowd departed in a particularly happy holiday mood after that great program. Thanks to Dick Swanson and his crew for their entertaining program. And, thanks to Jim Owens for his introduction.

The quartet was awarded a certificate noting the BBRC had purchased 240 doses of polio vaccine to help eradicate polio around the world.