Choral-Aires plan spring luncheon

"Everyone's a Winner" at the Choral-Aires Chorus' annual spring luncheon, performance and fashion show.

The event begins with cocktails at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 4, with a performance by the 100-member women's a cappella barbershop Choral-Aires Chorus at noon and the luncheon and fashion show immediately afterward at Drury Lane Theater in Oakbrook Terrace.

"Everyone's a Winner," the theme of this year's show, is a good description of the chorus as well, co-Director Bonnie Fedyski said.

"We live in a time of terrible divisions and separation, but music is something that brings us together no matter where we come from," she said.

"Our membership is amazingly diverse. Different political views, religions and races. Different jobs and hobbies. We even have Cubs, Sox, and Cardinals fans peacefully coexisting on the risers. Just like our different voices blend to make unique harmonies, our different backgrounds and personalities blend to make a unique whole."

The chorus is working toward a win of another kind as it prepares for the Sweet Adelines International Competition in Las Vegas in October. With several past top-10 finishes, the chorus has its sights set on a top-5 finish this year.

"We're absolutely determined to be our best," said Amy Brinkman, Fedyski's sister and co-director. "But we recognize the importance of having fun along the way. This is one of the year's highlights for the chorus."

Luncheon guests can be winners, too. In addition to seeing fashions from Chicago clothiers, they will have opportunities to win the grand prize of a week in Cabo San Lucas, an American Girl Doll package valued at more than $1,000, or a cash prize of $1,000. Also, dozens of themed baskets will be raffled.

Tickets for the luncheon are $45 for adults, $15 for children 12 and younger, and $30 for emeritus chorus members. Grand prize raffle tickets are $20 each or 3 for $50. Basket raffle tickets are 12 for $20 or 30 for $20. Luncheon and grand prize raffle tickets can be purchased at choral-aires.com.

The Choral-Aires Chorus is a part of Sweet Adelines International, a group of 100-plus women who sing a cappella harmony in the barbershop style. The chorus rehearses from 7 to 10 p.m. Mondays at Redeemer Lutheran Church Recreation Center, 345 S. Kenilworth Ave., Elmhurst. Visitors are welcome any time.