SOUTHSIDER VOICE PHOTOS BY B. SCOTT MOHR Evelyn Badgley directs Sisters in Song with much enthusiasm.
 SOUTHSIDER VOICE PHOTOS BY B. SCOTT MOHR Deanna Reed’s rendition of “O Holy Night” was beautiful and touching.  The live manger scenes features Janey Shue as Mary, Nickee Springer as Joseph and Dorothy Rynard as the angel.  The program features Debbie Meyer (left) and Kathy Gentry as “dancing Christmas trees.” |  Badgley serves as the pianist and director of Sisters in Songs. By B. Scott Mohr Editor Anyone suffering from a case of the Christmas blues shouldn’t miss Sunday’s Christmas concert by Sisters in Song. Featuring sacred music, popular carols, “dancing Christmas trees,” Frosty the Snowman, the Little Drummer Girl and Santa Claus, the performance would even warm Scrooge’s heart. From start to finish, the 40-minute show is nonstop entertainment. The ensemble of about 50 women – from their mid-30s to late 80s – is directed by Evelyn Badgley, who serves as the pianist. She is also the organist at Southport Heights Christian Church, 7154 S. McFarland Road, site of the 5 p.m. concert. And the women will be well-rehearsed for the free show as they have been performing it at nursing homes every Friday since Nov. 9. This is the first time it will be presented at such a large venue, and that’s causing Badgley to be a little nervous. “I don’t know why; it’s basically the same presentation. “It’s a beautiful show, and we like what we do,” said Badgley, who has been directing the group since resurrecting the church’s music program 17 years ago. “I know what the residents like, and we lift their spirits. It’s our goal to leave them happier than before the show. We love it when they sing along, but I can’t see that because my back is always turned to them. This is a wonderful group of sincere ladies who are dedicated to doing nice things for people. They really care about everyone.” Badgley, 83, a teacher at Indianapolis Public School 64 for 30 years before retiring, emphasizes that she plays and sings with her heart. “You have to. To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.” Judy Hoffman, 82, a five-year member of Sisters in Song and also 82, said the concert at the church will allow more people to see the show. “We don’t have enough Fridays for everyone who wants to hear us. That’s why we decided to do a performance at Southport Heights Christian Church. It’s a fun and a cute concert, and the girls have beautiful voices.” One part of the program features Frosty the Snowman (Patti Campbell), who begins to dance around when his hat is tapped by Sandy Willis’ magic wand. For those who can’t make the show, it will be presented at 10 a.m. Dec. 21 at University Heights Health & Living, 1380 E. County Line Road. When the ladies aren’t staging their Christmas program, they present traditional concerts at nursing homes throughout the year on Fridays, taking time off in the summer. Their schedule is well-planned out – there’s even a snow date built into it. The annual program kicks off in October – after rehearsing for four Fridays in September. |
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