A Joyful Timeline

2002 - present

Take a stroll down memory lane as far back as 2002 when the Joyful Voices Show Group first began. As a part of the Westmont Park District Seniors Program, this group of ageless singers and performers continues to get together rehearsing and performing. We look back at the lasting legacy with fond memories and experiences. 

Past Programs

Click on thumbnails to open a program. We hope you enjoy seeing the variety of music that was performed over the years.

2002
2003
2005
2007
2008
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018

Our Time Line

2002 - Present

Summer 2002

“Show Tunes”

The first summer tour of the Joyful Voices under the direction of Joe Chobot and Joe VanHootegem. Featuring music from the movies and Broadway. Year one and already 27 singers joining together to lift their voices!

Summer 2002

Summer 2003

“The Voices Remember When”

28 Chorus singers join together in the 2nd year of the Joyful Voices with Big Band and Swing Era music.

Summer 2003

Summer 2004

“The Variety Hour”

From the “Saints Go Marching In” to “Alexander’s Ragtime Band”, the Joyful Voices Chorus, led by Joe chobot on piano, delivered an exuberant variety of music to all their audiences.

Summer 2004

Summer 2005

“Go Country”

It was bound to happen! As the chorus grew to 43 members a new style of music was accompanied by plaid shirts, blue jeans, and cowboy hats. The chorus thrilled the audiences with boot-kicking, foot stompin’ country music.

Summer 2005

Summer 2006

“The Variery Hour Part 2”

Now in their 4th year, it was time to create a variety show featuring songs such as “America”, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”, “Some Enchanted Evening” and many more. With a live band including drums, horns, and piano, the Joyful Voices were beginng to sound like a Show Group!

Summer 2006

Summer 2007

The South Pacific Musical Review

It was time to perform a “Musical Review” and what better show than “South Pacific”? With chorus numbers “Dite Moi” and “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair” to solo performances of “Some Enchanted Evening” and “I’m In Love With a Wonderful Guy” audiences found themselves enchanted and engaged from beginning to end!

Summer 2007

Summer 2008

“Sing Blues and Ballads”

From “Let the Good Times Roll” to “Bye Bye Blues” our seasoned cast of 44 singers, dancers, and musicians, entertained to the audiences delight! 

Summer 2008

Summer 2009

“Sinatra Music Lives!”

Six decades of ole “Blue Eyes”, Frank Sinatra’s greatest hits were performed in the summer of 2009. From solos to customized ensemble numbers, every song had the audience singing along and tapping their feet to the beat!

Summer 2009

Summer 2010

“Oklahoma”

The Joyful Performances Show Group presented A two-act adaptation of Oklahoma, complete with scene acting, dancing, and of course great singing! Everything from “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’ ” to “Kansas City, and a rousing finale of “Oklahoma” was performed to the audience’s sheer enjoyment.

Summer 2010

Summer 2011

“The Sound of Music”

What better way to celebrate a 10 year anniversary than with “The Sound of Music”. Once again, the Joyful Voices Show Group (47 members strong) would perform a great musical adaptation, complete with costumes, scenery, acting, dancing, and all the classic songs.

Summer 2011

Summer 2012

“Mary Poppins”

Soprano, Dorothy Kwak’s unforgettable acting and singing in the role or Mary Poppins had everyone reliving some memorable Disney moments. Complete with a cast of 50 singers and performers, this adaptation of Mary Poppins highlighted all the best songs and moments.

Summer 2012

Summer 2013

“Your Memories in Song”

Returning for their 12th season of Seniors Entertainment, the JVSG performed an exciting collection of the “best of the best” musical compositions from 1913 through the 1970’s. Such hits included “On the Street Where You Live (1956)”, Someone to Watch Over Me (1926)”, and many others.

Summer 2013

Summer 2014

“Cool Sounds”

An arousing selection of Jazz, Pop, Country, and Swing music was performed by the seasoned troupe of over 50 singers and performers. Songs included “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore”, “Jum, Jive, and Wail”, and “Spanish Eyes”.

Summer 2014

Summer 2015

“Potpourri”

With 43 singers and a live band complete with trombones, saxes, percussion, and keyboards, the JVSG was really hitting their stride with such calssics as “Mac the Knife”, “Dancin’ on the Ceiling”, and “Love Option #9”. 

Summer 2015

Summer 2016

“Bandstand is Back”

A musical medley of “Rock-nRoll” and other hits recpatured great memories of the 1950’s, ’60’s, and early ’80’s. This lively cast of senior performers with the vibrant “Joyful Voices Band” entertained all summer long! Songs included “Bandstage Boogie”, “Tequila”, “Can’t Help Falling in Love”, and a trombone trio performance of “Lassus Trombone”.

Summer 2016

Summer 2017

“Some of My Favorites”

This would be Joe Chobot’s final year leading the music of Joyful Voices, and what better way to celebrate a send off than with some of his favorite songs? An exciting mix of 20th century Jazz, Dixie, Swing, Latin, Rock and Ballads blended together to form an eclectic mix of lively music.

Summer 2017

Summer 2018

“An American Tribute”

As they say in show biz, “The show must go on” and so it did. With the hiring of the new music director, Jim Molina, a show was put together in a matter of 3 months! With extra rehearsals and innovative practicing tools, the Joyful Voices Show Group was ready for summer singing. And what better music than patriotic music to get everyone in the spirit of “American Pride”? With stirring arrangements of such classics as “America the Beautiful” and “God Bless America” to toe tapping songs as “This Land is Your Land” and “You’re a Grand ‘Ol Flag”, the JVSG was moving hearts to tears in one moment and joyous smiles the next. 

Summer 2018

Summer 2019

Broadway and Beyond

With fully orchestrated backing tracks customized by Jim Molina and more complex choral arrangements of the musical numbers, the JVSG continue to thrill and entertain senior audiences throughout. An 8 minute medley from the Wizard of Oz opens the 2019 production, complete with characters’ Dorothy, Glinda, the Wicked Witch, Tin Man, the Lion and the Scarecrow (Check out the various videos online of this fun performance). 

Other songs included “Razzle Dazzle”, “The Sound of Silence”, “One Day More”, “Music of the Night”, along with solo performances of “Impossible Dream”, “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” and a charming duet of “Anything You Can Do”.

This year marks the first year the the chorus will be presenting a benefit concert to help raise money for Alzheimer’s Awareness and to also help support the cost of the Joyful Voices Show Group.

Summer 2019