Singers Set to ‘Toast’ Tampa at USF Performance

The women behind the Toast of Tampa a cappella glee chorus are hard at work preparing for two upcoming shows that will have 130 voices raised in song.

The first performance, dubbed Homeward Bound, takes place Oct. 5 on the stage at the University of South Florida’s School of Music Concert Hall. It is the chorus’ annual “Standing Room Only” performance for the community. This show features two performances – one at 3 p.m. and the other at 7:30. Tickets are now on sale at $40 for patrons and $25 for regular admission.

The second upcoming performance is one that many Tampa Bay residents might find themselves hard-pressed to catch.  Members of the chorus will take the stage in Honolulu in November during the Sweet Adelines International Convention.

To get ready for both performances, chorus members, ages 8 to 80, spent a recent weekend in Ellenton for some hands-on coaching. They were coached by “international choreographer Erin Howden of Toronto, longtime former music director Randy Loos of Clearwater and master director Tony DeRosa of Winter Garden,” according to an email from member Beth Bosserman Curts.

Bosserman Curts said Toast members “worked on two outstanding performances” that attendees of the Oct. 5 show at USF will have a chance to hear. Ticket information is available on the chorus’ website.

Can’t make either performance?

Bosserman Curts says members of the community are invited to check out weekly Tuesday night rehearsals. They take place from 7 to 10 p.m. at Christ Our Redeemer Lutheran Church and School, 304 Druid Hills Road in Temple Terrace.

"For an unforgettable musical entertainment experience, both visually and vocally, come see Tampa's award winning show chorus and feel the magic," Bosserman Curts said. "The ladies of Toast excel at their hobby of a cappella singing. Their finesse and passion for their music make it hard to imagine they're not professionals, all the way to the youngest voices."

Members of the Toast of Tampa come from all over the Bay area.