It may have been a dark and stormy Friday night on September 26, 2003, in Lake Bluff, but the rain did not dampen the high spirits of more than 200 revelers at the historic Harrison Manor House who came to hear The Buckthorns sing their most requested songs. Friday’s event marked the release of the group's first CD, “Branching Out”, which includes recordings of some of their more popular songs.
The evening began with the group’s rendition of “Under the Boardwalk”, led by soloist Jim Passalino. Their three musical sets included favorites such as “Java Jive” with vocal solos by Walt Sloan and Sandy Turner, “The Longest Time” led by Steve Ragsdale, “All I Have to Do is Dream” with Susie McMurray, and “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” with an opening riff by Liz Moffitt and Mary Jane Stutz. The evening concluded with Carmen Gunning’s interpretation of “When will I be Loved”. Throughout the evening, Sandy Stuart provided his distinctive bass line while Louise Ries helped with vocals and keyboard. Other vocalists in the group include soprano Kimberly Moss, featured in the descant on “America the Beautiful”; tenor Michael Shea; and soprano June Miller, who is also the group’s vocal director.
The Harrison Manor House provided the beautiful venue and tasty hors d’oeuvres and the Knauz Autopark was a corporate sponsor. The album, the first of what is hoped will be many, was produced by Derrick Stout of Deerpath Music.
