America's Sweethearts come to Superior

America has loved the swinging sounds of female close harmony groups even before the Andrews Sisters and McGuire Sisters in front of World War II when music and dancing was alive!

YouTube has black and white memories of these singing and dancing stars showing what so many believe was the best of times.

A trio of New York City-based ladies delighted an audience recently with a terrific takeoff of that era at the LDS Church in Superior sponsored by the Mineral County Performing Arts Council.

“Our goal is to spread nostalgia, joy, and human connection through harmonies and music”, gushes Carly Kincannon, who is the Founder-Owner and Arranger of ‘America’s Sweethearts’ which has been performing since

Today, Kincannon has 4 different trios on the road consisting of a soprano, mezzos and an alto. All women have impressive resumes of singing, dancing and acting in the New York City and Los Angeles markets.

“We flew into Great Falls last week where we rented a car and have performed in Lewistown, Butte and

Anaconda. Oh, Spokane, too. We went over and performed there today and made it back for this evening’s performance”, said Kristen Michelle, who appointed herself as the trip advisor that finds fun hikes and events to attend if/when they have free time. Amanda Lea Lavergne rounds out this threesome as the dance-captain and is one of the original ‘Sweets’ who participates in marathons when one is held in an area they happen to be performing nearby.

“It (running) and singing keep me grounded and are actually my own personal entertainment”, she smiles.

The Montana Performing Arts Council in Great Falls held an audition a few years ago where there were 17 different 10 minute live showcases in which different groups or performers pitched their routine.

“Carol (Billadeau), Denley (Loge) and I went and decided which ones we wanted for 2020 but the pandemic knocked them off for a year”, explained Jim Goss, Treasurer of MCPAC.

Following Superior, America’s Sweethearts next stage was in Eureka the following evening.

“Let’s see, 2 weeks in Montana and then a 6-day layoff”, said Kincannon. “Then we come back and have 4 more weeks starting in South Dakota, with some programs in New Mexico, Indiana, Iowa and Kansas right up to Thanksgiving”.

Kincannon is the only one who is married but hasn’t any children. LaVergne has a partner in Australia and Michelle has a hamster waiting for her in NYC. All 3 grew up listening to selections from the Great American Songbook, classic Broadway, pop tunes from the 40s and 50s and jazz.

Goss could not have been happier from their performance. “It went great! We had over 60 people,

maybe more with a few always coming in and out. It is amazing how polished they were, nuances of expression in every song, and a moving tribute to veterans with each branch of the service having their song sung in a medley”.

The next MCPAC performance is Tuesday, Jan. 25 at 7 p.m. at the LDS Church. Bridge & Wolak play classical, New Orleans, and contemporary klezmer music with a Victor Borgne-like comedic touch.

Their entire season is at www.mineralcountyperformingartscouncil.org.