Toast Of Tampa Offers To Sing To Your Valentine

If a box of chocolates or a teddy bear is too traditional for your Valentine, there is an alternative: a love tune sung to your sweetheart in four-part harmony.

Female barbershop quartets from the Toast of Tampa Show Chorus will deliver singing valentines throughout the Tampa Bay region Feb. 12 through 14. The singers will visit an office, restaurant, school or home to surprise your favorite valentines.

"Music, as some say, is the language of love; and the uniqueness and personal touch of having a quartet provide a musical serenade to an individual or a couple is a very romantic gift for Valentine's Day," says Julie Kelly of the Toast of Tampa Show Chorus. "It can say 'I love you' like no other traditional card or other mode of communication." The singing valentines can be done in person, over the phone or even by email.

Kelly says that the singing valentines help fund the nonprofit group, while raising awareness about the chorus and even possibly bringing in new members or patrons. The 110-voice chorus regularly captures top awards in national and international competitions.

"Historically, we sell 50-60 live valentines, and last year we sold that many or more of the phone valentines."

According to Kelly, song favorites for singing valentines include "Crazy 'bout You, Baby," "It Had to Be You," "When You're Smiling" and "I Don't Know Why I Love You Like I Do."

"Different lyrics have been created so that some of the same songs can be sung to friends or other family members rather than a spouse or significant other," Kelly says.

Those interested in ordering a singing valentine can contact the "sing" line at 813-963-7464 or visit the Toast of Tampa Show Chorus website.

Writer: Kimberly Patterson
Source: Julie Kelly, Toast of Tampa Show Chorus