Sweet Sounds of Harmony Fill Kansas City
Kansas City, Mo. — If you’ve been strolling through downtown this week and noticed a sweet sound wafting through the air, chances are it’s the beautiful music of the Sweet Adelines’ 76th Annual Convention! Taking place at the Municipal Auditorium and the Kansas City Convention Center, this vibrant gathering is drawing nearly 5,000 quartet and chorus singers from all around the globe and is set to continue through the weekend.
Celebrating Women in Music
Sweet Adelines International is the largest women’s singing group in the world, boasting over 19,000 members. CEO Tammy Talbot excitedly referred to this gathering as their own championship event. “I know you have the famous Kansas City Chiefs here, but this is Sweet Adelines’ championship,” she said, clearly emphasizing the festival’s importance to participants.
At this convention, singers are competing in various categories, showcasing their talents in barbershop-style four-part harmonies. Quartets often consist of four singers, while choruses can go from a few dozen to over 120 singers, all bringing their unique blend of music to the stage.
Meet the LoveNotes
A delightful quartet making waves this year is the LoveNotes. Formed in 2002 in San Jose, California, the members were all between ages 11 to 14 when their friendship blossomed through music. They’re no strangers to the competition, having been crowned the Sweet Adelines International Champion Quartet back in 2013. Lead singer Mia Wardell shared, “It’s been kind of a constant in our lives. We’ve all done lots of different musical things that we love, but it’s been wonderful to come back to Sweet Adelines.”
Winning a competition like this isn’t just about prestige; it comes with lifelong bragging rights! “If you win the quartet competition at the international competition, you are crowned a queen of harmony,” Wardell explained. “Every year, it’s a different crown and part of the honor of that is that you can wear the crown forever at convention.”
Life-Changing Experiences
In addition to the fun of competing, the members of the LoveNotes have experienced personal growth thanks to their involvement with Sweet Adelines. Baritone Caitlin Castelino shared her journey, saying, “Being a Sweet Adeline has made me blossom into the person that I am. When I first joined, I was super shy…but I have become somebody who can public-speak and teach and perform on stage. I don’t know how else to say it other than it has completely changed my life.”
While past champions can’t compete again as the same quartet, many still come back to support their fellow singers. “I am so thankful for this organization, for the people in it because they’re all amazing,” Castelino continued. “It’s like we just saw them a week ago!”
A Supportive Community
In the friendly yet competitive spirit of the Sweet Adelines, singers cheer one another on. “Every competitor cheers for all the other competitors,” said Wardell. “It’s really loving and supportive. It’s just this home where we can share in the joy of doing something we really love.”
Kansas City Rolling Out the Red Carpet
The gathering has certainly brought a buzz to Kansas City. With the city hosting 384 conventions and events last year and welcoming a record 28.4 million visitors, the excitement is palpable. Talbot explained that Kansas City’s ample facilities and accommodations made it an ideal location. “You have a lovely facility here. You have ample hotel rooms and ample spaces for chorus and quartet rehearsals, so it was a perfect fit.”
Officials noted that tourism seems to be pacing even better for 2024, echoing last year’s vibrant energy and economic impact. With an estimated $4 billion in visitor spending from conventions alone, Kansas City remains a prime destination for gatherings like the Sweet Adelines Convention.
In Conclusion
This weekend, Kansas City is not just a hub for sports fans but a lively celebration of music, friendship, and community through the Sweet Adelines’ convention. As the city hums with harmony, it’s clear that no matter where they come from, these women share a melody that transcends borders, bringing love and joy to everyone who listens.
