Milestones
It’s time to witness the musical magic created by the dynamic trio – Bo and Barbara Ayars, and Julie Hoodenpyl – collectively known as Milestones! Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a lively event, our versatile ensemble, ranging from three to seven talented performers, caters to your venue’s demographic and your unique preferences.
Join us as we perform some of our favorite vocals spanning the poignant tunes of the Carpenters to the timeless classics of Burt Bacharach, and a spirited throwback to the vibrant sounds of the 60s. The festive season comes alive with our special Christmas show, and we wrap it up in a bow with a hoppin’ New Years Eve Variety Show, ensuring your holidays are filled with cheer and fabulous melodies.
Here's to Karen! The Songs of Karen Carpenter
A heartfelt tribute to the iconic Karen Carpenter, this performance is one of our most requested, and celebrates Karen’s soulful voice and unforgettable melodies. This talented woman touched us all with one of the purest voices ever to grace our auditory senses. The depth of her low register and the playfulness of the higher notes was inspired. She stilled our hearts with memorable song after memorable song; many came to define milestones in our lives: Weddings - “We’ve Only Just Begun,” Childhood - “Sing” from Sesame Street, Love - “Top of the World,” and Sadness - “Rainy Days and Mondays.”
The Essence of Bacharach
Burt Bacharach was known for his quirky rhythms, piano prowess, and mellow flugelhorn interludes, accompanying mostly female singers, a departure from the male-dominated ‘50s era. He and lyricist Hal David created songs for women to sing and brought them to the forefront of the hit parade. Vocalists like Dionne Warwick, Dusty Springfield, Cilla Black, and yes, Cher soared on these wonderful tunes. Barbara has recruited singing pals Julie Hoodenpyl and Dirk Foley, along with Bo on piano and Paul Mazzio on flugelhorn to present the signature sound of the Bacharach/David songbook, and to bring back the music of the Swingin’ ‘60s and Groovy ‘70s. You’ll want to sing along to these gems, and leave humming them!
The Sixties Part I & II
Time to embrace your flower power and get out your Disco Duds for this energetic show! The music of the 60s was a groundbreaking and transformative force, running the gamut of silly songs to folk treasures to those reflecting the social and political energies of the time. It also gave birth to legendary bands and artists whose influence on music and culture remains to this day. The sounds of the 60s and 70s continue to resonate with audiences across generations. Whether it’s the iconic tunes of the British Invasion with The Beatles and Petula Clark, or the American-made melodies of The Beach Boys and Aretha Franklin, the music remains on set lists and music channels everywhere.
Altos Gone Wild - How Low Can You Go?
Experience the vocal prowess of Milestones as our altos take you on a wild ride through a musical spectrum of lows. Opposite to the cliché of females singing in the higher ranges, altos possess a rich and velvety quality, capable of expressing a wide range of emotions. With their versatile voices, they can deliver both fiery and tender performances, leaving audiences spellbound. Whether it’s touting the joy of “Friends in Low Places,” or harmonizing to Andrews Sisters, Elton John, and Kenny Loggins songs, we push the limits of possibilities as we explore the depths of lowness.
The Roaring ‘20s & Beyond
Our newest show celebrates the music written before 1929, featuring songs by George and Ira Gershwin, Fats Waller, Irving Berlin, and so many talented composers, who took music to new heights with the emergence of Jazz as a mainstream genre, featuring soulful blues, peppy dance tunes, and singalong standards that are still with us today. “It Had to Be You,”, “Blue Skies,” “The Birth of the Blues,” and “Bye, Bye Blackbird,” are among the repertoire of songs from this time period that we celebrate in this Milestone presentation. It’s an audience favorite already.