GALION — The next Krichbaum Community Concert Series will present “My Favorite Sings: Showtunes and Stories.” This will be an informal, cabaret-style concert in the café (lower level) at Christ United Methodist Church on Sunday, Nov, 4 at 3 p.m.
The Krichbaum Community Concert Series was established by the family of Herb Krichbaum in 2016 to honor the long-time teacher and choir director and give back to the community. Krichbaum had a long legacy of musical contributions to Galion High School and Christ United Methodist Church. This concert particularly celebrates Krichbaum’s role in bringing the first musical theater productions to GHS.
Jim Hoover, retired Crawford County Municipal Court Judge, recounted his experience in the first GHS musical production in 1962, Gilbert and Sullivan’s operetta “The Gondoliers.” He said that the main characters were the same, but two completely different choruses were used for the different shows. He also stated that it was an “elaborate production with a 21-piece orchestra and sets and costumes that were brought in on semi-trucks.”
Thomas Palmer, Galion’s City Law Director, was in the next musical production in 1975 in which Krichbaum was a co-director with the legendary Miriam Sayre. They presented “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.” Palmer, cast as Schroeder in the show, recalls that they got along well with only “an occasional tug-of-war” between the strong personalities. Hoover states that Sayre did not like musicals, stating that “where in real life do you stop kissing someone and break into song?” However, both shows were hugely popular and well-attended.
The performers for this upcoming concert of showtunes and stories are Melissa Brobeck and Jeff Daubenmire, both accomplished, Athens-based musicians.
The versatile Brobeck has been described as a “riveting presence” with an “electrifying singing voice” who always “brings plenty of memorable pizzazz” to the stage. A graduate of the Eastman School of Music, she has performed in venues both big and small across the U.S. and in Europe. After having lived and worked in New York, she returned home to Ohio to raise her family. Brobeck said, “Jeff and I have had a great time putting this program together and look forward to sharing our songs and stories with all who are able to come.”
Daubenmire serves as a church musician, accompanist, concert promoter and performer, and solo piano recording artist with five released albums. He works collaboratively with internationally known artists and regional musicians. “I have worked with Melissa Brobeck for several years and she is the consummate collaborator. Her wonderful personality and delivery delights audiences every time we work together,” states Daubenmire. “Her musicality is so terrific that the people of the Galion community will not want to miss this event!”
These dynamic musicians will entertain audiences with songs from the musical theater as well as stories from Melissa’s personal experiences in the theater. Meanwhile, the audience will enjoy snacks and drinks in this cabaret setting.
Christ United Methodist Church is located at 130 E. Walnut St. in Galion. There is no admission charge, and donations are welcome to maintain the fund to sustain continuation of the series.
