Solace LIVE Tour Travelogue Three
Dear friends,
Since as early as 1778, folks have been coming to White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia for rest, relaxation, and restoration. Sometimes referred to as “America’s Resort,” the Greenbrier has become THE place for those with means to spend their leisure time. Replete with almost every amenity imaginable, it is not unusual for celebrities, professional athletes, politicians, or movie stars to be seen roaming its well-appointed hallways. On this particular weekend, one of the featured amenities the well-heeled guests had at their disposal was a nightly concert by the world-renowned Georgia Boy Choir.
The 33 boys and young men of the Choir rolled up in their chartered motor coach on Thursday afternoon and headed straight to the Resort’s beautiful chapel ideally situated a short walk from the 700-room hotel, while their suitcases were portered to their rooms. The chapel, with its combination of knotty pine columns, crystal chandelier, and colorful stained-glass windows was a lovely venue for the presentation of the Choir’s repertoire from their new album, SOLACE post tenebras lux. When they opened their mouths to sing, the room reverberated with the other-worldly beauty only they can produce. As the boys sang, members of the audience were visibly moved, and at the conclusion were quick to purchase their own copy of the CD so they could continue to enjoy the glorious music over and over again.
On Friday, the young Georgians had opportunity to enjoy some of the resort’s amenities for themselves. After a sumptuous breakfast they received a guided tour of the most surprising feature at the Greenbrier – a Cold War-era bunker designed to accommodate both houses of Congress for several months in the event of a nuclear attack on the United States. It was so top-secret that the members of Congress themselves were not even aware of its existence. As the Cold War came to an end, knowledge of the bunker became public in the mid 1990’s and the facility is now available for tours. The boys were fascinated as they went through the previously hidden 25-ton door, explored the rooms where the legislators would have slept and eaten, and sat in the seats where they would have met to discuss strategy and policy. It was an experience they won’t soon forget.
After an afternoon spent mostly poolside (or in the pool), the young singers returned to the chapel to present another concert of glorious music. There were even more guests in attendance than the night before (some had returned to experience it again), and they were equally exuberant in their appreciation of what they heard.
Saturday morning found the boys on the Greenbrier’s immaculately manicured Croquet Course, where, after a brief tutorial, they enjoyed several gentlemanly rounds among themselves. It was wonderful to see good sportsmanship and mutual encouragement on display as the boys and young men teamed up in friendly competition.
One of the daily activities in the main hall of the Greenbrier is afternoon tea. The guests fill the splendid marble chamber and enjoy not only tea, but also delicious petit-fours and polite conversation. Often there is a pianist or singer providing light entertainment as well. On this particular afternoon, however, the tea-drinkers were in for a wonderful treat as the Georgia Boy Choir was scheduled to sing for them. The smartly –dressed gentlemen of the Choir processed in single file and made the picture perfect hall even more beautiful as the sublime sound of their combined voices reverberated throughout. The guests were effusive in their approbation.
On Sunday morning, after one more lavish breakfast, the boys loaded up the bus and headed toward North Carolina to continue spreading joy and beauty.
Until next time,
The 2021 Georgia Boy Choir Tour Team