Goodtimers belt their hearts out

Kim Karmelin and Robin Gonzalez drove more than two hours to watch their mom perform at the Orange County Fair on Thursday, as they have done for the past three years.

Their mother, 84-year-old Marie Carriere, sang, danced and whistled her heart out as one of more than 50 members of the Singing Goodtimers, who performed on the Main Mall stage for more than 30 spectators.

The singing group is based at Rodgers Senior Center in Huntington Beach and its members range in age from 63 to 89.

They practice weekly and have four to five monthly “gigs” at nursing homes, schools and convalescent homes.

“There’s a therapy with singing. It just lifts your spirits,” said director and conductor Wally Benton.

“We get just as much out of it as the people we sing for,” four-year member Norm Saslow said.

Each month, the group changes the theme of its music, selecting patriotic songs like “God Bless America,” “Yankee Doodle” and the “Marines’ Hymn” for the fair performance in recognition of the Fourth of July.

Ruth Kehrberg, 84, took a break from her post inside the Home Arts & Crafts Gallery to listen, reminiscing about her days in the U.S. Navy as a member of the WAVES division, Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service, in World War II.

“It’s a nice feeling listening to this music,” she said. “There’s not enough of it right now.”

Sporting his American Legion cap, LeRoy “Bud” Miller also enjoyed the melodies as he sang on stage, though he has other motivations for being in the group.

“I like to sing with them because it is mostly women, and I like women,” he said.

For Dianne Shirley, the youngest member, the group offers camaraderie and a fun activity following retirement.

“We may be a little crotchety and old but we have a lot of spark left in us,” she said. “You can tell by the smiles on our faces.”

Anyone, regardless of experience, is welcome to join the Singing Goodtimers without an audition. Rehearsals are 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays at Rodgers Senior Center, 1706 Orange Ave. For more information, call (714) 536-9387.

THINGS TO DO

“WEIRD AL” YANKOVIC

Catch the veteran fair performer’s show, “‘Straight Outta Lynwood’ Into the O.C.” at 8 p.m. at the OC Register Arena. The show is free on a first-come, first-served basis, though reserved seating is available for $19.99.

The Grammy winner will perform a mix of new and classic hits.

BLACKMARKET BAKERY

California Institute of America-trained pastry chef Rachel Marie from Blackmarket Bakery in Irvine will present some of the baking tips behind her delectable cookies, cakes and tarts at 3:30 p.m. at the Home Arts & Crafts Gallery and Stage.

Junior bakers can enjoy a Junior Baking Contest from noon to 2 p.m. at the Youth-In-Motion Gallery in the Main Mall.

CRAFTERS VILLAGE

Artisans gather at the Park Plaza area to display and sell their handcrafted wares, including artwork, woven clothing, jewelry and ceramics.

To see a video of the fair, click here. To see staff galleries, click here.