If the measure of a concert's success lies in the response of the audience, then the Lawrence Welk performers can claim a resounding victory.
Symphony Hall vibrated Saturday night with the voices of a capacity crowd singing along with world famous accordionist Myron Floren. With all their hearts, the crowd belted out the words to their favorite tunes: "When Irish Eyes are Smiling," "My Blue Heaven," "I'm a Yankee-Doodle Dandy" "Amazing Grace" and "God Bless America."Floren didn't stop to rest his hard-working fingers. He just kept playing at a furious pace. Not able to sit still in their chairs, the audience stood and clapped along during many tunes.
To my surprise, it was the funnest concert I have ever attended.
I remember reluctantly watching the "Lawrence Welk Show" when I was a child because my parents had control of the television dial - at least for that hour. I recall Welk's odd accent and thought the champagne-cork popping and bubbles on the set were a little weird. I never paid particular attention to the music; I especially avoided the accordion stuff.
While I'm still not ready to take up accordion lessons, I was amazed at the versatility and power of the instrument, particularly when it's played by a top-notch musician like Floren.
When Floren played a series of Irish jigs, Italian love songs, Scottish ballads and Swiss polkas, Symphony Hall filled with the ambience of Europe. Without the aid of fancy synthesizers, Floren managed to play multiple melodies simultaneously. The sound of bagpipes whining caused the crowd to look on stage for bagpipe players, but, of course, the sound was coming from Floren's accordion.
Floren's engaging personality enhanced the appeal of his generous, stirring performance. It was obvious that this man plays for audiences throughout the country because he loves his work - pure and simple. His gracious, non- pretentious attitude and down-to-earth chit-chat is rare in the entertainment business.
At intermission, Floren stood informally on stage and answered questions about the whereabouts of the "Welk Family." (Welk is retired in California.)
During most of the evening, Floren conducted the local Alan Weight band. The band's performance was impressive.
The show began with the talented Sandi Griffith, a former Young Ambassador at Brigham Young University. Her emotional Carpenter medley drew loud applause.
When Floren welcomed "America's Favorite Dancing Team" - Bobbi Burgess and Barbara Boylan - to the floor, an audible gasp was heard through the audience. For those who have faithfully watched the Welk show for years, it was thrilling to see this couple in person. Again, the energy of these dancers was unbelievable. The only thing that hinted that a few years have passed was when Burgess gasped, "How high is the altitude here anyway?"
With grace and vitality they danced to songs like "I Could Have Danced All Night." Burgess had no trouble whisking Boylan off her feet and hoisting her onto his shoulders on several numbers.
Baritone Tom Netherton's version of "When You Walk Through the Storm" seemed a favorite with his fans.
Maybe it was seeing the performers live, or maybe it was the concert's perky pace or the memories the music evokes, but whatever the secret was, Saturday's concert will be remembered by an appreciative audience for a long time.