The Newtown Cultural Arts Commission is pleased to announce that the Whiffenpoofs will be the guest artists at The Flagpole Radio Café on Saturday, December 5, in the Edmond Town Hall Theatre at 7 pm.

Tickets are $15, and they may be purchased online at NewtownArtsCommission.org and clicking on The Flagpole Radio Café link.

The Whiffenpoofs are a world renowned male singing group from Yale University. Each year 14 of the finest male singers from Yale’s senior class are chosen to be members of this, the world’s oldest and best known male a cappella ensemble. Over 100 years after the group’s founding in 1909, the Whiffenpoofs continue their proud tradition of outstanding musicianship and exceptional entertainment.

The group performs over 200 concerts worldwide. This year’s tour included Carnegie Hall, The White House, The Sun Valley Jazz Jamboree, and now The Flagpole Radio Café.  Their diverse repertoire, which comprises everything from Yale songs to contemporary favorites, guarantees a dynamic performance for any audience.

“I would have been a member of the ‘Whiffs’ when I was at Yale except that I failed to meet certain criteria,” said Flagpole Radio Café Executive Producer Martin Blanco. “First I was a graduate student, and perhaps more importantly I was sorely lacking in talent.

“Bitterness aside, I’m thrilled to have this exceptional ensemble perform at The Flagpole Radio Café. Not only are these young men wonderful singers, but they are great showmen as well. This will be an excellent way to begin the holiday season in Newtown this year.” 

The Flagpole Radio Café is an ongoing variety show produced by Newtown residents Jim Allyn, Martin Blanco and Barbara Gaines, in conjunction with Newtown Cultural Arts Commission. Returning to The Flagpole Radio Café is music director Jim Allyn, musicians Rick Brodsky, Dick Neal, host and guitarist Chris Teskey, and performers Barbara Gaines, Jennifer Rogers, David Wheeler, and Mr Blanco.

Grammy Award winning dobro player Stacy Phillips will also be joining the Radio Café Orchestra for this show. After appearing as a guest artist last winter, Mr Phillips periodically plays with the ensemble. Stacy Phillips has performed with top acoustic musicians all over the world including Bela Fleck, Mark O’Connor, David Bromberg and Andy Statman.

Mr Phillips is also the author and producer of more than 25 books and DVDs celebrating various aspects of his chosen instruments. He plays with several ensembles including original songs and Americana with Stacy Phillips and Paul Howard Duet; American and Irish traditional music with Stacy Phillips and Joe Gerhard Duet; Three Finger Poi, a Hawaiian music and dance troupe; The Afro Semitic Experience, a six piece ensemble performing jazz approaches to the scared music of the African and Jewish diasporas; and The Swivets, a contra dance band.

For ticket purchases and additional Flagpole Café information visit NewtownArtsCommission.org.