Mountain News Oct. 28, 2004

Soroptimist Fund-raiser Is a Great Success

BY NOELLE TINTURIN

Special to The Mountain News

    The Soroptimist International of Lake Arrowhead presented an outstanding program featuring international singing star, Tonia Bern-Campbell on Sunday at the Lake Arrowhead Resort. Following cocktails and dinner, one hundred guests were treated to an enormously entertaining show entitled Romance on the Menu by Tonia and her musical director, pianist John Sawoski.
    Entering the stage in her sparkling silver and black costume, and with eyes twinkling, Tonia immediately set the stage for what was to be a hilariously funny and musically satisfying evening: "I'm thrilled to be in beautiful Lake Arrowhead where the weather is gorgeous, the people are friendly and warm, and every man I've met has been a perfect gentleman… you can't have everything, can you?"
    Tonia opened with the timeless and exciting All That Jazz, from the musical show, Chicago, and then continued with an international medley of songs representing nations from France to the United States.
    Sawoski’s seamless segues transported the singer smoothly from one song to the next, and kept the audience involved and delighted right up to the exciting U.S. finale, New York, New York.
    With humor, charm and intelligence, Tonia presented a wonderful variety of musical selections. By special request, she performed her signature song, I Love You Very Much, in which she traditionally strolls through the audience, singing personally to several listeners, and offering them the microphone to sing back to her in a hilarious and impromptu game. It was clear that Tonia was having as much fun as the audience.
    As Tonia continued with songs about love, past loves, friendships, and family, the audience was touched and moved by her heartfelt interpretations and sincerity. Like the true professional she is, Tonia evoked alternate tears and laughter from a grateful audience.
    At the thrilling finale, What a Wonderful World, Tonia demonstrated what a great and experienced show-woman she is, and her brilliant pianist, John Sawoski, supported her at every turn with sensitivity and style. The mountain community is so fortunate to have this wonderfully talented artist living among us, and thanks go to the Lake Arrowhead Soroptimist Club for presenting her in this live show!