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Arts & Entertainment

Humor and Soul at Sanctuary Concerts

The Sanctuary Concerts features Cheryl Wheeler and My Sweet Patootie.

Despite the wintry weather, music lovers packed the sanctuary at the Presbyterian Church of Chatham Township at 8 p.m. on Saturday night to hear performances by American singer-songwriter Cheryl Wheeler and the Canadian duo My Sweet Patootie.

Susan Huslage and Mark Corso made the trip from New Brunswick to hear the evening's music.  "We have been to five concerts through the Series this season. It is fantastic. And we are big Cheryl Wheeler fans. She gives you 'laugh face,'" Corso said.

 "I love the violin and fiddle sounds of My Sweet Patootie," Huslage said. "It's beautiful."

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Former members of the band "Tanglefoot," Sandra Swannell and Terry Young of "My Sweet Patootie" mix humour-driven lyrics, swinging acoustic string virtuosity and hot vocal harmonies for a great concert experience.

Wheeler's performance was similarly enthralling. Her humor, anecdotal lyrics and soothing melodies at once moved audience members to laughter and tears.

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"Cheryl has a down-home way about her. You feel that she is sitting in your living room with you and is singing to you. It makes you feel so good," Berkeley Heights resident Sharon Dougherty said. 

Wheeler's music has been covered by artists as diverse as Peter Paul and Mary, Kenny Loggins, Garth Brooks and  Bette Midler.

Concert Chair Scott Sheldon was very pleased to have Wheeler back for a third performance. "It's like having a chat with your favorite neighbor over the fence," he said.

The Sanctuary Concerts is an acoustic music series featuring well-loved national and regional performers. Concerts take place at the Presbyterian Church of Chatham Township, at 240 Southern Blvd., two Saturdays of every month from September through May, at 8 p.m.

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