Newport Navy Choristers Holding Benefit Concert To Help Veterans

NEWPORT, RI — The Newport Navy Choristers will hold a concert on April 26 at St Mary’s Church to benefit veterans and active military members.

In 1953, the Naval War College and Fleet wives founded the Newport Navy Choristers. Over the decades it grew and now includes active duty, reserve and retired military members from all branches, civilian employees of the Department of Defense, and spouses and children age 16 and over. And while raising money for military and local nonprofits continues to be a main objective for the chorus, it has also created a fun, family-like community for its members.

Choristers Director Lori McDowell, who served in the U.S. Navy for more than 20 years, said she's made lifelong friends and a home in Newport because of the chorus. It also led to her going to the University of Rhode Island for music education, following her service.

"I'm a musician at heart, and when I was being transferred to Newport back in 1991, and when I saw there was a chorus, I said I want to be a part of this singing group," McDowell said. "We are a family. Once a chorister, always a chorister. You never stop being a chorister because we are a family and are always there to help each other when sick or needing help."

The choristers are also family, quite literally, for accompanist Chris Caron. Caron's parents met as members of the Newport Navy Choristers, and years later, he's now involved.

Over the years, the choristers have helped raise money for more than 100 military and local organizations in Newport County and Fall River, Massachusetts, McDowell said. Local organizations the choristers have raised money for include the Potter League, local scouts, and food banks in Fall River.

"Every year, we try to get a little bit bigger and better," McDowell said.

For the concert this month, proceeds will help benefit the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society.

The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society provides support for military families going through hard times with zero interest loans and grants. McDowell said the chorus has donated to the organization for decades, and she personally has received help from them. The organization has paid for her plane tickets for family deaths and emergencies, McDowell said.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors, and $10 for children. They can be purchased from a chorus member or at the door. McDowell said to expect patriotic and popular contemporary songs that will appeal to everyone.

For more information call Chorister Chair Pat McGue at 401-849-1135 or McDowell at 401-862-3334, or visit the Newport Navy Choristers' website.

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