The Harvard Krokodiloes Beguile in Toronto
On January 16, 2013 the Harvard Krokodiloes took the stage at the Enoch Turner Schoolhouse in Toronto and beguiled the audience with their jazz, swing, ballads, and rock from America’s Golden Age. The Kroks, twelve tuxedo-clad, Harvard undergraduates, are one of the premier U.S. Collegiate a cappella groups and their winter tour brought them to Toronto for a series of 6 performances. A highlight for Harvard Club members and friends was the performance at Enoch Turner Schoolhouse, which was supported by the Harvard Club of Toronto.
A special thank you goes to Harvard Club members who generously opened their homes to members of the Kroks during their stay in Toronto: Covell Brown, MBA ’62; Paul Muther, AB ’66; Sarah Shaw, Ed.M ’97; Ed.D ’02 and Beth Nowers, MBA ’82. Beth Nowers even played a featured role in the performance on January 16 as she was serenaded on stage in grand Krok tradition in their number “What’s Your Name?” Other highlights of the performance included: I Get a Kick Out of You; Danny Boy; 10,000 Men of Harvard; and, the Krok’s signature piece, Loch Lomond.
After leaving Toronto, the Kroks returned to Cambridge for the beginning of Spring Term and plans are in place for their annual 10-week summer tour, which this year will include: China, Japan, Korea, Australia, India, and Italy before concluding in South America. This is all part of a schedule that sees them perform over 300 concerts a year and has, over the years brought them countless accolades, including from the late Maestro Leonard Bernstein ’39, who composed original music for the group and wrote the following: “The Harvard Krokodiloes have the gift of warming one’s soul and enriching one’s day.” Their Toronto performance and their engaging presence lived up to that standard and more.
The Krokodiloes are Harvard University’s oldest a cappella singing group with a tradition stretching back to their founding in 1946 at the Hasty Pudding Club. Of note is that this year’s group includes some local talent in the person of Russell Horton ’14 (Oakville, ON). You can see video clips of other Kroks performances at their website www.kroks.com.
Rachellle Horton