Flag Day Tribute at St. John's United Methodist Church

The Prime Time Choraliers paid tribute to Flag Day on Saturday, June 14th at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, on Arrowhead Ave. in San Bernardino. The Choraliers are a group of men and women who according to Director, Jo Stewart, "love to sing." Although, the group brochure states that the Choraliers' members are seniors aged 55+, Stewart invites "everyone to join." As a student, Stewart studied both voice and piano and she credits the group with "keeping it together" while she was in the hospital recently. The Flag Day Tribute and Spring Concert started with the rousing "Songs of America" which included songs in honor of each branch of the service, Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force and Marines. The Choraliers also performed standards from the 40s such as "Sentimental Journey" and "Dream a Little Dream of Me". These songs had many members of the audience signing along. Accompanying the Choraliers on piano was Herb Iverson. Also, appearing on stage with the Choraliers was "Overnight Success" a barbershop quartet. The members, John Duvall, Ried Peterson, Allen Smith and John Richardson have been singing together for several years, separately their love for music goes way back. Peterson remembers winning a talent contest in October, 1941. The long time singer says that the town he grew up in is "no longer on the map." Everything has changed, but nothing keeps him from singing. "Overnight Success" member John Richardson and wife, Choraliers' member, Patricia Richardson also trace their beginnings back a ways. The Richardson's were married at the same St. Paul's United Methodist Church that they were each performing in on Flag Day, 2014, that was 56 years ago.