Groove into the 60s with Voices of Hope's "The Beat Goes On"

Get your grooves ready for Voices of Hope’s (VOH) 18th annual fall gala, “The Beat Goes On,” on Saturday, Oct. 3. The evening will celebrate the iconic music of the 1960s, featuring Motown, Girl Groups, folk rock, and more. 

When planning their latest fall gala, Dana Siegal, the executive artistic director, said the team chooses appealing themes that both entertain and engage audiences in VOH’s mission. 

1960s music era caught Siegal’s attention. Not only is this music popular among audience demographics, but it was an era of change.

“It was a generation that used music as a vehicle to raise its voice, and its messaging - just like Voices of Hope uses music for its messaging,” Siegal said. 

Siegal added that the theme connects with Voices of Hope’s mission of supporting cancer research. She said the 1960s were a period of significant change in finding new approaches to cancer treatment, giving patients more hope.

Greg Chastain, the VOH president, said the decade’s music reflected the 1960s uncertainty and transformation. 

“These songs remind us that we have been through hard times before and came through them, and we will again,” Chastain said. 

Daniel Tang, the production lead music director, said choosing the songs was the biggest challenge. A list of 100 songs was trimmed to 24 numbers. 

“We need to give our audiences a taste of everything they expect to hear from a decade that is so musically deep and diverse,” Tang said. 

Songs include “Bridge Over Troubled Waters,” “Those Boots Are Made for Walking,” and “Pinball Wizard.” Chastain said he is leading “Let It Be,” a song that speaks close to his heart. 

Almost 90 performers are involved, rehearsing three nights a week. Chastain also said a team of 100 volunteers is working behind the scenes to help bring the show to its feet. 

Sue Lynehan, from Tewksbury, will treat audiences to a tap dance number. Involved with VOH since 2017, Lynehan said the group has given her more confidence. 

Lauren Hall, from Reading, describes rehearsals as fun. Hall and her 12-year-old daughter, Anna, will perform the “Bye, Bye Birdie” medley. 

Several VOH members have been involved for years, like Chelmsford resident Diane Earley, who has spent a decade with VOH. She originally joined to support family members with cancer, until Earley said she was diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago. 

“The support I received from Voices of Hope carried me through my treatment. I am incredibly blessed to be a part of this organization,” she said. 

Susan Rubin, from Stoneham, describes “The Beat Goes On” as a celebration of life. 

“(The show) is a celebration of resilience and of looking forward with hope, even when the road hasn’t been easy,” Rubin said. 

After recently joining VOH’s youth program, 15-year-old Ian Milner is excited to be involved with “The Beat Goes On.” For the performance, Milner said he will be in several numbers, as well as the VOH youth performance numbers “Hadestown: Teen Edition,” where he will play Orpheus. 

“I hope my performance inspires the audience, creates an emotional connection, and reminds everyone of the importance of supporting cancer research,” Milner said.

Danielle Milner McAleer, Ian’s mother, said VOH brings people together to support an important cause and help raise funds for research to save lives.

Show proceeds will benefit the Termeer Center of Targeted Therapies at Mass General Brigham, supporting cancer research, transportation assistance, nursing scholarships, and patient comfort initiatives. 

Audiences are invited to experience a night of music, nostalgia, and surprises. “The Beat Goes On” is Saturday, Oct. 3 at 7:30 p.m., presented at The North Shore Music Theater in Beverly, MA. A silent auction starts at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are available online.