The SwingTime Dolls wrapped up the Emmaus Summer Entertainment Series at Emmaus Community Park recently.

Numerous sponsors such as Kelly Auto Group and Vinart Dealerships, donors and volunteers made the summer series possible for residents as well as visitors to enjoy.

The weather more than cooperated and brought out well over 100 people filling the pavilion and lawn to enjoy the last concert of the season.

The SwingTime Dolls is a trio of local accomplished female vocalists who entertain audiences with tunes from the 1940s to 1960s. These women presented intricate harmonies and belted out notes in popular songs, which the crowd joined them in throughout the evening.

Founder of the group and Charter Arts alum, Jillian Rossi has been performing throughout the tri-state area for more than 15 years. Rossi describes herself as a secretary by day, but encompasses the spirit of one of The Andrew Sisters when she performs. A former Lehigh Valley Idol winner, Rossi credits her grandmother Gilda, who recorded and performed during the World War II era, for her musical influences. While Rossi appeared the smallest in stature as she performed front and center for most of the night, her voice was far from short as she belted out tunes one right after the other including Three Dog Night’s “Joy To The World (Jeremiah Was a Bullfrog).”

Parkland High School Class of 2001 graduate Kate Pistone earned degrees from New York University’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study and a master’s degree in the arts from Kutztown University. She is an audition coach, drama specialist at The Swain School and a member of the production team at Orefield Middle School. As a soprano vocalist, Pistone’s dramatic solo on the Rolling Stone’s “Paint it, Black” mesmerized the crowd. Her musical theater experience was on full display for the audience as her facial expressions and gestures revealed her passion in this selection.

Moravian Academy and Muhlenberg College alum and alto vocalist Gianna Neal enjoys being a stay-at-home mom during the day so that she can pursue her passion for music in the evenings and on weekends. Neal has been with The SwingTime Dolls for less than two years but says she “loves it!” Similar to Rossi and Pistone, Neal spends time teaching dance, music and theater.

The crowd could be seen clapping, dancing and singing along on tunes such as The Turtles’ “Happy Together” and The Box Tops’ “The Letter.”

The women displayed their rock side in tunes that included The Strawberry Alarm Clock, “Up Around the Bend” by Creedence Clearwater Revival and Jefferson Airplane’s “Don’t You Want Somebody to Love?” An older couple took to the dance floor on this tune and received a round of applause for their dance moves that included a dip at the end of the song.

The trio’s performance of “Shout” by The Isley Brothers had the crowd on its feet and most waving their hands from their seats.

As the concert came to a close, Rossi acknowledged Labor Day and thanked the veterans. The women combined their powerful voices in a medley that included song and dance naming various cities and states across the nation including “Tennessee Waltz,” “Abilene,” “California, Here I Come,” “Oklahoma!” and “Give My Regards to Broadway.” The trio next performed an medley of songs of the armed forces and asked veterans in the crowd to stand and be recognized when their group was mentioned. Veterans from the Air Force, Army and Navy were in attendance and received applause from the audience.

The show concluded with audience members on their feet for “God Bless America.”

Cheers from the crowd included Stan Kreider, of Barto, yelling for more. Kreider and his wife Bonnie have been regulars at the summer series concerts.

The women provided an encore performance of “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.”

Rossi, Pistone and Neal are well-versed in musical education and theater and it is evident by the flashy costumes, choreography and harmonies they pack into each performance.

Future performances include Walnutport Canal Days Oct. 19, Center Valley’s Promenade Tree Lighting in November, Easton’s Candle Lighting scheduled Nov. 29 and “A Carpenters Christmas” at The Roxy Theater Dec. 21.

Special fans lined up to get pictures with The SwingTime Dolls after the concert, including Jeffrey Walbert, of Emmaus.

Jeffrey is the son of Shirley Kutz and Carl Walbert. Jeffrey is a 50-year member of SPARK and appeared to be happy to be on the stage after the concert ended.

If you enjoy planning events like this and securing local talent, the Emmaus Borough is seeking volunteers for its recreation committee who organize the Summer Entertainment Series.

Interested individuals may download an application from the borough website or contact the borough for more information.