The San Joaquin Valley Swiss Echoes annual spring concert and dance takes place this Saturday, April 25, at 7:30 p.m. at the Swiss Club Hall, East Main Street and Manley Avenue, Ripon.

The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. with dancing to follow to the tunes of the Ed Inberitzin Orchestra. Tickets in advance are $8. Tickets are $10 at the door.

Advance tickets are available by calling Annabel Murata at 209.668.2760, Heidi Betschart at 209.531.2577, JoAnn Kaufmann at 209.951.6674, and Margaret Higgins at 209.542.0642.

The San Joaquin Valley Swiss Echoes was founded in 1947 when a group of 28 singers joined as charter members. John Meyer served as the first music director and president. The new chorus became members of the United Swiss Singing Society of the Pacific Coast and participated in the 1948 Los Angeles Saengerfest. The Swiss Echoes have participated in every Saengerfest since.

They hosted the 10th Saengerfest in 1960 and the 16th Saengerfest in 1978 led by Saengervater Ken Hafer with Music Director Beth Davis.

The 24th Saengerfest in Ripon in 2002 was presided over by Saengervater Fred Kaufmann with Music Director Heidi Bunk.

The 32-member mixed course is currently directed by Agnes Litfin Olmsted with accompanist SaraRae Vanderhelm. The choir performs in traditional Swiss costumes.

New members are always welcome. Practice nights are Tuesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Swiss Hall. For more information about joining the Swiss Echoes contact President Annabel Murata at 209.668.2760 or email gardenin.annabel@gmail.com.