Last night the Adrian Symphony presented a tribute to the Andrews Sisters. Three women sang a medley of their hits in the 30s and 40s, with the orchestra behind them and a thousand toe tapping listeners in the audience.

For two hours the spirits of LaVerne, Maxene and Patty Andrews appeared in the refurbished Dawson Auditorium on the Adrian College campus.

I didn’t know the Andrew Sisters had more hits than Elvis or the Beatles. We heard many — Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree, Bei Mir Bist Du Schön and Rum and Coca-Cola (a favorite with the troops overseas). They also performed other songs from female artists, like Doris Day’s Sentimental Journey. My wife said the best part was hearing hundreds of listeners catch their breath and say “Ahhh” as songs began.

The complexity of the music struck me — all three women last night were accomplished vocalists, and they needed those skills to pull off a credible Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.

I saw only a smattering of people under fifty at the concert.  (At 91, Patty is the only remaining sister.)  I hope the music of the Andrews Sisters lives on after their generation passes.  I trust it will — fine art lingers.