Known for their precise professional look and style, the Purduettes bring a broad repertoire of music ranging from religious, pop, classical and contemporary to swing, patriotic, gospel, jazz and Broadway. The 60-member ensemble will sing at the 11 a.m. Mass Sunday, September 24 at St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church and then present a free concert at 2 p.m
Purduettes, the renowned Purdue University female vocal ensemble, will perform at VincentFest Sunday, September 24 at 2 p.m. in the St. Vincent De Paul School gym at 1502 E. Wallen Rd. There is no admission fee. A free-will offering will be taken to help pay expenses to bring the Purduettes here from West Lafayette.
Known for their precise professional look and style, the Purduettes bring a broad repertoire of music ranging from religious, pop, classical and contemporary to swing, patriotic, gospel, jazz and Broadway. This multi-talented troupe of 60 young women representing the brightest and best from a variety of majors and areas of study will perform in full ensemble, small specialty groups and solo presentations.
The group includes three young women from the Fort Wayne area. Caroline Doelling, a Bishop Dwenger High School graduate and member of St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church, is a senior studying industrial management. She is the daughter of Elizabeth and Bob Doelling. Emily Spear, a sophomore studying brain and behavioral sciences and industrial design, is a native of Markle and a graduate of Norwell High School. She’s the daughter of Donna and David Spear. Maddie Boyle, a sophomore studying nutrition and dietetics, is an Ossian native and a graduate of Norwell High School. She’s the daughter of Kellie Boyle.
Founded in 1942, the original Purduettes fulfilled previously-booked appearances of the Purdue Varsity Glee Club when the onset of World War II depleted its roster. Since then, they’ve continued performing for community, university, corporate, business, private, government, alumni, arts and school events throughout Indiana and abroad. They have thrilled audiences in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, France and Costa Rica.
While in Fort Wayne they will perform at St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church Mass at 11 a.m. and then in the afternoon as part of VincentFest which features a roasted pig dinner for $10 (children eight and under eat free), a Bier Garten (beer garden with wine and beer) and a variety of other festival food favorites. In addition the Fest will include a children’s petting zoo, a classic car cruise-in and a pre-kindergarten through grade five book exchange. Free coffee and donuts will be available after Sunday Mass.
