Bonnie McKibben
Born in Santa Monica, this California native has always been surrounded by music. Her Grandfather was an opera singer, her father played piano and sang with Big Bands, and she was encouraged to express herself through music. She was given a guitar at a very young age, and soon after began playing and singing in clubs throughout the south land. She was lucky to sing for a producer who showed up one evening, and the rest, as they say, is history. She recorded her first album at the age of 17 and was on the top 10 in Billboard’s Tip Sheet, right above David Bowie.Also early on, she began singing barbershop…at the tender age of 14.
When she decided to leave club singing and recording, she went back to barbershop. And has been there ever since. She has garnered dozens of medals directing choruses, and has sung in quartets in both lead and bass, including winning the coveted title of International Quartet Champion with Panache in 1990 singing bass. Panache went on to record four albums, traveled extensively and collected some fabulous memories, such as singing for a delighted President Ronald Reagan for his 80th birthday, and before 77,000 people at an NFL game.
In addition to directing Pacific Coast Harmony, Bonnie directs a Sweet Adelines Chorus, OC Sound, out of Laguna Hills. She also sings in a Jazz Quartet, The Romantics, and sings lead in a rock band, The RetroFits.