FAIRMONT - A world class a capella men's chorus is slated to perform in Fairmont on May 14, with students involved in Rotary's STRIVE program set to benefit.
The Great Northern Union Chorus, a 100-voice all-male group, hails from the Twin Cities area but has local connections. Its director, Peter Benson, conducted Harmony Junction, a local barbershop chorus from 1987-1997.
Brad Gerhardt, who sang with Harmony Junction under Benson's direction, is happy to see such a high-quality barbershop group coming here, but notes that the group branches out from what is traditionally consider barbershop music.
"This isn't your grandmother's barbershop," he said. "I think people of every age will enjoy this. There will be something for everyone."
Tom Hawkins, a barbershop singer and owner of Hawkins Chevrolet in Fairmont, is one of the sponsors of the event. He says the musical style is something that is gaining followers as popular entertainment trends have changed.
"People think of elderly people enjoying barbershop," he said, "but with the popularity of reality shows and 'Glee' a capella is coming back."
The show is billed as high-impact harmony and the group prides itself on the ability of the performers to connect with the audience emotionally.
In addition to the large chorus, individual quartets will perform throughout the evening.
The performance is one of several in a runup to a competition in July in which the group is contending for top barbershop chorus in the world.
"We are catching this chorus at the right time," Gerhardt said.
The beneficiaries of the concert are STRIVE students. STRIVE pairs community members with high school seniors to act as mentors.
"If there is ever anything you wanted to do for your community, I can't say enough about the STRIVE program," Gerhardt said. "What a great way to raise money for a great program."
For those who haven't gotten enough by the end of the concert, Red Rock Center for the Arts is hosting an "afterglow," an informal gathering of quartets singing to a smaller crowd. Admission to the afterglow is $5, which covers the cost of food and refreshments.
The show begins 7 p.m. May 14 at the Performing Arts Center at Fairmont Area High School.
Tickets are $20 for seating on the main floor and $15 for the balcony, and can be purchased at Hy-Vee, Fairmont Holiday Inn, Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce, Ankeny Furniture of Blue Earth, Hawkins Chevrolet and Profinium, as well as at the door.