By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
Local and international barbershop singers are teaming up in harmony for the "We Believe in Music" show and fundraiser.
The Hays High Plains Barbershop Chapter will share the stage with the Tumbleweed Chorus, Prairie Timber, Uncalled Four and Big Creek Chorus on Saturday.
Headlining the 56th-annual show is "After Hours," a quartet that Vance Chartier, Hays High Plains Vice President for Public Relations, said is a distinguished group.
"After Hours are the elite of the elite among international barbershop quartets," he said.
After Hours won the 2018 Barbershop Harmony Society International Quartet Championship with the highest score in the organization's history at 94.7%.
Chartier said melodies performed will span from the mid to late 20th century.
"When you consider the old barbershop style songs, you have songs that range from the '40s up to the '90s," he said.
Featured songs include "I Believe in Music" by Mac Davis, "Let It Be" by the Beatles, "The Longest Time" by Billy Joel and "When She Loved Me" by Sarah McLachlan.
The show is scheduled for 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Beach Schmidt Performing Arts Center at Fort Hays State University.
The Hays High Plains is kicking off the event that will fund various schools and organizations, including Hays-based Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas.
"Our concert is our big money raiser," Chartier said. "Money we raise goes to supporting music programs in the surrounding area."
Students involved in the nonprofit are qualified for financial support regardless of their concentration.
"Anyone in the [Hays High Plains] chorus going to college or a technical school is eligible for a scholarship. We help them pursue their careers, and it doesn't have to be music," he said.
Tickets for the show are available for $15 in advance from any chorus member or at the following locations:
- Walgreens, 2600 Vine, Hays
- Cerv's, 2701 Vine and 2722 Hall, Hays
- Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau, 2700 Vine, Hays
- Couture for Men, 1109 Main, Hays
- Klema Hometown Market, 51 S. Fossil, Russell
- Encore Antiques & Collectibles, 590 S. Fossil, Russell
- Farmers Bank & Trust, 108 S. Main, Bazine
Tickers can also be bought at the Beach-Schmidt Performing Arts Center and online.
"It's going to be a great show, and we hope to see everybody there," Chartier said.
You can donate to the Hays High Plains Barbershop Chorus by contacting Vance Chartier at 785-623-6746
You can also follow the Hays High Plains Barbershop Chorus and After Hours on Facebook.