MONROE - The time for the barbershop music has almost arrived.
Every year since 1962, the Green County Harmony Chorus has presented its annual show that is seen by hundreds of people from around the area.
"It's a unique sound," said Ron Johnson, who has sang with Green County Harmony Chorus for 20 years.
Over the years, the men who sing in the group have become close friends. Some, such as Emerson Wells and Gaylord Swenson, have been with the group for 47 years. Others have been with the group a short time.
But what brings these men together for their rehearsals and performances is their love of barbershop music and the friendship. Over the years, they've performed at community events, church functions and other activities throughout the area.
The group has spent the past few weeks preparing for its performance, set for 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at the Performing Arts Center in the Monroe High School. Ticket prices are $10 for adults and $5 for students and are available at Ruf's Confectionery or from any chorus member.
Ticket prices for the "After Glow" party at St. Victor School are $7 and available at Ruf's or from any chorus member. The "After Glow" allows the groups to perform more informally.
Also performing Saturday will be "All That Jazz" from the Chicago area, "Skyline" from Greendale, and "Adamz Applez," a Monroe High School group.
"All That Jazz" started in the summer of 2008. The members live in three different states and travel several hours each way for weekly rehearsals. All of them have had a lot of experience singing in various barbershop groups.
"Skyline" is made up of four men, two from Wisconsin, one in Kansas and the other in Missouri. They sing a wide range of recognizable songs that span several decades of popular music.
"Adamz Applez" is the first barbershop chorus ever organized at Monroe High School. This is the first time the group will perform at the annual chorus event.
Johnson said he's excited to see younger people become interested in barbershop music.
"I hope these younger kids see some of the older groups and want to continue to sing in the future," he said.
Every year since 1962, the Green County Harmony Chorus has presented its annual show that is seen by hundreds of people from around the area.
"It's a unique sound," said Ron Johnson, who has sang with Green County Harmony Chorus for 20 years.
Over the years, the men who sing in the group have become close friends. Some, such as Emerson Wells and Gaylord Swenson, have been with the group for 47 years. Others have been with the group a short time.
But what brings these men together for their rehearsals and performances is their love of barbershop music and the friendship. Over the years, they've performed at community events, church functions and other activities throughout the area.
The group has spent the past few weeks preparing for its performance, set for 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at the Performing Arts Center in the Monroe High School. Ticket prices are $10 for adults and $5 for students and are available at Ruf's Confectionery or from any chorus member.
Ticket prices for the "After Glow" party at St. Victor School are $7 and available at Ruf's or from any chorus member. The "After Glow" allows the groups to perform more informally.
Also performing Saturday will be "All That Jazz" from the Chicago area, "Skyline" from Greendale, and "Adamz Applez," a Monroe High School group.
"All That Jazz" started in the summer of 2008. The members live in three different states and travel several hours each way for weekly rehearsals. All of them have had a lot of experience singing in various barbershop groups.
"Skyline" is made up of four men, two from Wisconsin, one in Kansas and the other in Missouri. They sing a wide range of recognizable songs that span several decades of popular music.
"Adamz Applez" is the first barbershop chorus ever organized at Monroe High School. This is the first time the group will perform at the annual chorus event.
Johnson said he's excited to see younger people become interested in barbershop music.
"I hope these younger kids see some of the older groups and want to continue to sing in the future," he said.