Jamestown Choralaires sing tonight, Friday

The Jamestown Choralaires take the stage tonight and Friday for the only show of the year that the local men’s singing group will headline.

“Get Musical!” will feature the 50-plus-member Choralaires as well as a local boys’ choir, and the two groups plan to perform show tunes and patriotic numbers.

“It’s going to be lighthearted and there’s a great variety, and this will just be a nice, relaxing evening hearing some of your favorite tunes,” said Pam Burkhardt, Choralaires director. She said the show is designed for all ages.

As director, Burkhardt commands the group and makes sure the singers stay on track through their performance.

“I’m the only woman in town who can get 50 men to do what she wants them to do, when she wants them to do it,” she joked.

The Jamestown Choralaires is comprised of Jamestown men who enjoy choir music. The group rehearses once a week during the school year to prepare for two shows.

Included the “Get Musical!” are songs from such Broadway classics as “The Music Man,” “Paint Your Wagon,” “The Sound of Music,” “Les Miserables” and more.

Along with show tunes people can expect patriotic numbers including “Eternal Father, Strong to Save,” otherwise known as the Navy hymn.

For the Navy hymn, Larry Hoffman — who has been in the Choralaires for 53 of the 57 years it has been in existence — will sing a solo.

Carrie Kraft will accompany the group on piano.

“Get Musical!” will also feature children.

The Jamestown Boys’ Choir, an auditioned group comprised of fourth- and fifth-grade students, will also take the stage.

The Jamestown Boys’ Choir is under the direction of Meredith Meidinger.

“Get Musical!” is the Choralaires’ main show in 2012. The other event is when Jamestown will host “The Big Sing,” in late April. The Big Sing will feature performances from 300 men from choirs across Minnesota and Wisconsin, along with the Choralaires.

“Get Musical!” is at 7:30 p.m. today and Friday. Tickets are $8 for adults and $3 for students. Tickets can be purchased from any Choralaires or Boys’ Choir member and are also available at Country Gardens Floral & Greenhouse, 106 Business Loop West. They are also available at the door.

Sun reporter Ben Rodgers can be reached at 701-952-8455 or by email at brodgers@jamestownsun.com

Tags: diversions, entertainment, choir