Barbershop show accomplishes more than entertainment

There's something magic about making beautiful music using nothing but your voice -- and something even more special about joining with other voices to make beautiful harmonies.

That, and the fellowship of working out the notes and dynamics with other barbershop enthusiasts that has kept the Prairie Statesmen coming back since 1972.

Throughout the year, members drive from communities like Stratton, Wauneta, Culbertson, Cambridge, Wilsonville, Oberlin and Norton to work on their harmonies and get together with longtime friends.

This Saturday, at 7:30 p.m., the Southwest Nebraska and Northwest Kansas group will present its 35th annual spring extravaganza at Memorial Auditorium in McCook.

Fresh off an national broadcast via Garrison Keillor's "A Prairie Home Companion" last summer at the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson, the Prairie Statesmen will be joined by some top-flight talent at Saturday night's show.

Storm Front has more than 50 years of barbershopping experience between its members, and placed 10th in the world last July.

A newer group, Ignition!, was formed in 2004 and qualified for the International competition in 2005. The group's goal is to "ignite" the audience with a wide variety of vocal styles and unique arrangements.

But it isn't all fun and entertainment. The Prairie Statesmen know that their mission "to keep the whole world singing" will only be accomplished by encouraging and promoting singing among the next generation.

Toward that end, some of the proceeds of Saturday's event will go toward youth activities such as a Youth Music Day in October, where young men and women are invited to attend a clinic specializing in learning about the barbershop style of music and harmonization.

Saturday night's performance of "Barbershop Around the World" will be especially enjoyable this year, thanks to the replacement of old wooden board benches in the balcony with comfortable new seating.

So take time out for harmony and support a great community project this weekend by taking in the Prairie Statesmen's annual spring show.

Tickets are available at Hershberger's, Farrell's Pharmacy, from any chorus member or at the door.