Lenoir, NC – November is here, and with it, comes the Caldwell Men’s Chorus Fall Concert. The free concert is open to the public, and will be presented on Saturday, November 23rd at Lenoir Presbyterian Church, 1002 Kirkwood Ave NW, Lenoir. The concert begins at 7:30 PM but the church will be open at 6:30 PM. Director Keith Smith recommends arriving as early as possible, because it is first come, first served seating and the church fills up quickly.
This concert features both secular and sacred music, with several popular selections that many will recognize. Among these are “I Got Rhythm” by George Gershwin, “Stray Cat Strut” by Brian Setzer and the Stray Cats, the Eagles arrangement of “Seven Bridges Road,” a Beatles medley of “I Wanna Hold Your Hand,” “Yesterday” and “She Loves You” and the Beach Boys’ “I Get Around.” Among the spiritual pieces are “Great is Thy Faithfulness,” “O Love That Will Not Let Me Go,” featuring cello and “And Can It Be?”
The chorus is accompanied by pianist Sherry January and in addition to the cello, additional accompaniment will be provided by guitar, bass and drums.
The Caldwell Men’s Chorus is a non-profit, 501 (c) (3) organization, who sings across the state, but primarily in the Unifour area, throughout Caldwell County and specifically in Lenoir. The Chorus currently has 22 singers, ranging in age from 22 to 84. All of the men are capable of singing close harmony and share a love and passion for music. Many of the singers are current or former school and/or church music directors. The senior division of the chorus, (see photo below) which Smith admits makes up the vast majority of the group, recently competed in Cary, North Carolina in the Silver Arts Follies of the North Carolina Senior Games. They came away with Best in State in the large vocal ensemble competition. The number they performed for the competition was the spiritual, “Ride the Chariot,” and it will be presented during the concert.
Director Smith says, “The men are all volunteers and work very hard. I’m proud of their continued improvement and professionalism as musicians. I still maintain that we are the best kept musical secret in western North Carolina!”
No tickets or reservations are required, just show up at the door. Admission is free but donations are gratefully accepted to defray production costs.
Photo of Caldwell Men’s Chorus Senior Division:
Left to right: Robert Marshall, Kyle Canerday, Tim Boone, Trev Moore, Eric Setzer, William Claude Cogdell, Sherrill German, Norm Sherwood, Bill Hall, Dennis Bell, Allen Norrod, David Bigelow, Ken Thwing, Doug McCowan, Michael Haney, Keith Smith, John McDaniel, Tony Ruppard (photo courtesy of North Carolina Senior Games)
