Raising voices

St. James-Assiniboia

People craving the sounds of classic songs, both new and old, sung in four-part harmony are in luck.

On Saturday, May 2, River City Sound will present a spring concert titled “Something Old, Something New.” The group, which celebrated its 75th anniversary last year and acts as the Winnipeg chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society, performs a cappella in four-part harmony.

“The Barbershop Harmony Society is an amazing group of people who enjoy music and enjoy life,” said Brian Blakley, who sings baritone and acts as vice-president of marketing for the Winnipeg chapter. “They’re a very good bunch of people. The world needs more of this kind of stuff. There’s too much negativity, but there’s a lot we can and should do. If we can milk some of these things, and get to know each other better, we’d all be better.”

Blakley first became involved with River City Sound over 20 years ago, after hearing his uncle perform with the Regina chapter.

“I thought it would be kind of fun,” Blakley said. “That’s often how we attract new members, is people come to the shows and thinking they might like to give it a try.”

Blakley was still working at the time, so he stepped back from the group, only to rejoin four years ago, after retiring. Today, the group, which rehearses every Wednesday at 7 p.m. at St. Andrews River Heights United Church (255 Oak St.) has 46 members, both men and women, and is always looking for more.

“It’s a great place to learn to sing,” Blakley said. “It’s a great bunch and a lot of fun.”

As its name suggests, the program for River City Sound’s spring concert includes some older material as some newer songs, including cuts from The Beatles, Etta James, Elton John, and Ed Sheeran, all arranged in four-part harmony.

“That’s one of the tricks,” Blakley said. “You can have a nice song, but you need the appropriate arrangement.”

River City Sound typically puts on two big concerts a year, one in spring and one during the holiday season. As a registered non-profit, the group donates proceeds, once costs are covered, to a different charity after each concert. Past beneficiaries include the North Point Douglas Women’s Centre, NEEDS, Harvest Manitoba, and many more. The concert on May 2 supports the Dream Factory.

The “Something Old, Something New” concert on Saturday, May 2 starts at 2:30 p.m. at Prairie Spirit United Church (207 Thompson Dr.) Doors will open at 1:30. Tickets are $25 for adults, children 12 and under get in for free. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online. Visit www.rivercitysound.ca for more information.