UAFS auditorium packed for Singing Men of Arkansas

Singing Men of Arkansas, a group of about 50 men from Northwest Arkansas, filled Breedlove Auditorium with melody and harmony on Friday night (Feb. 10) as part of the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith Academy of the Arts Distinguished Artists Series 2011-2012.

The show began with patriotic music and transitioned to spiritual tunes before an intermission followed by popular music and love songs befitting the upcoming Valentine's Day.

“We wanted to begin the evening with some things that would create a spirit of thankfulness within us for our country," said choral leader and director Mike Bedford.

The first half of the program featured the songs “God Bless America,” “The Star Spangled Banner,” “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” “You'll Never Walk Alone” and “Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee.”

The second half included “Wizard of Oz Fantasy,” The Beatles’ “The Long and Winding Road,” The Turtles’ “Happy Together,” and The Beach Boys’ “In My Room.” The chorus also performed “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” “When I Fall in Love,” and “Unchained Melody.”

School-aged children from the UAFS Academy of the Arts Children’s Choir (grades 3-6) and Chorale (grades 7-12) performed with the Singing Men of Arkansas on four selections — effectively doubling the size of the choir.

“We always want to give our academy kids opportunities to sing with professionals or perform with professionals,” said Rosilee Walker Russell, executive director of the UAFS Academy program.

“This is a program that Fort Smith could be proud of, and we are so thankful to be able to share the stage with these wonderful young men and women and boys and girls that are on stage with us tonight,” Bedford said before the group sang The Mamas & the Papas’ “California Dreamin’” with the children.

Piano accompaniment was by Singing Men of Arkansas pianist Jonathan Story. Walker joined Story on “Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee” and also performed an instrumental-only duet with him on “Wizard of Oz Fantasy.” During the upbeat second half, choir members Doug Walt, Matt King and Jeff Coles played keyboard, drums and guitar, respectively.

Bill Henderson performed solo on Billy Joel’s “Uptown Girl” after changing into casual attire representing the blue-collar nature of the tune.

Bill Burrows invoked a bit of audience participation as he beckoned Crystal Smith out of her seat, held her hand and sang “Duke of Earl” from the medley “The Best of Doo-Wop.” Five members of men’s chorus stepped to the front of the choir and led an animated song and dance routine for the remainder of the medley.

Choir members David Carnes, Johnny Tittle and Skip Hernandez performed as a trio on “I Then Shall Live."

The audience, almost 500 in number, packed Breedlove for the concert. Some people stood throughout the show even though additional folding chairs were brought in. The singing group invited the the audience to stand and sing along on the closing number “Total Praise.”

Guests mingled with members in the foyer after the show. Copies of the groups two CDs Live in Ireland and Celebrate Musical America were sold during intermission and after the concert.