If you're ready to have your spirits lifted by voices raised together in joyful song, then don't miss the Humboldt Harmonaires' Annual Spring Show, “I've Been Workin' On The Railroad,” at the Arkley Center this Saturday, April 19th.

The evening is a feel-good celebration of Barbershop --a unique brand of vocal music that began in the early part of the twentieth century. It was known as the Ragtime Era, a landmark period in American music that influenced all of the popular music that followed.

Although today, the opportunity to hear the real thing in a live performance isn't always easy to come by. For the past 46 years, Eureka's chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society has continued to share this evergreen musical art form with Humboldt County audiences.

One of more than 800 international chapters that exist throughout the world, the Humboldt Harmonaires are proud members of an organization that honors and preserves this barbershop-style of a cappella singing.

"It's an American art form, as is jazz, that's gained a lot of respect in professional musical circles,” said long time Harmonaires' member, Bill Edmonson. “It's come a long way. The arrangements that are done today by really good quartets and choruses are just marvelous; and, I'm sorry that we don't hear more of it.”

He explained, “There are real melodies and lyrics -- something I wish more young people would learn to appreciate and be inspired by -- and learn to perform themselves.”

The tight-knit sound of barbershop is not only pleasing to the ear, but often performed with a lively touch of humor and fun.

Multiply those solid vocals and that light-hearted approach to encompass from 28-30 singers, and you have the Harmonaires, an enthusiastic and talented chorus of excellent male voices.

Ranging in age from 29 years up to their early 80's, they're guys from all walks of life, who just flat out love to get together and sing some real music. And, in the process, represent a society whose mission is “leading the cause of encouraging vocal music in our schools and communities.”

The Barbershop Chorus of Harmonaires share their songs throughout the county, performing at a wide variety of events, such as the Redwood Coast Jazz Festival, the Crabs Baseball Season Opener and the Humboldt County Fair. In addition, individual member quartets also appear at numerous special occasions every year.

Now directed by Jon Majors, their upcoming Spring Show in Eureka will be the group's first ever in the Arkley Center's renovated historic venue. And, he feels that the acoustics and sound in the beautiful venue will be “perfect for A Capella vocal music.”

However, you'll also get the chance to see and hear a featured championship-level superstar guest quartet called Hi-Fidelity.

Based in Southern California, the dynamic quartet have won, among other prestigious awards, the 2006 Harmony Sweepstakes National A Cappella Championship. Standing out from some of the very best jazz, do-wop and gospel groups in competition, they're known for their vocal craftsmanship, sophisticated song stylings, and wildly creative sense of humor.  

Also appearing in the show's musical line-up will be young singers from the North Coast Preparatory and Performing Arts Academy in Arcata. And, in addition, the winner of the Harmonaires' Annual $1,000 High School Senior Musical Scholarship Award will be announced and will perform.

Chosen from students from the area's high schools who have been recommended by their music teachers for vocal or instrumental excellence and potential, the winning young musician is awarded the money to help further their future musical education.

This year, for the first time ever, Edmonson says that there will be two students honored with separate $1,000 awards because “the judges just couldn't choose between them, they were both so deserving.” However, their identities will be kept secret until the evening of the show, so you'll have to attend to find out who this pair of lucky teens are.

All in all, the Humboldt Harmonaires' “I've Been Workin' On The Railroad” 2008 Spring Concert promises to be one of the highlights of the North Coast performance season. Bring the whole family along and enjoy it together.

Starting at 7:29 p.m. sharp, tickets for the Saturday, April 19th show are $15 general, and $13 for students and seniors. All seats are reserved, so get yours in advance -- either from a member of the Harmonaires or the Arkely Center Box Office. Call ACPA at 707-442-1956 for information and reservations.