.jpg)
The Josephburg Men's Chorus & Bells in Harmony will be performing in Fort Saskatchewan next Saturday (May 6).
The group, which has been around since the 1980s, was greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic shutting down in-person gatherings for things such as choir singing.
Fittingly, this upcoming event is called 'Happy Together: An Evening of Pop Rock Classics' and will take place at the First United Church.
"We are pretty excited to be back performing," said Donald Carter, a longtime member who sings bass with the choir.
Throughout the group's long existence in the area, the choir has entertained at various senior centers and churches in Fort Saskatchewan, Sherwood Park, and Edmonton.
"We're really a community-based organization that is non-profit," said Brent Orchard, a long-time singer and the hand-bell choir director. "We are here to serve the community and entertain the elder people."
"It has been a very fulfilling performance throughout the years."
The group initially started as an all-men's choir but, as it evolved, wives and girlfriends of members formed a hand-bell choir to perform alongside them.
This upcoming event is sure to have a little bit of something for everyone.
"It's a variety of songs, some old favourites which I am sure people will recognize and some new songs," said Carter. " A few east coast songs [as well] I think will keep some of our audience happy because we do seem to have a lot of east-coasters out here."
Tickets at the door will clock in at $20 while kids 12 and under can get in for free with a food bank donation.
They do encourage people to come early to enjoy some time together. Refreshments include pie, cake, coffee, tea, or juice at an additional cost.
People looking to join the choir as a singer, hand-bell performer, or even a webpage designer can contact Orchard at 780-619-1682.