Features Editor

No longer can one get a shave and a haircut for two bits, but it’s still possible to enjoy the harmony of the barbershop quartets of old.

At 7:30 p.m. Saturday, the Troy Barbershop Chorus and the Colley Senior Complex will present "An Evening of Barbershop Harmony" at the Troy State University Adams Center Theater.

There is no admission charge to the event but donations are encouraged. All proceeds will benefit the Disaster Relief Fund of the Pike County Branch of the American Red Cross.

"Peter Howard, the leader of the barbershop chorus, came to me several months ago and said they would like to do a benefit for the local Red Cross," said Jane Thrash, director of the local branch. "Of course, I was excited and very appreciative because the need for funds to support our disaster relief program is great."

Thrash said since March 11 the Pike County Branch of the Red Cross has used almost $5,000 in disaster funds.

"All of that money went to assist those who were the victims of single-family fires," she said. "We are still in tornado season and hurricane season is coming up. This benefit will help defray expenses and help us be better prepared to deal with disasters. We also want to purchase a trailer to be used for on-site disaster relief. So, I would like to encourage everyone to come out Saturday night and support our Pike County Branch of the American Red Cross and be treated to a special evening of barbershop harmony. They have an evening of music and fun planned and you don’t want to miss it."

The Troy "Heart of Dixie" Chorus and "Dixie Cutups will be joined by two guests quartets, Tag Team from Tuscaloosa and Loose Change from Birmingham.

"Both are outstanding barbershop quartets," said Howard.

The "Heart of Dixie" Chorus will get the show underway with their special rendition of "Zip-a-Dee-Do-Dah" and close their quartet of songs with "God Bless America."

They will be followed by the Dixie Cutups – Perry Green, Diane Flowers, Jim Wadowick and Scott Flowers.

Tag Team will then take the stage and Howard said everyone who enjoys barbershop harmony will want to be there to hear them.

A special musical intermission is planned that will probably keep everyone in their seat.

"Jim Wadowick will play the accordion and Doug Back will be on the banjo," Howard said. "The intermission music will be worth missing intermission."

Loose Change will be first on the stage after intermission and then the "Heart of Dixie" Chorus will be back for more songs and fun.

The Evening of Barbershop Harmony won’t be over until the audience sings.

"The audience will be invited to sing along with old favorites like ‘Let Me Call You Sweetheart’ and ‘My Wild Irish Rose’ and that should be a lot of fun for everyone," Howard said.

Following the performance, everyone is invited to an afterglow reception in Malone Gallery featuring the award-winning TSU a capella group, Glasshouse.