Several barbershop quartets take their shows just about anywhere for Valentine's Day.
By JOY DAVIS-PLATT
Published February 9, 2004
For several Hernando County choral groups, Valentine's Day is a chance to share their love for music.
"The reaction is just unbelievable," said Art Ellingson, a member of the Hernando Harmonizers, a barbershop group that will offer serenades for sweethearts Friday and Saturday.
"There is always a lot of joy and sometimes some tears," Ellingson said. "It can be an emotional thing to hear these songs, and it can be emotional for us, too, because we really get into the music."
Cindy LaPort, president of the Pasco/Hernando Suncoast Harmony, a women's barbershop chorus and the local chapter of Sweet Adelines International, said her group's annual Singing Valentine Project makes for an unusual alternative to candy or flowers and creates a lasting memory.
"When we sing to men, they are usually embarrassed, and yet they're thrilled to death that their loved one has thought of them that way," LaPort said.
The idea of sending a barbershop quartet to serenade your sweetheart is one that is popular all over the country, said Ellingson, who has sung barbershop harmonies for about 25 years.
"This is something for wives, lovers or sweethearts, just preferably not at the same time," he joked. "We even sing to men, believe it or not, and we've brought tears to their eyes."
Because the groups deliver their musical messages anywhere from grocery stores to restaurants, there is often an audience to hear and enjoy the moment along with the recipient, LaPort said.
"People love feeling like they are part of a very special moment," she said. "And the recipient is right at the very center of everything. It's a beautiful feeling."
Both groups have traditional repertoires, including light-hearted barbershop favorites such as Let Me Call You Sweetheart, Cuddle Up a Little Closer and I Love You Truly.
The Hernando Harmonizers men's barbershop chorus will be available to serenade from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday within these boundaries: north to Cortez Boulevard to south to Hudson, east to U.S. 41 and west to U.S. 19.
The cost is $40, and includes a serenade of two love songs, a red silk rose or box of chocolates, a card and a Polaroid picture of the occasion. Payment must be received before scheduling and orders must be received by Thursday. For information, call Gene Schuh at 686-4078.
Suncoast Harmony will provide singing valentines from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday in Hernando and Pasco counties. The cost is $25, which includes two love songs, a silk rose and a card. Reservations are required by Wednesday. For information, call Claudia at 683-7983.
The D'Lites quartet from the Hernando Hills Hi-Lites women's barbershop chorus will provide singing valentines from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday throughout Hernando County. The cost is $30 for orders received by Thursday; orders placed after Thursday are $50. The singing valentines include two songs, a card, a photo of the occasion and a red rose or box of chocolates. To order, call Jeannine or Zack at 683-4936.
- Joy Davis-Platt can be reached at 352 848-1435. Send e-mail to joy@sptimes.com
