Sarasota June 6, 2022 – Joe Harris, lead singer and membership VP of the Sarasota Chorus of the Keys has announced the formation of “Jonesin’ 4 the Chord” a men’s four-part a cappella group that will perform an eclectic mix of old and new popular songs. Auditions for talented singers will take place on Thursday, June 23, at 7 p.m. at The Music Compound (1751 Cattleman Rd., Sarasota). Auditions by appointment or via Zoom are available. Eight to 12 men will be selected to sing bass, baritone, tenor, and lead parts.
Sam Stahlmann of The Music Compound will direct the new group as they perform for private and public events, at senior resident facilities, and the Annual Show with the Chorus of the Keys. In addition, they will be a part of the popular singing Valentine serenades.
The new group fills a need to reach audiences outside of their Barbershop following. “We felt that it was time to expand our beautiful harmonies beyond Barbershop tunes,” said Joe Harris, founder of the new group. “We plan to perform an eclectic mix of music from the Beatles to WHAM! to Boys to Men and more – it will be a lot of fun for singers and audiences alike.”
Sam Stahlmann’s musical experience as a teacher, director, producer, and performer made him an ideal choice to lead “Jonesin’ 4 the Chord.” He plays ten instruments, performed with the Sarasota Youth Opera for eight years, is the founder of a successful homeschool theatre troupe, a three-time Gulf Coast Honor Band participant, a two-time All-State Chorus participant, and he teaches at The Music Compound.
Sarasota Chorus of the Keys has been entertaining audiences in Sarasota for more than 70 years. In 1938, Barbershop singing became an organized pastime, and in 2022, the Chorus was still filling the seats at Riverview Performing Arts Center for their Annual Show. The Sarasota Chorus of the Keys members are also trustees of the Sheridan E. Brown Scholarship Fund that grants college scholarships to male high school singers who plan on taking courses in vocal or instrumental music as part of their curriculum.
For more information about auditions or joining “Jonesin’ 4 the Chord,” contact Joe Harris at atmnet@verizon.net or 716-440-9046 or Sam Stahlmann at 21cslaftheatre@gmail.com or 941-780-5875
Courtesy Photos:
1. Sam Stahlmann, music director for “Jonesin 4 the Chord”