Staff Report-
The Chain-O-Lakes chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society will present its annual spring show in two locations and on two consecutive weekends. This year's show is a parody of the classic TV show "This is Your Life", where people in the studio audience were surprised to find themselves onstage recalling friendships, loves, heartaches and triumphs. The first show will be in Columbia City at the high school auditorium April 28 at 7 p.m. The Chain-O-Lakes Chorus will present the first half of the show. Following intermission, the second half of the evening's entertainment will feature the Columbia City High School Show Choirs City Heat and City Lights under the direction of Rosalie Geller. On May 5, the Chain-O-Lakes Chorus will bring a repeat performance to Warsaw at the Lakeview Middle School auditorium at 7 p.m. The second half of this show will feature the Warsaw Community Choir, the Chain Gang Barbershop Quartet and special guest quartet Instant Classic. Instant Classic originally formed in fall 2008. The group competed in the Barbershop Harmony Society's International Collegiate Barbershop Quartet Competition in 2009 and 2010, where they placed eighth and 10th, respectively. In 2011, Instant Classic became the Cardinal District Champions in October. Additional performances include the Inaugural Ontario Harmony Brigade, the Indiana Harmony Brigade, performing on workshops, at high school festivals and on shows. Members of the quartet are David Zimmerman, tenor; Theo Hicks, lead; Kohl Kitzmiller, baritone; and Kyle Kitzmiller, bass. Also featured during the performances will be the "Chain Gang" barbershop quartet, who in addition to performing for a variety of groups, churches and organizations, were a big hit in Wagon Wheel Theater's 2010 production of "The Music Man." Tickets may be purchased from any member of the Chain-O-Lakes chapter. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students 13 and older, with a valid student ID. Children under the age of 13 are admitted free with a paid adult admission. If either show is not sold out, there may be some tickets available at the door. Tickets can be reserved for pickup at the door or by calling 877-778-9647. Members of the Chain O Lakes Chorus come from Columbia City and the surrounding area including South Whitley, Huntington, Syracuse, North Webster, Etna Green, Fort Wayne and Warsaw.The chorus is directed by Mark Leimer with assistant directors Dick Sutton and Phil Randall. Dr. David Haines of Warsaw is presently president of the Chain-O-Lakes chapter. Barbershop singing is characterized by a capella (no instrumental accompaniment) singing of four voice parts, tenor, lead, baritone and bass. The Barbershop Harmony Society is the present day evolution of the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America.
