Warblers to perform patriotic concert

Warblers Concert 

Friday, Nov. 7, 7 p.m.

Union the Church at Chelsea Park

4321 Highway 32

The Warblers are back.

Deriving their name from that of a songbird, the group dates back to the 1929 Woodlawn High School men’s chorus. The group was active at the school through 1977, but that wasn’t the end for them. In 1988, 150 members from over the years came back together for a reunion show at the Alabama Theatre.

Since then, the Warblers have performed a mix of spirituals, patriotic songs and traditional songs — many of which they sang in high school — every other year. This year, about 30 members, who are mostly in their 60s and 70s, are also putting on a special show in honor of veterans.

The concert will be held Friday, Nov. 7, at 7 p.m. at Union the Church at Chelsea Park. There is no charge for admission, but donations will be accepted. The show will last about an hour and a half and focus on patriotic tunes to pay tribute to veterans.

“If you like the type of music we sing and want good, clean entertainment designed for families, there is not another group I know of who does what we do,” said Terry Kelso, a Warblers member, 1957 Woodlawn graduate and current Union member. “We have the EMT standing by just in case.”

Most of the songs, including “Down in the River to Pray,” “Climbing Up the Mountain” and “Heaven Medley” are original arrangements by former director Joe Turner or other members. 

Kelso said the group’s specialty is entertaining an audience with “good harmony and good, clean music.”

The group’s most recent performance in June sold out, with 750 people packing in to see them and Three on a String at the Mountain Brook High School Fine Arts Center.

Leading up to a show, the Warblers rehearse every Tuesday at Huffman United Methodist Church, where their director, Bob Parker, is also the church choir director.

Kelso said he hopes to see the Union sanctuary filled up for the show on Nov. 7.

“I like seeing the people in the audience listen and appreciate what we do,” he said. “That’s what gives me the best thrill.”

Union the Church at Chelsea Park is located on Highway 51 South, just past the Chelsea Park Clock Tower on U.S. 280. For more information on the church, call 678-6677 or visit unionccp.org.

To learn more about the Warblers, visit warblersclub.org.