Concert Will Be Filled With Song And Spirit

The Inland Northwest Men’s Chorus is putting on a show at The Met on Sunday titled “Men, Wine and Song.” With the Men’s Chorus, the “men” and “song” part of the title are obvious. The “wine” part comes in at intermission, when complimentary wine, soft drinks and other goodies will be served, all part of the $12 ticket price.

The musical portion of the evening is split into three segments: classics, sea chanteys and Broadway. The classics include “O, Praise Ye the Lord” by Mozart, the Celtic hymn “Be Thou My Vision” and an anthem with an appropriate message, “Brothers, Sing On.” The voice of John Payne and flute-playing of Jim King, both chorus members, will be featured in James McCray’s “Rise Up My Love, My Fair One.”

Traditional English fare comprises the bulk of the sea chantey repertoire. The deck-swabbing and sail-furling numbers have telltale titles like “A-Rovin’,” “The Drummer and the Cook” and “Fathoms Below.” The Men’s Chorus sails back to America for the enduring and endearing “Shenandoah” with soloist Kevin Ketchie.

Among the hits from Broadway shows which the guys will trot out in front of the footlights, there are a few which everyone will remember. From “Fiddler on the Roof,” they will sing the happy-now-but-it-wouldn’t-hurtto-win-the -lottery soliloquy, “If I Were a Rich Man.” “Over the Rainbow” from “Wizard of Oz” is worth hearing, even though it’s from Hollywood. And “Man of La Mancha,” from the show of the same name, gives Ketchie and Chris Berg a chance to step into the spotlight.

The Inland Northwest Men’s Chorus is a 25-member ensemble under the direction of Stan McDaniel. Their persistence in mounting performances over the last several years has carved a niche in Spokane’s cultural landscape for men’s voices.

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The Inland Northwest Men’s Chorus Location and time: The Met, 7 p.m. Sunday Tickets: $12