Men’s Chorus To Play Holiday Show At Met

Thu., Dec. 4, 1997

William Berry Correspondent

The Inland Northwest Men’s Chorus is in its 10th year, and director David Denman Smith says people are still surprised to learn that Spokane has a men’s chorus.

Yes, there is a Santa Claus and these guys are for real, and they will be putting on their “Holly Jolly Christmas” show at The Met on Sunday.

According to Smith, the chorus “has no audition process, but welcomes any man willing to get together one night a week and commit to working hard for the group.” But, he says, they laugh a lot, too.

Laughter is one of the goals Smith sets for the program. He calls the concert “our Christmas present to the community” and wants people to feel better when they leave than when they come in.

There are some seriously beautiful pieces on the program, such as Randall Thompson’s “Alleluia,” an African piece accompanied by drums called “Betelehemu” and some standards.

But there are a lot of comic pieces and novelty numbers as well.

Smith didn’t want to give any surprises away - other than noting that “Holly Jolly Christmas” isn’t on the program - but he did say the word “fun” two dozen times in 10 minutes. You’ll just have to go and see.

Smith reiterates the excuses he hears from everybody, ” ‘I’m so busy this year; everything is so hectic; I don’t know if I can make it; I’m swamped.’

“Well, that’s the whole point. Take a little time out to relax and have some fun.”

xxxx CONCERT The Inland Northwest Men’s Chorus will present “A Holly Jolly Christmas” at at The Met on Sunday at 7 p.m. Tickets: $10 at the door or $8 in advance, available at G&B Select-a-Seat outlets or call (800) 325-SEAT.

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