The Beehive Statesmen Chorus Winter Concert Kicks Off the West Valley City, Utah Christmas Season Without Kicking the Bucket … and That’s Saying Something

By Stephanie Cousins

The Beehive Statesmen Chorus brings a captivating holiday spirit to West Valley City as the first performers in West Valley Arts’ 2019 Winter Concert Series at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center. The Beehive Statesmen Chorus, directed by Paul Barlow, has been entertaining audiences since the 1940s. They are an energetic group of men ranging in age from 30 to 130, give or take a few. (One of their performers has been in the group for over 60 years.) The friendship and happiness they exuded Monday night whilst singing together, all clad in loud Christmas sweaters, was contagious. It didn’t take long for the audience to catch on and join in.

John Close, president-elect, and Doug Jones, Vice President over Music, engaged in playful scripted banter between songs. They had great chemistry, kept it brief, and told corny jokes in good fun. The audience seemed to enjoy groaning as much as they enjoyed laughing. The audience and Jones together employed a clever snowball gimmick aimed at Close (pun intended) that I will definitely need to use in the future. By poking a bit of fun at themselves, they let us know they are well aware of their age and general lack of hair, and in so doing they helped us realize that the best way to get through life is with a smile.

The vision statement for the Beehive Statesmen Chorus is: “To provide for all men of good character, who love to sing, a venue and opportunity to have a quartet experience.” Any person is invited to rehearse with them and the sound they pull off with the limitations of a no-cut policy is impressive. I truly could not tell who were the seasoned musicians and who were the hobbyists while watching the whole group sing. Each individual performer was fully invested, resulting in an engaging polished performance. Many of the singers were at least 70 (with a few over 80 years old), making their high energy level even more of a feat. At first glance, an audience member might enter the venue and think he had unwittingly stumbled into an old folks’ home, but that first impression was flipped on its glorious bald head not even one song into the first set. From the beginning phrase of “Christmas is Coming,” it was evident we were in for a fun night. The Beehive Statesmen had boundless vitality as they sang, danced, and moved around the stage. It was an inspiring sight! And through it all, their diction and breath support were impeccable. It was wonderful to be able to understand all the words to each song and feel the power of thirty male voices singing their hearts out.

In addition to the large group numbers, many songs were sung by 4-man quartets with names such as “Stayin’ Alive,” “SLiC City,” and “4th Street.” These quartets performed beautifully clear harmonies and inspiring dynamics. I found myself wishing I owned an album of their “I’ll be Home for Christmas” so that I could fall asleep to it each night. “Silver Bells” was especially magical, offering an exquisite blend of voices with ambiance added by the perfect execution of the bell sounds, all done acapella. The skills of soloist John Close in “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” were on display as he led us through a clever thematic slideshow in time with the music whilst serenading us Thurl-Ravenscroft style.

After intermission, the mood changed with formal attire replacing the loud sweaters and subdued lighting creating a peaceful ambiance. We were treated to carols sung by candlelight—songs about the true reason for the season. The sonorous harmonies of “Mary, Did You Know?” and the jaunty tempo of “A Hallelujah Christmas” were highlights of the final set.

The sound design was top notch with well-placed mics, a sound shell, and a venue sized just right for the occasion. The result was an impressively rich and balanced quality that allowed each audience member to absorb the feelings the chorus invoked without being distracted by whether he could hear or not. I was impressed by the lack of technical difficulties which often beset a production with a small budget. The technical effects used in the show ran like a well-oiled machine from beginning to end.

As I listened to each of the songs, I was touched by the performers’ unspoken message that music is good for the soul, possibly even necessary for life. Music is a fountain of youth and over 2,000 years of collective experience on that stage couldn’t stop the youthful zest from shining through. A spirit of brotherly love and happiness poured from the stage tonight that came not only from a celebration of Christmas but also an excitement and joy that comes with creating, practicing, and sharing with others. They reminded all of us to appreciate the gift that is the arts without saying a word.

The Beehive Statesmen Chorus might have only been here to entertain us for one night, but their longevity proves we will not have to wait long to hear them again. The Winter Concert Series at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center has just begun. West Valley Arts has provided the perfect opportunity to participate in the season with no need to purchase tickets in advance. They are free at the door.

WEST VALLEY ARTS PRESENTS: Winter Concert Series 2019
Concerts begin at 7:00 PM. Come at 6:00 PM to enjoy arts and crafts vendors and special holiday exhibits including Trees of Diversity. No tickets needed.
Utah Cultural Celebration Center, 1355 W 3100 S, West Valley City, UT 84119
December 2 – Beehive Statesmen Barbershop Choir Christmas Concert
December 9 – West Valley Symphony of Utah Christmas Concert
December 16 – Bonnie Harris & The Valley Jazz Christmas Concert
Utah Cultural Celebration Center Facebook Page
Beehive Statesmen Chorus Facebook Page