Differing genres spice the fare for gazebo concert

Different tastes in music will spice up the program for the upcoming Madison Gazebo Concert.

Southern Splendor Chorus will perform on July 26.

On July 26, Southern Splendor Chorus will open. This all-male chorus sings four-part, a capella (without accompaniment) barbershop harmony. “This is truly an American style of music originating in the late 1800s combining English hymns with African-American influences,” Allen Neeley said.

Chorus members live across North Alabama from Florence to Madison and Huntsville and even two from Tennessee. The chorus has active quartets: Copeland Road, Power of 4 and Sound of the Shoals.

Southern Splendor Chorus organized in 2001 and continues to invite members to rehearsals on Thursdays at 6:45 p.m. at Athens Bible School. A family atmosphere has developed among chorus members. “We emphasize performing at our highest level possible at all times,” Neeley said.

Their ever-changing repertoire includes standards like “Love’s Old Sweet Song,” “Hello, My Baby” and “Sentimental Gentleman from Georgia.” For more information, visit southernsplendorchorus.com.

Next on the bill, Que Rico performs Latin jazz and salsa, founder Chip Gulbro said. Their repertoire covers mambos, rumbas and cha-cha-cha. “Think of Tito Puente and Dizzy Gillespie with a little Miles Davis, and you have the picture,” Gulbro said.

The feel is definitely south of the border. “Tu quiero margaritas?” Gulbro asked about enjoying the popular drink. Their sound is “very hot. People have fun at our shows. Dancing is encouraged.”

Instrumentation for the band has Gulbro on violin and guitar; Pete Harrison, keyboard; Luciano Marquez and Eddie Vidot, percussion; Ben Davis, bass; and Jose Matienzo, vocals.

The band started playing in November 2010. “We found each other by showing up to local jazz and percussion jams and through the grapevine,” Gulbro said. Their “love of music and each other” has kept Que Rico together.

Among their gigs are Burritt City Lights and Stars series, Bandito Burrito in Huntsville and Flying Monkey Theater. Some of their charts are “St. Thomas,” “Afro Blue,” “Hong Kong Mambo,” “Mambo Inn,” “So What” and “Recuerdo de Arcanos.”

For more information, send email to chipgulbro@gmail.com or visit chipgulbro.com.