News Summary
The Warblers Club, a renowned men’s choir from Birmingham, is set for a performance at Samford University that may mark its final show. With a history dating back to 1929, the choir struggles with declining membership, primarily due to an aging group and lack of interest from younger singers. The upcoming concert will feature a mix of classic songs, including patriotic favorites, and aims to engage audiences despite challenges. The future of the choir remains in question as members work toward a possible centennial celebration in 2029.
Birmingham – The Warblers Club, a distinguished men’s choir based in Birmingham, is gearing up for a performance that could mark its last major show. Scheduled for July 12 at 6 p.m. at Samford University’s Wright Fine Arts Center, the choir has a rich history dating back to its origins at Woodlawn High School in 1929.
Bob Parker, the choir’s director for the past 17 years, has indicated that there is a “good chance” this will be their final performance. A noticeable decline in membership, attributed to aging members and difficulties in attracting younger singers, has led to concerns about the choir’s future. During a recent rehearsal, only 17 Warblers were present, while the anticipated performance will feature 38 members, primarily in their seventies and eighties.
The Warblers Club has faced challenges in recruitment, as younger individuals tend not to show interest in the choir’s preferred musical styles, which include works by Stephen Foster, Negro spirituals, Vaudeville hits, and patriotic classics. Despite efforts to attract younger members, the group has only succeeded in adding a few individuals as young as 38.
Highlights of the upcoming performance will include classic songs such as “Down in the Valley,” “Coney Island Babe,” “In the Evening by the Moonlight,” “Walk Together Chillun’,” and “What Shall We Do With a Drunken Sailor?” The choir will also pay tribute to the nation with popular patriotic songs, including “God Bless America” and “Proud to be an American,” which have historically earned standing ovations. The event will open with a chorus performing “Alabamy Bound” and “Are You From Dixie?”
Additionally, the entertainment lineup will feature the group Three on a String, who will perform several songs and join the Warblers on “Still Kickin’” among other selections. The performance promises to be visually engaging as well, with coordinated dance moves complemented by blacklight props.
Despite the ongoing challenges related to an aging choir and declining membership, Parker maintains a spirited rehearsal schedule in an effort to prepare the group for this significant occasion. The Warblers Club faced a previous dissolution in 1977 but made a successful comeback in 1988, subsequently holding a series of concerts.
Current members are hopeful about the possibility of a centennial celebration show in 2029. However, achieving this goal will heavily depend on their ability to recruit younger talent to sustain the choir’s legacy. In the meantime, a smaller Christmas concert is scheduled for December 7 at Lakeside Baptist Church, providing another opportunity for the group to showcase their musical talents.
As the future of the Warblers Club remains uncertain beyond these performances, the upcoming show at Samford University has taken on added significance for both the performers and their audience. Tickets for this potentially momentous event are priced at $30 and can be purchased through the choir’s website, Warblers.org.
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Additional Resources
- AL.com: Beloved Birmingham Choir
- OTMJ: Warblers Return
- Dignity Memorial: Terry Collier
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Birmingham Choir
- Dignity Memorial: David Johnston
- Google Search: Birmingham Warblers choir
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
