Fun City Chorus showcases talent in ‘The Cigar Box Men’
Singers and musicians of the Fun City Chorus bring many talents to their new show, “The Cigar Box Men,” set for 7 p.m. Saturday at the Hot Springs Convention Center.
Proceeds will benefit the Fun City Chorus Young Musicians Scholarship Fund.
Centered around northern Garland County, also known as Dark Corner, during the early 1900s, the show features the moonshining community the area is known for, a news release said.
The members of the chorus have constructed a set and props for the show including a moonshine still and lifelike shotguns, rifles and Tommy guns. Ted DeWeese of the chorus constructed a large pair of stained-glass windows.
Some chorus members add their guitar, banjo and mandolin playing skills to several of the songs featured in the show. Doug Calloway of the chorus takes the lead solo in singing the popular song “Man of Constant Sorrow” from the movie “Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?”
Since its beginning five years ago, the chorus has awarded $13,000 in musical scholarships. This year, the scholarships honor Wayne Steward, the chorus’ first director; Bill James, a founding member of the chorus; and Vernon McCarthy, a prominent Hot Springs business leader who held a number of positions with the chorus.
The show revolves around the series of short stories by Jimmy Young entitled “The Cigar Box Men” and chronicles the stories of his family from the early 1800s to the present day. Jimmy Young is emcee for the event. Tickets are available online at www.funcitychorus.org or at The Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce office.
Call Steve Spakes at 282-6081 for more information.