BARRHEAD – Barrhead’s Versatile Choir is gearing up to host the region’s biggest choral event of the year on May 9 at 1 p.m. at the Barrhead Bethel Pentecostal Church.
The community choir, which includes members from Barrhead, Barrhead County, and Woodlands County, will be joined by choirs from Westlock, Morinville, and Bonnyville for a western country-themed afternoon of music.
“This isn’t a competition—it’s a celebration,” said Dallas Stevens, coordinator of the Versatile Choir. “We’ll be singing alongside other choirs and sharing our love of music with the community.”
The annual choir festival rotates host duties among participating groups, and this year it’s Barrhead’s turn to roll out the welcome mat. The choirs are busy preparing their sets, promising an afternoon of memorable performances and toe-tapping country favourites.
Stevens recalled a past event where over 100 voices united to fill the venue with rich harmony—a moment the Barrhead group hopes to recreate.
Admission is $5 and includes coffee and sweets following the performance. The entry fee helps offset the cost of renting the church for the event.
The Barrhead Versatile Choir has been a pillar of the community for more than 40 years, regularly performing at seniors’ residences and community events. Rehearsals take place weekly at the Senior’s Drop-In Centre from September to April.
Earlier this year, the choir helped celebrate long-time member Ruby Hoag’s 100th birthday by performing her favourite songs. The group’s repertoire spans genres—from gospel and rock to classic country—always with an emphasis on uplifting, non-denominational music.
“We hope the community will come out in large numbers to support us,” said Stevens. “This is a chance to enjoy great music and connect with choirs from across the region.”
