The Larks will be joining the Muskoka Music Men in their annual Christmas concert on Dec. 9, which is sure to appeal to people of all ages.

We're delighted that The Larks will be joining us in our annual Christmas in Muskoka Concert,” said Ken Koehler, president of the Muskoka Music Men.

  “The Larks will be casting their musical spell as they sing some familiar Christmas carols as well as some lesser known albeit beautiful Christmas songs,” said Sherisse Stevens, who created The Larks in 2001.  

 This will be the third year for the afternoon concert to celebrate the season, which features carols sung by the Huntsville High School Choir and the Huntsville Youth Choir.

“Supporting music programs for children and teenagers is one of the goals of the Muskoka Music Men," said John Verbeek, chairman of the Youth Outreach program. “The little ones are so enthusiastic about singing, and the high school singers are incredibly talented.”

The Muskoka Music Men will be performing carols and Christmas favourites in their traditional four-part barbershop harmony.

“The Muskoka Music Men are pleased to present this concert at no charge to the public,” stated Jim Mossman, vice-president of marketing. “We want to share our love for singing some great Christmas music with everyone at this time of year. Free will donations are gratefully accepted and any proceeds will be shared among the performing organizations and the church.”

The concert will take place on Sunday, Dec. 9, beginning at 2 p.m. at Trinity United Church, located at 33 Main Street East.

“Everyone who attends is invited to join us for coffee and cookies after the concert," added Mossman. “Who knows, there could even be some more singing."   

The Muskoka Music Men are the Huntsville chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society, with about 30 members from all around the Muskoka region. The Christmas season is one of their busiest times of year, as they perform at Huntsville District Memorial Hospital and at several seniors’ and retirement homes in the Huntsville area. This year, they are also adding performances at retirement homes in Gravenhurst on Dec. 15, and will be at the tree lighting to be held at Huntsville hospital on Dec. 13.

Currently, the Larks members include six teenagers and three ladies from Huntsville. The sopranos are Katie Minnis, Tracy McDonald and Kristin Dalziel; the second sopranos are Gillian McDougall and Taryn Christie, and the altos are Jennifer Creasor, Sarah McDonald and Kristine Knight. The music varies from traditional tunes to current pop songs. The Larks have performed for the Festival of the Arts and various events at the Algonquin Theatre, the Gravenhurst Opera House and other local venues.

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