I’ve always enjoyed listening to Dolly Parton’s music, but it wasn’t until a rehearsal prior to an HCS performance for residents of a local memory care unit this past fall, that I began to fully appreciate the inherent power in singing her music. When we launched into Dolly’s “Jolene” for the first time, I heard inspired, carefree, enthusiastic singing. It’s the kind of singing many of us reserve only for times when we’re alone in a car or in the shower when nobody else is home. It gave me goosebumps. 

This year’s Under the Sails concert will be packed full of timeless songs that lend themselves to inspired, carefree, enthusiastic singing. From “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” and Cher’s “If I Could Turn Back Time” to Shania Twain’s “From this Moment On”, Willson Phillips’ “Hold On For One More Day” and, of course, another Dolly Parton tune - this time “9 to 5” - HCS will be singing the kind of music that converts the listener into a singer. In case you're wondering, audience participation through singing will be encouraged.  

In addition, this concert will again feature more than 20 different HCS soloists and a six piece band. All the music will be tied together thematically by “time” and explore the question of how we measure a life. The three-word answer will be sung by the choir at the conclusion of the concert’s final selection.  The Saturday, May 18 performance starts at 6:00pm, so consider taking in the concert while you dine outside at one of the fine Union Square restaurants. Otherwise, grab a lawn chair or blanket and arrive downtown early to make sure you get a spot. 

Whether you’re the type to belt Dolly Parton’s music at the top of your lungs or prefer just to tap your foot, we hope you can join us. 

Ryan Luhrs, Hickory Choral Society Artistic Director and Conductor