Popular harmonious singing group will perform at Samford in July

By RuBin E. GRant

Gil Franks can hardly wait for the Warblers Club to take the stage again.

The singing group has been around since 1929, when it was formed as the boys glee club at Woodlawn High School. In the mid-1970s, the Warblers existence as a high school group ceased, but in 1988, many of the group’s alumna decided to form a men’s choral group, which has performed regularly for the past 30-plus years for private and public functions.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the group was forced to go on hiatus and hasn’t performed a big show since its 90th anniversary show in 2019.

That will change next month, when the Warblers will perform a concert called “We Meet Again Tonight” on July 23 at 6 p.m. at Samford’s Fine Arts Center along with the popular Three on a String ensemble.

“Normally, we would have had a show in 2021,” said Franks, co-chair of the Warblers’ show committee. “The only thing we did during COVID was a virtual concert that we recorded individually and then mixed together for a Christmas card for people. So, it’s great doing a show again because it’s a unique group of men who do a unique style of music.”

The Warblers perform in the fourpart harmony style. The group sings Southern Classics, spirituals and patriotic and Americana music. A few of the members break out into a group called Sam Banana & The Bunch and perform doo-wop numbers.

Most of the current, active performers were members of the Woodlawn High Warblers during their high school days. More than 40 men will be involved in the show and have been rehearsing for more than a year.

“The music is still the same, the enthusiasm is the same and the energy and excitement is the same,” said Franks, who sings tenor and once travelled with the Drifters vocal group. “The stamina and singing ability may not be the same, but we’ll put on a good show.”

For Franks, who turns 68 on June 22, the opportunity to perform again will be somewhat of a miracle. In 2021, he sustained a severe head injury when he fell 10 feet off a ladder and landed head first in an empty swimming pool at his home in Mountain Brook.

He required brain surgery and spent weeks in intensive care and rehab, not knowing whether he would walk or talk again — or whether he would be able to sing with the Warblers again.

He eventually recovered and said that, once he started singing with the group during rehearsals, “It was like therapy.”

Donovan Harris, who joined the Warblers in 2019 and sings baritone, also is eager for the group to perform.

“My wife, Becky Fadely Harris, is a 1971 Woodlawn graduate and introduced me to the Warblers several years ago,” said Harris, a longtime resident of Hoover. “I attended a few of their shows and then eventually I joined the group. Being a member has certainly been one of the highlights of my years since retirement in 2018.

“It’s going to be a big show, and pretty intensive. We’ll do several black light numbers with choreography.”

Warblers Return

Popular Harmonious Singing Group Will Perform at Samford in July

Tickets cost $30 and may be purchased from any active Warbler or online at www.warblersclub.org. Part of the proceeds from the show will benefit the Woodlawn High School band and the Birmingham Boys Choir.

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I LOVE AMERICA NIGHT | THURS., JUNE 23

Free swimming, at the Vestavia Hills Aquatic Complex at Wald Park, sponsor booths, children’s activities sponsored by Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church, Pops in the Park concert by the Shades Mountain Baptist Church Orchestra and a fireworks show. When: 6 p.m. Where: Wald Park Having fun at last year’s I Love America Night event were Anna Coreno and Haley Cupp Front; Jane Cupp, Mary Moran, Cary Coreno, Kate Coreno and Anne Robbins.

OLS 4TH OF JULY FESTIVAL | JULY 2-4

Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church’s popular festival will feature both the “trash and treasure” rummage sale as well as raffle tickets. Boston butts, boneless turkey breasts, chopped pork, ribs and chicken and other items can be bought in bulk Sat., July 2 - Mon., July 4 or as part of a plate lunch on July 4. Orders will be on a firstcome, first-served basis. When: Varies Where: OLS OLS BBQ team from 2021, Bill Jacka Jr., James Alan Owen, Clark Tucker and Fred Ross.

HOMEWOOD FESTIVAL | JULY 4TH

Two blocks of downtown Homewood will be blocked for pedestrian traffic to make way for rides and attractions. Inflatables and rides for children of all ages, a DJ will provide music and interactive activities. Culminating with a great view of “Thunder on the Mountain” When: 5 p.m. Where: Downtown Homewood At last year’s Homewood July 4th Festival were Christopher, Blake, Kennedy and Hanna DeGroat

Thursday, June 23, 2022 6:00 pm at Wald Park

Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce & City of Vestavia Hills 6:00-8:00 pm Kids’ Area Sponsored by Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church Sponsor Booths Free Swimming at the Wald Park Aquatic Complex Performance by The Three Bobs, 6:00-7:00 pm Concert by Shades Mountain Baptist Church Orchestra, 7:30 pm FIREWORK SHOW at 8:45 pm

Free Shuttles will be available from nearby parking lots. Visit www.vestaviahills.org for Parking and other Information. NO PETS please. Rain date: June 30

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