This year’s show, “For the Love of Music,” is taking place this weekend, Jan. 31-Feb. 2, at the R. Wesley Carlson Auditorium at the Humboldt High School. Show times are 7 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 

This year’s chorus features nearly 50 members — members who Barb Nelson, a 48-year member of the group, said feel like family.

“We have our faithful people that have been there for years, and a few new ones every year,” said Nelson, who is also a member of the board.

The Humboldt Community Chorus has been a mainstay in the area since the late 1950s and early 1960s. Terry Nelson, Barb Nelson’s husband, has been at the helm as director since 1980.

The Humboldt Community Chorus performs a patriotic number during the 2024 annual variety show.

In the early years, the chorus performed a Christmas program, which over the years gradually evolved into a variety show, according to Barb Nelson. 

That variety has been one of the keys to the group’s success, she said.

Every show features familiar tunes, as well as gospel and patriotic songs. Some of this year’s selections include “Steppin’ Out With My Baby/Puttin’ on the Ritz,” “Sing, Sing, Sing” and a medley of ’50s and ’60s songs. 

During the gospel portion, concert-goers will hear songs like “Shine, Jesus, Shine,” “If I Have My Ticket” and “10,000 Reasons,” while patriotic songs will include “Because of the Brave,” “This is the Dream” and other favorites.

“I think our group always gravitates toward the gospel and patriotic songs,” Barb Nelson said. “I think those are always our favorites to sing.”

‘For the Love of Music’ What: Humboldt Community Chorus Show When: 7 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday Where: R. Wesley Carlson Auditorium, Humboldt High School, 1500 Wildcat Road Tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for children 18 and under, and can be purchased at Humboldt Hy-Vee, V&S Variety in downtown Humboldt, from chorus members, online at www.humboldtchorus.com or by calling 515-379-1072.

Several small groups will also perform light-hearted songs and comedy numbers throughout the program.

Why do their members keep returning?

“If you get a group of people … and you accomplish something together, if you’re a part of something that has success, you want to be a part of that again,” Barb Nelson said. “I think people see that we’re having fun and say, ‘I want to be a part of it.'”

Once a person joins, they become part of the Community Chorus family.

“You can be having a bad day at home … but you can come to practice and forget it for awhile,” she said. “To me, singing makes you feel wonderful. It’s just good therapy. I think we all probably need that in our lives. It’s just a bright spot in the week.”

For 10-year member and soprano Annie Osborn, of Manson, that sentiment rings true. For her, the group not only feels like family – a few of them are family.

“I’d been going to the show for years growing up,” she said.

When she moved close enough to join, and to also have the opportunity to sing with her aunt and cousin, she jumped at the chance.

“We feel like a big family all together,” she said.

Osborn also loves the wide variety of music.

“Every year the music’s fabulous,” she said. “It’s going to be a very powerful show. The songs are very good.”

Caleb Johnson, of Badger, has been with the group since 2007. His mother was a member while he was growing up, and he is also related to director Terry Nelson.

“I joined right after high school because it looked like so much fun – and it is,” said Johnson, who sings second tenor. “It’s a different kind of entertainment. It changes every year, and it gets better every year.”

In addition to the variety, he personally loves the challenge.

“There are some pretty challenging songs, and I like a challenge,” he said, “and to be able to have those nailed down, it’s going to be awesome.”

Johnson is always amazed at the transformation that takes place from the first rehearsals in October to show week at the end of January, with the addition of costumes, choreography and the band.

“You get really confident after all these practices,” he said.

Every show is accompanied by the 20-piece Humboldt Big Band, which also performs a 30-minute pre-show and entertains during intermission.

“I just think the band adds so much,” said Barb Nelson. “They add a real professional touch to the show.”

The chorus also teams up with the local dance studio, which provides dancers to entertain during several numbers.

Johnson advises bringing the whole family, saying, “You won’t be bored. There’s never a dull moment.” Last year, he said, “My 4-year-old was obsessed with the show. It’s great for all ages.”

Osborn said the audience can expect to feel the gamut of emotions throughout the show.

“You’re gonna laugh, you’re gonna cry, and you’re gonna leave with a big smile on your face.”