Lyons Public Library, 201 West Main, will host a musical event at 6 p.m. on Sept. 17, featuring High Plains barbershop quartet Prairie Timbre.
The name Prairie Timbre is an oxymoron when spoken. In reality, Prairie Timbre represents four voices singing four different notes in the same key creating an overtone called timbre, which makes barbershop harmony unique and fun.
Lead singer, James Michaelis from Bazine, is a steel fabricator and carpenter. He comes from a family with musical talent and has been singing barbershop for 15 years. Baritone Ross Jamison lives in Wakeeney and is the Transportation Director for USD 208. Singing with Prairie Timbre has been a harmonious and melodious experience in his life.
Bass singer Gayle Garrelts has been singing barbershop for sixteen years. He is a retired history instructor, vintner and purveyor of antiquities, and lives near the raging waters of the Smokey Hill River. The newest member of the quartet, tenor Wade Michaelis is a farmer/computer guru from Ness City and has been singing barbershop for nine years. Wade and James are brothers and neither is as good looking as the other.
The Prairie Timbre group was formed 13 years ago. James Michaelis and Gayle Garrelts are the remaining original members. The current quartet singers are members of the High Plains Barbershop Chapter and may be heard each April in the annual High Plains Barbershop Show held at the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center on the Fort Hays State University campus. They have also performed at various venues throughout the state.
Lyons library director, Becky McBeth, said “Prairie Timbre will be the first barbershop quartet to sing at the library. After hearing them perform at a Veteran’s Day event in Ness City, I knew I wanted to bring them to the library. Folks who enjoy barbershop groups and a cappella singing will not be disappointed.” Individuals are encouraged to attend the free program. For questions call 620-257-2961.