By Brian Johnson

Austin High School Choir Teacher

Winter is leaving and spring is (very slowly) arriving, which means it’s time for the spring Austinaires Show at Austin High School.

Although the format has changed and evolved, this annual show has been a tradition for over 50 years. During that time the Austinaires and, for the past 32 years, Choralaires, have entertained thousands of people with show tunes, classic pop, rock and roll, and contemporary hits.

The show is held in AHS’s Christgau Hall, which a perfect, intimate venue to show off the talented singers, dancers, and instrumentalists of AHS.

This year’s show is named “Dance the Night Away” and it includes, appropriately, many popular dance tunes from the last 50 years. Featuring music from “La La Land,” Elvis, NSync, the Beatles, “High School Musical,” “Footloose,” “Chicago,” “Flashdance” and, of course, the opening number from Van Halen, the show also includes some high-energy choreography created by several of our Austinaires and Choralaires.

One of the special features of the show is highlighting the talented seniors from the two ensembles. Each senior selects and prepares a song that has special meaning to them, and these performances often include friends or family on instruments or as backup singers. Each night’s show includes a different selection of senior performances, so each one is different.  This spring’s show includes classics like “House of the Rising Sun” and “Stairway to Heaven” as well as more contemporary tunes.

The shows are at 7 p.m. on April 12, 13 and 14. Since each night features a different group of seniors, audiences are highly encouraged to attend more than one show. Advance tickets are available at Hy-Vee Foods and the AHS cashier for only $7 for adults and $5 for students. Tickets at the door are $1 more, and tickets do tend to go quickly. Because this is a fundraiser for the AHS Choral Department, passes are not accepted.

The annual Austinaires Show is always a highlight of the year, not just for members of the ensembles, their families, and friends, but for the community at large. This year’s show will be no exception, and we’re incredibly excited to share some great music with you.  So be sure to join us as we “Dance the Night Away!”