The Texas Tenors bring musical blend to CoMMA

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Posted On:04.15.2015

Morganton.com | BY TRACY FARNHAM Staff Writer

Three Texans will bring their 10-gallon hats and tenor voices to the CoMMA stage Thursday at 7:30 p.m.

The Texas Tenors — John Hagen, Marcus Collins and J.C. Fisher — will bring a musical blend of country, gospel, classical and Broadway offerings to the stage.

The group formed in 2009 for competition on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent,” and they became the highest-ranking vocal group in the history of the show.

They recently were named the 2014 No. 10 Classical Artist in the World by Billboard Magazine. The group currently is touring on the heels of their PBS Special “You Should Dream,” which aired in the region last fall.

The Texas Tenors hold the ability to transcend musical genres yet blend these harmoniously into one show.

“We didn’t know what we had until we started performing the show,” Marcus Collins said of the group’s musical ability.

Interest appeal can range from ages 5 to 99, the group says.

“Kids love the show — it’s fun and upbeat with some humor. The older folks love hearing the music they’ve grown up to,” Collins said. “Teens to young adults (enjoy the show) — there’s something for everyone.”

The show in Morganton will offer some new music.

A Bruno Mars song “Just the Way you Are,” will be new to the show Thursday, which is a new song for the group.

“We like to change it up a bit and the music is not based on where we are, but offering new music,” he said.

Thursday’s performance will be “Music of the Night,” tunes from Phantom of the Opera with a four-piece band backing the vocalists.

The Texas Tenors promote awareness for organizations including The Child Fund International, Homes for our Troops and The Mission Project during their concert events.

“We will talk about The Child Fund International as one of many charities that we work with,” Collins said. “For every child sponsored, it makes such a difference in their lives.”

He pointed out that audience members can sponsor local children.

“You can pick a child to sponsor,” he said. “It is not just kids in other countries.”

The group also makes a point to recognize those in the audience who’ve served their country. They will sing the well-known song, “God Bless the USA.”

“We always honor the veterans in every show,” Collins said.

While the group has toured extensively throughout the U.S. — they appreciate a hometown stage.

“We are all from small towns,” he said.

According to Collins, independently the three voices started country and turned to classical music in college.

They became known as The Texas Tenors when member J.C. came up with the idea to audition for the national talent show.

“He put together a couple of guys, called a rehearsal and we auditioned in Houston,” Collins said. “We’ve had over 800 concerts since America’s Got Talent.”

Now, Collins said, the group is in a dream-like state of mind.

“We often say we’re living a dream — don’t wake us up,” Collins said.

The Texas Tenors are self-produced and managed and always provide a wholesome environment with the show and audience participation.

“When people come to the show, this is our chance to share music that is positive that has a good wholesome message,” Collins said. “Our show is very positive and it is an inspirational show and our favorite part is interacting with the audience.”

The audience can expect to leave uplifted.

“We hope to inspire someone to follow their dreams,” he said.

The music has meaning and the concerts are special.

“There is a common bond of music that means something,” Collins said. “It (music) is near to our hearts and we want people to know that every concert mean something.”

For tickets, visit www.commaonline.org.

Tracy Farnham can be reached at [email protected] or 828-432-8940.


THE TEXAS TENORS

Thursday April 16, 2015 | 7:30 pm
Morganton Municipal Auditorium