Voice Male bringing unique sounds, humor to Yuma

Yes, everything you hear is really their voices.

That's what Shawna Perkins of Desert Pointe Productions promises for the upcoming show by Voice Male. The six-man contemporary a capella group will bring its “friendly neighborhood man band” to the Historic Yuma Theatre, 254 S. Main St.

Saturday's show, which starts at 7 p.m., will mix the group's a capella sounds with their quirky brand of humor. Voice Male covers popular tunes from the '50s to the '90s, from pop, rock and jazz to country and barbershop music.

And although it's “music,” there are no instruments involved.

“You think you're hearing instruments, but it's all their voices,” Perkins explained. “They're not only singing songs. It's like they have the horn there, the bass there and all the instruments.”

Voice Male is made up of six very different men who found one other at Utah State University in 1994.

The group began with nine members and, after losing a few, settled with the current six members: John Luthy, bass/percussion; Mike Willson, bass; Rick Murdock, baritone; Richard Mcallister, high tenor; John Huff, baritone; and Mike Bearden, second tenor.

After university, they all graduated into careers ranging from computer networking to real estate and law. But they kept singing together, expanding their reach farther and farther through the years. They have performed across the nation and in Mexico, with a repertoire of more than 120 songs for their fans.

Considering this is not their day job, they feel very fortunate to be able to still get together and bring so much joy to so many through their unique musical style, according to the group's promotional material.

Desert Pointe Productions wanted to bring the group to Yuma because “they provide an opportunity to enjoy a fun and entertaining show,” Perkins said.

She added that the show is family-friendly and the community can “bring their families and everyone can have a good time.”

Perkins personally enjoys the group's mix of song and humor. “It's music intermingled with a little bit of comedy. They're a lot of fun and entertaining.”

Voice Male has recorded 11 albums since 1996. They have won several Contemporary A Capella Recording Awards.

The group is currently promoting its newest Christmas CD, “Jingles 3,” which features a mixture of jazz, pop, traditional and “just plain fun music.”

The album is “full of traditional Christmas carols that speak to the true meaning of Christmas mixed with Voice Male's trademark sense of humor.”

Seating for the show is reserved. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for kids 12 years and younger. They are available online at yumashowtickets.com. In person, tickets can be purchased at the Yuma Art Center, Civic Center, City Hall and at the door.