Quartet Offers a Holiday Surprise

Kenneth Foster got an early Valentine’s Day treat Tuesday, delivered by four red-vested, bow-tied singers.

“Dear valentine, my valentine . . . “ sang the lead, Art Clayton; tenor, John Rambo; bass, Fred Robirds; and baritone, Stan Tinkle. Along with their harmonious tunes, the barbershop quartet, known as Jubilee, also sang “Happy Birthday” to the surprised Foster, who turned 67 Tuesday.

The singing telegram, delivered during Foster’s lunch break at Morningside of Fullerton, a retirement community where he works, was one of hundreds that will be delivered by members of the Orange Empire Chorus--of which Jubilee is part--by the time this year’s Valentine’s Day ends.

Clayton said the Fullerton-based chorus has been delivering singing valentines all over the county for the past six years to raise money for charity and music programs at local schools.

The all-male chorus, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, is one of four Orange County chapters of the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America Inc. The nonprofit organization’s mission is to keep alive the four-part, a cappella, close-harmony style of singing and help good causes while doing so, Clayton said.

“This is the one time each year when we get to let people know that barbershopping is still around,” Clayton, 66, said. “The type of old song music that we sing lends itself very well to a Valentine’s program. The [telegrams] are something unique for individuals and people enjoy them.”

Foster said he did. He and his wife, Lexie Foster, kissed as Jubilee--Clayton, of Fullerton, Robirds, 68, of Tustin, Rambo, 68, of Anaheim, and Tinkle, 61, of Anaheim--crooned a peppy love song.

Lexie Foster, 65, said Jubilee’s appearance was a surprise gift for her sweetheart, who loves listening to barbershop singing.

Earlier in the day, the quartet delivered another telegram to Mary Jane Vatty across town at an outdoor advertising business where she was celebrating her 50th birthday.

“You’re wonderful,” Vatty said, blushing. She hugged each singer as her co-workers applauded.

The chorus, made up of dozens of volunteer quartets including Jubilee, is charging $35 for each singing telegram, which consists of two songs, a red rose, a Valentine’s Day greeting card and an instant photograph.

Proceeds benefit music programs in Orange County schools and the national society’s charity--Heartspring, a life skills learning center in Wichita, Kan., where children and adults get help with their communication disorders.

To book a singing valentine, call (714) 879-9628.