T-R FILE PHOTO Members of the Marshalltown Men’s Chorus perform a “Singing Valentine” at St. Francis Catholic School back in 2020. The annual local tradition will return for its 21st year in 2025.

For the last 21 years, the Marshalltown Men’s Chorus has offered singing valentines to warm up even the coldest February day. It returns from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 14.

For $30, you receive a live performance of two to three “sweetheart songs,” a customized valentine card and a red silk rose. You can add two tickets to the chorus’ upcoming spring concert for $20.

“Valentine’s Day is on a Friday this year, which is good for us. We like singing to people at work,” said chorus member Andy Schwandt.

He first joined the chorus in 1987 then moved away in 1995, returning in 2002, coming back to the group.

Chorus membership has been steady in recent years, he noted, with 30 guys on the roster, and of varying ages, led by Director Monica Kruse, who played piano for the chorus for many years.

Mickey McDonald is the youngest member and current treasurer. He joined in January 2024 after the chorus performed for the Matins Kiwanis Club, in which he’s also a member. A self-described “choir” kid when he was a student at MHS, McDonald was involved with band, choir and show choir, but often in behind-the-scenes roles.

“Last Christmas I got to sing a solo at a Men’s Chorus concert, which was cool,” he said.

The men will perform within a 10-mile radius (particularly Marshalltown and Conrad), going to private residences, care centers, restaurants, schools and more.

While some folks are repeat customers, Schwandt added that orders have already come in from those new to the service. There are no restrictions on age or gender of the recipient; customers can send singing valentines to friends, colleagues, parents and children. Returning this year, a quartet will also perform in the Des Moines/Ankeny area to serve a demand there.

Expect to be serenaded by a quartet, but occasionally, more than four singers perform at one locale.

“We like to sing one-to-one but we can always negotiate if there are multiple people you want us to sing to at one time,” he added. “There would be a higher fee for a group.”

When you register for the singing valentine, please specify a timeframe, and not a specific time, you’d like the guys to drop in on your loved one.

“Say eight to five, before lunch, after lunch, best time is between one and three,” Schwandt said. “Having a range is preferred because it depends on where they’re at and if we’re already nearby, so we can accommodate everyone that wants to be sung to.”

The men sing the following tunes: “Let Me Call You Sweetheart,” “Oh, You Beautiful Doll,” “Heart of My Heart” and “You Are My Sunshine.”

“We’re always looking for more men to come sing with us,” he added. “We have fun and don’t require auditions. We’ll figure out your (vocal range).”

Orders and payments must be received no later than 6 p.m. on February 12. They average 60 to 90 performances for the one-day event.

“The joy of seeing the faces, the tears, the smiles, both for men and women that we sing to, is just fabulous,” Schwandt noted. “If it wasn’t, we wouldn’t have the number of singers wanting to redo it every year. They have a choice. They can either stay home with their loved ones and spend the day with them, or they can spread cheer to other folks and sing to them, so it’s cool in that they decide to come out and sing to brighten everybody else’s day.”

McDonald values the group’s camaraderie and invites anyone interested in joining not to hesitate.

“Marshalltown’s love of music really helps support us here in town. With our group we have a fan base of people who grew up with the Men’s Chorus,” he said.

Payment (cash or check) must be received before the performance by either calling 641-750-1898 or sending payment and order form to:

Marshalltown Men’s Chorus

2013 Edgebrook Drive

Marshalltown, Iowa 50158

You can also reach out via its Facebook page.

The Marshalltown Men’s Chorus’ 68th annual spring concert is set for 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on April 26 at the Marshalltown Community Auditorium at the high school. A theme has yet to be announced.

Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Money the chorus raises goes for operational expenses plus two, $1,000 scholarships to students furthering their musical career.

The chorus meets Monday nights at 7 p.m. at Elim Lutheran Church (except in the summer) and performs throughout the year.