Some years back, I went to the Michigan Union Ticket Office to get tickets for a U-M Men’s Glee Club concert. But when I finally got to the front of a long line, the young clerk politely told me MUTO didn’t sell Glee Club tickets. This surprised me, I told him, because the Glee Club website said this was in fact the only place that sold them.
He assured me that no, MUTO did not sell Glee Club tickets. I gently persisted: “Another indicator is the sign behind you that says ‘Glee Club Tickets Sold Here.’” This observation delighted the people in line behind me.
The clerk turned around and said “Wow! I never noticed that sign before.”
“Could you humor me and check the computer?” I asked.
“Sure,” he said, typing away. “This is amazing! We actually do sell Glee Club tickets.”
We were grateful to attend that 152nd Glee Club concert, and we’ll be grateful to attend the 166th annual fall concert on November 8 at Hill Auditorium.
There are very few things in life that consistently deliver at the highest level, but the Glee Club is one of them. The group is the second-oldest university glee club in the U.S., and every concert is a perfect mix of modern songs, parodies, and classic Michigan tunes, including “Victors” and “Varsity,” all artfully performed by very talented singers. Typically, the evening ends with all of the Glee Club alums filtering up to the stage to join the current club members in “The Yellow and Blue.”
My favorites are the traditional Michigan drinking songs—especially “Michigan Men.” “If your feet are big and your head is small,” go the lyrics, “you can go to State just to play football.” When a member belts out a great solo, the other ninety-nine performers snap their fingers instead of clapping. The tradition started because you couldn’t applaud with a beer in your hand. You have to love a group like that!
So, if you’re in Ann Arbor on November 8, treat yourself to a spectacular two hours. For harmony lovers with even an iota of U-M team spirit, this event cannot be missed.
The U-M Men’s Glee Club’s 166th Annual Fall Concert takes place on Sat., Nov. 8 at 8 p.m. in Hill (see Event listing). Tickets are sold at tickets.smtd.umich.edu this year—not at the MUTO.